Media UK

The Hop - news archive

This is an archive of news about The Hop. Some links may no longer work, due to the transient nature of the internet.

Leader: In praise of ... Chopin
From Media Guardian. Posted May 16 2008, 11.04pm
Leader: Frederic Chopin was a pianist first and foremost. (more)

US official affirms need for international broadcasting
From Media Network Weblog. Posted May 16 2008, 10.26am
James Glassman, chairman of the US Broadcasting Board of Governors, says threats to press freedom around the world are boosting the need for accurate, objective transnational news sources. At a public forum in Washington, Glassman said many had hoped that the end of the Cold War would bring lasting press freedoms across the globe, but those hopes [...] (more)

Sugar fires another 'Apprentice' hopeful
From Digital Spy. Posted May 15 2008, 12.02am
Sara Dhada is the ninth candidate to be fired on The Apprentice. (more)

How we developed great comedy, despite Radio 4
From Media Guardian. Posted May 11 2008, 11.04pm
John Pidgeon: Hopefully Happy Mondays will generate a return on BBC Vision's investment in Radio 4 comedy with a glut of TV transfers (more)

Twitter Development Group: Spammy Twitter accounts to get the chop
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted May 8 2008, 10.50am
Twitter will remove accounts of users who have violated its terms of service as throw a heap of spam through the system. The previous policy was to freeze those accounts - now they will be removed - say developers on this thread from their Twitter Development Talk Google group. (more)

Two applicants get 'Apprentice' chop
From Digital Spy. Posted May 8 2008, 12.02am
Jenny Celerier and Jennifer Maguire are both fired on this week's episode of The Apprentice. (more)

James Whale finds new job at shopping channel Bid TV
From Media Guardian. Posted May 7 2008, 10.20am
Sacked TalkSport radio host James Whale has found a new home at shopping channel Bid TV. By Chris Tryhorn (more)

Fourth novel brings hope of more success for journalist-turned-author
From Hold the Front Page. Posted May 6 2008, 9.00am
World of "dark and dangerous secrets" comes alive for Wiltshrie journalist and author (more)

China Medstar surges on bid hopes
From Daily Telegraph. Posted May 3 2008, 12.01am
Diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy group China Medstar saw its shares jump 58pc as it revealed it had received a potential bid offer. (more)

Anna Pickard on the 10 Apprentice hopefuls
From Media Guardian. Posted May 1 2008, 11.03pm
Anna Pickard looks at the Apprentice hopefuls still in the contest - and weighs up their chances (more)

Radiohead video condemns sweatshops
From Media Guardian. Posted April 30 2008, 6.27am
A music video for the Radiohead track All I Need will promote the MTV Exit initiative that aims to end exploitation of children. By Mark Sweney (more)

Bells are ringing at BBC Notts
From Radio Today. Posted April 29 2008, 9.53pm
BBC Radio Nottingham is hoping to start a new trend on St Georges Day, after encouraging listeners to join in with a simultaneous bell ringing session last week. (more)

RAJAR to trial new measuring method
From Biz Asia. Posted April 28 2008, 10.46pm
Radio audience measuring body RAJAR is set to pilot a new methodology as an alternative to its old-fashioned diary-based ratings system. Since 2001, RAJAR has invested £3.5m on trialling various electronic audience measurement systems. But a two-year trial of "portable people meters" which was due to continue until the beginning of next year will be cut short in June. The audience measurement body will also pilot an online version of its "pen and paper" diary system, which is currently filled out by a total of 130,000 people each year. RAJAR hopes the web system will be faster, cheaper and more flexible than the existing survey, allowing it to produce more data, quicker. (more)

Central Asian broadcasters call for more independent reporting
From Media Network Weblog. Posted April 28 2008, 12.03pm
Journalists working for state broadcasters should write more stories that are relevant to the lives of ordinary citizens, a workshop on regional journalism was told on Friday. Gulnara Ibrayeva, Head of Apparatus for the National TV and Radio Corporation of Kyrgyzstan, was speaking at a roundtable on “Challenges Confronting Regional Journalists” held as part of [...] (more)

EXCLUSIVE: Full Sky Digital EPG listings after reshuffle
From Biz Asia. Posted April 24 2008, 11.52am
BizAsia.co.uk brings you the full Sky Digital channel listings as they will appear after the reshuffle. There are no changes planned for following EPG categories Documentaries, Sports, Adult and Radio. Sky plans to implement a marketing campaign through a number of different media prior to the changes taking place in order to inform viewers of the changes. The new channel line up is currently scheduled to be implemented on a genre by genre basis between 05:00 and 08:00 on the dates specified below. Entertainment 101 BBC1 / RTE1 102 BBC2 / RTE2 103 ITV1 / UTV / TV3 104 Channel 4 / TG4 / S4C 105 Five 106 Sky One 107 Sky Two 108 Sky Three 109 UKTV Gold 110 UKTV Gold +1 111 Dave 112 LIVING 113 LIVING +1 114 LIVING2 115 BBC THREE 116 BBC FOUR 117 Channel 4 (Wales) 118 ITV2 119 ITV3 120 ITV4 121 Virgin1 122 Virgin1+1 123 Bravo 124 Bravo+1 125 Challenge 126 ParaComedy 1 127 ParaComedy +1 128 ParaComedy 2 129 SCI FI 130 SCI FI +1 131 ITV2+1 132 UKTV Drama 133 UKTV Drama+1 134 S4C 135 Channel 4+1 / Channel 4 136 E4 / Channel 4+1 137 E4+1 / E4 EIRE 138 More4 / E4+1 (ROI) 139 More4+1 / More4 (ROI) 140 Channel 4 HD / More4+1 (ROI) 141 BBC1 NI (ROI Only) 142 BBC2 NI (ROI Only) 143 BBC HD 144 DMAX 145 DMAX+1 146 Zone Reality 147 Zone Reality +1 148 Zone Reality X 149 Zone Romantica 150 Hallmark 151 E! Entertainm 152 Challenge+1 153 Bravo2 154 DMAX+2 155 Hollywood TV 156 Biography 157 Film24 158 Dave +1 159 ParaComedy2+ 160 MTV 161 RTE1 (NI) 162 RTE2 (NI) 163 TG4 (NI) 164 FX 165 FX+ 166 Information TV 167 Info TV2 168 Passion TV 169 Raj TV 170 Sky One HD 171 My Channel 172 Trouble 173 Trouble +1 174 Five US 175 Five US +1 176 Five Life 177 Five Life +1 178 Men & Motors 179 ITV3+1 180 Red 181 fame TV 182 Channel 6 (only avail ROI) 183 Current TV 184 BEN 185 Ape TV 186 Life One 187 AIT Int'l 188 AnimeCentral 189 Open Access 2 190 Open Access 3 191 Urban TV 192 OBE 193 FX+1 194 Sumo TV 195 propeller 196 Nuts TV 197 Pulse 198 BET 199 200 201 202 203 Channel M 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 Lifestyle & Culture 240 Disc.RealTime 241 Disc.RT Extra 242 Disc.H&Health 243 Sky Real Lives 244 SkyRealLive+1 245 SkyRealLives2 246 UKTV Style 247 UKTV Style +1 248 UKTV Gardens 249 UKTV Food 250 UKTV Food +1 251 Travel Channel 252 Travel Ch +1 253 254 Disc.RT +1 255 Disc.H&H +1 256 Sky Arts 257 Sky Arts HD 258 UKTV Style 2 259 Performance 260 Mainstreet 261 Fashion TV 262 Real Estate TV 263 264 Wine TV 265 Disc.Travel&L 266 Wedding TV 267 Wedding TV+1 268 Africa Channel 269 Diva TV 270 SA Direct 271 Luxe TV 272 Baby Channel 273 Luxe TV HD 274 O'seasproperty 275 276 277 278 279 280 Horse&Country 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 Movies 301 Sky Premiere 302 Sky Prem+1 303 Sky Comedy 304 Sky Action 305 Sky Family 306 Sky Drama 307 Sky ScFi/Horror 308 Sky Classics 309 Sky Mdn Greats 310 Sky Indie 311 SkyScreen 1 312 SkyScreen 2 313 Sky PremiereHD 314 SkyScreen 1HD 315 Film4 316 Film4 +1 317 TCM 318 TCM 2 319 Zone Horror 320 Zone Thriller 321 True Movies 322 True Movies 2 323 movies4men 324 movies4men+1 325 movies4men 2 326 327 movies24 328 movies24+ 329 Nollywood 330 AIT 332 SkyScreen 2HD 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 347 348 349 Music 350 MTV ONE 351 MTV ONE+1 352 MTV BASE 353 MTV HITS 354 MTV DANCE 355 MTV TWO 356 VH1 357 VH1 Classic 358 TMF 359 The Box 360 The Hits 361 KISS 362 Smash Hits! 363 Magic 364 Q 365 Chart Show TV 366 The Vault 367 Flava 368 Kerrang! 369 oMusic TV 370 Channel U 371 Fizz 372 Bliss 373 374 Scuzz 375 376 Flaunt 377 378 ROCKWORLDTV 379 Bubble Hits 380 Musflash TV 381 Bedroom TV 382 NME TV 383 Clubland 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 Music Choice 396 Music Choice 397 398 399 400 Sports 401 Sky Sports 1 402 Sky Sports 2 403 Sky Sports 3 404 Sky Spts Xtra 405 Sky Spts News 406 MUTV 407 408 Sky Sports HD1 409 Sky Sports HD2 410 Eurosport UK 411 Eurosport2 UK 412 413 Motors TV 414 415 At The Races 416 417 NASN 418 Setanta Golf 419 Extreme Sports 420 421 Chelsea TV 422 423 Arsenal TV 424 Arsenal Replay 425 426 427 Fight Network 428 429 Setanta Sports1 430 Setanta Sports2 432 Racing UK 433 Racing World 434 Setanta Ireland (Not NI) 435 Setanta News 436 Celtic TV 437 438 Rangers TV 439 Setanta Sports (ROI) 440 441 442 ESPN Classic 443 444 445 RealmadridTV 446 447 448 LiverpoolFCTV 449 450 Sky Sports HD3 451 452 Rush HD 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 PPV 480 481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 News 501 Sky News 502 Bloomberg 503 BBC NEWS 504 BBC PARL'MNT 505 CNBC 506 CNN 507 S4C2 508 EuroNews 509 FOX News 510 CCTV-9 511 NDTV 24x7 512 Russia Today 513 France 24 514 Al Jazeera Eng 515 516 517 518 519 Documentaries 520 Discovery 521 Discovery+1 522 Disc.Knowldge 523 Disc. Turbo 524 Disc. Science 525 Animal Planet 526 Nat Geo 527 Nat Geo+ 1hr 528 Nat Geo Wild 529 History 530 History+1hour 531 Crime 532 UKTV Docs 533 UKTV Docs+1 534 UKTV People 535 Animal Plnt+1 536 Discovery HD 537 UKTV History 538 UKTV H'tory+1 539 CommunityChnl 540 541 542 543 Nat Geo HD 544 545 History HD 546 547 Business Chn'l 548 549 Disc.Sci+1 550 551 552 553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 Religion 580 GOD Channel 581 GOD Europe 582 Wonderful 583 TBN Europe 584 DAYSTAR 585 revelation 586 UCB TV 587 Inspiration 588 LOVEWORLD TV 589 EWTN 590 Gospel Channel 591 Word Network 592 Genesis 593 Faith 594 KICC TV 595 596 597 598 599 600 Kids 601 Cartoon Netwrk 602 CN Too 603 Boomerang 604 Nickelodeon 605 Nick Replay 606 Nicktoons 607 Jetix 608 Jetix +1 609 Disney Chnl 610 Disney Chnl+1 611 Play Disney 612 Play Disney+ 613 CBBC Channel 614 CBeebies 615 Nick Jr. 616 POP 617 Tiny Pop 618 Boomerang +1 619 Cartoonito 620 Nick Jr. 2 621 CITV 622 Disney Cine 623 BabyTV 624 BabyFirst 625 Tiny Pop +1 626 PopGirl 627 Pop +1 628 Disney Cine+1 629 630 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 Shopping 640 QVC 641 JML 642 JML Lifestyle 643 TV SHOP 644 Ideal World 645 price-drop tv 646 Pitch TV 647 Thomson TV 648 JJB Sports 649 Best Direct 650 Jewellery Ch. 651 Simply Ideas 652 TV Warehouse1 653 TV Warehouse 654 bid tv 655 Thomas Cook 656 Gems TV 657 Pitch World 658 Best Direct+ 659 Shop on TV 660 Thane Direct 661 TVW Select 662 JML Choice 663 Stop + Shop 664 Price Crash 665 speedauctiontv 666 JML Innovation 667 JML Solutions 668 Vitality 669 Sky Travel 670 Gems TV 2 671 Create & Craft 672 Teletext Hols 673 Vinappris 674 JJB Golf 675 Max TV 676 U Save.TV 677 CelebrityShop 678 Price Crash 2 679 Home&Travel 680 Screenshop2 681 682 Entrepreneur 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 691 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 Movies PPV 700 Sky Box Office 701 Sky Box Office 702 Sky Box Office 703 Sky Box Office 704 Sky Box Office 705 Sky Box Office 706 Sky Box Office 707 Sky Box Office 708 Sky Box Office 709 Sky Box Office 710 Sky Box Office 711 Sky Box Office 712 Sky Box Office 713 Sky Box Office 714 Sky Box Office 715 Sky Box Office 716 Sky Box Office 717 Sky Box Office 718 Sky Box Office 719 Sky Box Office 720 Sky Box Office 721 Sky Box Office 722 Sky Box Office 723 Sky Box Office 724 Sky Box Office 725 Sky Box Office 726 Sky Box Office 727 Sky Box Office 728 Sky Box Office 729 Sky Box Office 730 Sky Box Office 731 Sky Box Office 732 Sky Box Office 733 Sky Box Office 734 Sky Box Office 735 Sky Box Office 736 Sky Box Office 737 Sky Box Office 738 Sky Box Office 739 Sky Box Office 740 Sky Box Office 741 Sky Box Office 742 Sky Box Office 743 Sky Box Office 744 Sky Box Office 745 Sky Box Office 746 Sky Box Office 747 Sky Box Office 748 Sky Box Office 749 Sky Box Office 750 Sky Box Office 751 Sky Box Office 752 SBO HD1 753 SBO HD2 754 755 756 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 768 769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 International 780 B4U Movies 781 B4U Music 782 Sony TV Asia 783 STAR One 784 STAR Plus 785 PCNE Chinese 786 Bangla TV 787 mta-muslim tv 788 Zee TV 789 Zee Music 790 Zee Cinema 791 ARY Digital 792 PTV Prime 793 MATV National 794 DW-TV 795 TVEi 796 Abu Dhabi TV 797 SouthForYou 798 AlphaEtcPun 799 TV5 800 MAX 801 Record TV 802 DM Digital 803 DM Gold 804 ARY QTV 805 Venus TV 806 ARY Oneworld 807 Aastha TV 808 STAR News 809 STAR Gold 810 PTV Global 811 Zee Gujarati 812 Mana Telugu 813 Islam Channel 814 Channel 'S' 815 GEO UK 816 Sahara Filmy 817 Sahara One 818 AAJ TAK 819 Noor TV 820 Peace TV 821 Channel Punjab 822 Music India 823 jazeerachildren 824 AAG 825 GEO News 826 Channel S NTV 827 ATN 828 DD-News 829 DD-India 830 Sunrise TV 831 NDTV Imagine 832 Glory TV 833 Brit Asia TV 834 835 836 837 838 839 840 841 842 843 844 845 846 847 848 849 850 851 852 853 854 855 856 857 858 859 Gaming 860 i Play TV 861 Gala TV 862 Pitch Gaming 863 YouPlay TV 864 Sky Vegas 865 SkyPoker.com 866 Live Roulette 867 Pitchgaming2 868 YouPlay TV2 869 SmartLive 870 871 872 873 874 Dating 875 Dating Channel 876 Gay Date TV 877 Gay Network 878 Chat Box 879 Specialist 880 Teachers TV 881 Pub Channel 882 Sky Venue 883 Open Access 884 Audi Channel 885 SupremrMastr 886 Psychic TV 887 888 889 890 891 892 893 894 895 896 897 898 899 Sky Cust Ch Adult 900 Playboy TV 901 Adult Channel 902 Spice Extreme 903 Television X 904 Television X2 905 Television X3 906 Babestation 907 FriendlyTV 908 Babeworld.tv 909 Get Lucky TV 910 Lucky Star 911 Playboy One 912 Tease Me 913 Television X4 914 Over 18 TV 915 Climax3 - 1 916 Climax3 - 2 917 Climax3 - 3 918 SportxxxBabes 919 redhot amateur 920 redhot 40 + 921 redhot just 18 922 redhot dd 923 redhot fetish 924 redhot girl girl 925 redhot raw 926 redhot viewers 927 XPLICITXXX 928 Playboy TV 929 Adult Channel 930 Spice Extreme 931 Hustler TV UK 932 100% Babes 933 XXX TV 934 Amateur Babes 935 Gay TV 936 SportxxxGirls 937 SportxxxWives 938 18 Plus Movies 939 18 Plus Movies 940 18 Plus Movies 941 18 Plus Movies 942 18 Plus Movies 943 18 Plus Movies 944 18 Plus Movies 945 Gay Prowler TV 946 Fantasy 1 947 Fantasy 2 948 Tease Me 2 949 House Of Fun 950 LivexxxBabes 951 Blue Kiss TV 952 The Other Side 953 954 Northern Birds 955 Essex Babes 956 HappyHourGirls 957 LiveXXX 958 959 960 961 962 963 964 965 966 967 968 969 Entertainment 970 Sky Cust Ch 971 BBC 1 Scotland 972 BBC 1 Wales 973 BBC 1 NI 974 BBC 1 London 975 BBC 1 NE & C 976 BBC 1 Yorks 977 BBC 1 Yrks&Lin 978 BBC 1 N West 979 BBC 1 W Mids 980 BBC 1 E Mids 981 BBC 1 East (E) 982 BBC 1 East (W) 983 BBC 1 S East 984 BBC 1 South 985 BBC 1 Oxford 986 BBC 1 West 987 BBC 1 S West 988 BBC 1 Cl 989 BBC 2 England 990 BBC 2 Scotland 991 BBC 2W 992 BBC 2 NI 993 ITV1 (AD) 994 Channel 4 (AD) 995 HD Retail Info (Ret Only)/ Channel 4+1 (AD) 996 Chl Line-up 997 Retail Info (Ret Only) 998 Sky 999 Sky Cust Ch Radio 0101 BBC R1 0102 BBC R2 0103 BBC R3 0104 BBC R4 FM 0105 BBC R5 Live 0106 Classic FM 0107 Virgin Radio 0108 talkSPORT 0109 Capital 0110 Planet Rock 0111 XFM 0112 FUN Radio 0113 theJazz 0114 Choice FM 0115 BBC WS 0116 BBC R Scot. 0117 BBC R Wales 0118 BBC R Ulster 0119 BBC Asian N 0120 BBC 6 Music 0121 Gold 0122 WRN Europe 0123 Premier 0124 Heart 0125 UCB UK 0126 0127 0128 smooth fm 0129 Solar Radio 0130 Panjab Radio 0131 BBC 7 0132 0133 Sunrise 0134 UCB Bible 0135 UCB Talk 0136 UCB Insp 0137 1Xtra BBC 0138 TWR 0139 BBC R n Gael 0140 0141 Raaj Radio 0142 RTE R1 Extra 0143 BBC R4 LW 0144 BBC 5LSport 0145 Club Asia 0146 Real Radio 0147 EWTN 0148 0149 0150 Sukh Sagar 0151 Asian Gold 0152 BBC London 0153 0154 BBC R Cymru 0155 0156 CC Radio 0157 0158 Gaydarradio 0159 Family Radio 0160 RTE Radio 1 0161 ArrwRock 0162 0163 0164 RTE 2FM 0165 RTE Lyric fm 0166 RTE RnaG 0167 0168 Akash Radio 0169 Desi Radio 0170 The Hits 0171 Galaxy 0172 Smash Hits 0173 Kismat 0174 0175 0176 Amrit Bani 0177 LBC 97.3 0178 Kiss 0179 Heat 0180 Magic 0181 Q 0182 MOJO 0183 Kerrang 0184 Radio 0185 Spectrum 1 0186 Liberty 0187 Yarr 0188 InsightRadio 0189 0190 big L 1395 0191 0192 0193 0194 Colourful 0195 RTI Radio 0196 0197 0198 0199 Caroline 0200 VirginXtrme 0201 VirginCRock 0202 VirginGrve 0203 Virgin 105.8 0204 0205 DutchIntSv 0206 Recordbrazil 0207 Rainbow 0208 0209 Yorkshire R 0210 Newstalk 0211 BFBS Radio 0212 Hot 0213 0214 0215 0216 0217 0218 0219 0220 0221 0222 0223 0224 0225 0226 0227 0228 0229 0230 0231 0232 0233 0234 0235 0236 0237 0238 0239 0240 Related links: EXCLUSIVE: Asian channels Sky EPG listings Sky EPG resuffle to affect Asian channels New EPG numbers for Asian channels on Sky Asian channels set for EPG reshuffle on Sky (more)

NW stations want How Do award
From Radio Today. Posted April 24 2008, 12.26am
Radio stations and presenters from around the north west of England are gathering at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground this evening for the first How-Do Awards dinner, hopeful of picking up a gong. Representatives from City Talk, Century Radio and Xfm will be amongst the guests. (more)

'Scallywagga' writer has high hopes
From Digital Spy. Posted April 18 2008, 12.54pm
The writer of new sketch show Scallywagga has high hopes that it will be a success. (more)

More hopefuls line up for race to buy Tiscali
From Media Guardian. Posted April 16 2008, 11.04pm
Vodafone, BSkyB and Orange have joined Carphone Warehouse and a number of Italian companies in race to buy Tiscali (more)

Online shopping shines in high street gloom
From Daily Telegraph. Posted April 16 2008, 12.01am
By Daily Telegraph Reporter (more)

Donovan hopeful for 'Echo Beach' return
From Digital Spy. Posted April 8 2008, 3.54pm
Jason Donovan is hopeful that ITV soap Echo Beach will return. (more)

Tesco to use shoppers' letters in Guardian writ
From Daily Telegraph. Posted April 8 2008, 12.01am
Tesco plans to use letters and emails from customers as evidence as it seeks "special damages" from The Guardian newspaper. (more)

British Energy shares rise on Centrica hopes
From Daily Telegraph. Posted April 6 2008, 8.00am
Shares in British Energy jumped almost 5pc this morning after the Sunday Telegraph reported that Centrica has begun secret talks with EDF, the giant French utility, aimed at securing a £10bn bid for the British nuclear company. (more)

Balaji soap 'Khwaish' faces chop on Sony TV
From Biz Asia. Posted April 3 2008, 10.07pm
Sony Entertainment Televison Asia is in revamp mode. After announcing the demise of 'Amber Dhara' yesterday, the channel is waving adieu to yet another show - 'Khwaish'. Though the rumours of the show being pulled off were doing the rounds for a couple of months it has only now been confirmed. Sources tell us that it is due to the low TRPs that the production house is forced to pull the show off. Ipshita, Creative head of the show says, "The show is going off-air from May. There will be a logical end to the show. It has nothing to do with the TRPs as we always knew that the show will not exceed beyond a year." Ipshita remained tightlipped about the possible end of the show. She said, "One will have to watch the show to find out what is in store." 'Khwaish' was Balaji Telefilms first step in Pakistan, it was being screened on ARY Digital. Related links: Axe falls on another Sony TV soap - 'Amber Dhara' New Balaji soap comes early on Sony TV (more)

Ofcom investigating GCap
From Radio Today. Posted March 31 2008, 12.14pm
Global Radio are still hoping to announce a formal offer to buy GCap, despite GCap being subject to an ongoing Ofcom inquiry into alleged competition irregularities on the One Network.The company revealed the news today in a pre-close trading update report, (more)

Roshni Chopra returns to ZEE TV's 'Kasamh Se'
From Biz Asia. Posted March 29 2008, 12.04pm
Roshni Chopra has returned to ZEE TV's 'Kasamh Se' - six months after she had quit the show. Roshni, who played the character of 'Pia' for two and half years has been seen back on the sets of the successful Ekta Kapoor produced drama. A spokesman at TellyChakkar called up Roshni, who wasn’t available but it was her close aide Naeem who confirmed the news, "Yes, Roshni has been shooting for Kasamh Se for the past couple of days." A source adds, "Roshni is coming back as Pia. She has already started to shoot. Prachi will give her final shoot on 4th April. Thereafter, Prachi’s character will be slowly sidelined and it will be Pia who will take centre stage." Prachi will be seen on the big screen alongside director turned actor Farhan Akhtar. A replacement for Prachi's character is still being scouted. Related links: Is Ekta Kapoor pulling the plug on 'Kasamh Se'? Main protagonist quits ZEE TV's 'Kasamh Se' Roshni Chopra of 'Kasamh Se' to leave (more)

'Apprentice' reject slams Katie Hopkins
From Digital Spy. Posted March 27 2008, 4.15pm
The Apprentice star Nicholas De Lacy Brown slams reality TV star Katie Hopkins. (more)

GCap extends Global deadline
From Radio Today. Posted March 26 2008, 3.32pm
As previously speculated, the Takeover Panel has offered Global Radio an extension to make a firm offer for GCap Media. The extension request has been made by GCap, in the hope that Global can announce a final bid for the company. The deadline has been extended to 5pm on Monday 31st March 2008. (more)

Rock and pop concerts for Dubai after Live Nation buys Gulf promoter Mirage
From The Times. Posted March 24 2008, 12.00am
The world’s biggest live music companies are to take their battle for supremacy to the Gulf states after announcing plans to turn the region into the next lucrative staging post for rock’s biggest stars.<br/> <br/> Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), which reinvented the Dome as a live music venue, plans to lure acts such as Prince and Bon Jovi to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to perform in new, purpose-built arenas.<br/> <br/> Live Nation, the world’s largest concert promoter and AEG’s leading global rival, is beating a similar trail. It has acquired a controlling stake in Mirage, a leading Dubai-based promoter, which has hosted concerts by Aerosmith and Shakira. Madonna, who has signed an exclusive music and concert deal with Live Nation, is expected to add Dubai, the UAE’s main city, to her tour circuit.<br/> <br/> The race to bring rock and pop to the Gulf is part of a wider effort to develop the region as a centre of tourism. Emirates is intent on making itself the world’s airline of choice, for example, a world in which millions use it to fly to the area’s rapidly expanding resorts and developments. Those resorts are already among some of the most exclusive on the planet, The World, perhaps the best-known of them, and its peers built on so grand a scale that they can be seen from space. And some of music’s most famous names are allegedly buying their slices of these exclusive spots.<br/> <br/> Yet if the superstars are intent on spending money on seven-star hotel suites and private islands, the Gulf remains a source of untapped income. Despite a wealthy expatriate population, a young music-loving local audience and the fact that 15 million visitors are expected to visit Dubai in the next decade, the Gulf region has yet to establish a consistent infrastructure for live music.<br/> <br/> With live performances replacing record sales for artists’ pension plans, the region, overlooked so far by the likes of U2 and the Rolling Stones, is seen as the next frontier for promoters to conquer. AEG Live has hired Thomas Ovesen, the man behind some of Mirage’s biggest concerts, to oversee a new live promotions office in Dubai. AEG Live hopes to operate arenas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, seating 10,000 to 15,000 fans and styled after its own O2 in London, inside two years. Mr Oveson plans to draw young, wealthy music fans from neighbouring states by staging Las Vegas-style residencies featuring big names.<br/> <br/> Mr Ovesen said: “My vision is that the UAE will be the hub for entertainment for the entire region. We believe the O2 model, where Prince played 21 nights, could really work in the region. The right type of artist can expect to clear $1 million. But until now, the local live music scene has been fairly insignificant.$”<br/> <br/> AEG plans to host Broadway musicals as well as pop concerts in its new arenas, with the shows marketed at foreign expats living in Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. The company has promised to balance ticket prices so that the local Asian population can attend. Randy Phillips, president and chief executive of AEG Live, said: “A presence in that region is very important to us in terms of growth and finance opportunities.”<br/> <br/> His Dubai-based rival Mirage Promotions, which secures acts such as Diana Ross and Bryan Adams for corporate clients in the region, will be rebranded as Live Nation after the US giant took a 65 per cent controlling stake. Elissa Murtaza, its managing director, said: “Whilst our current focus is to be on the burgeoning UAE, our position in the Middle East provides us with the opportunity to expand our operations. Our new partnership with Live Nation will help us to accelerate our growth by providing us better access to talent and resources.”<br/> <br/> The Gulf does have a flourishing local music scene, which is reflected in the recently launched MTV Arabia service and the arrival of a concert infrastructure, but it does present some logistical problems for touring international rock stars. Some artists have been unwilling to undertake a four-day round trip to Dubai for a one-off show. Promoters also have to make provision for an entirely car-bound audience. This month Celine Dion played her first Dubai concert, at the Four Seasons Golf Club, charging £135 for a platinum seat. Organisers had to promise the authorities smooth-flowing traffic and car-parking for 9,000 vehicles before the concert could take place.<br/> <br/> Western stars will have to respect local sensibilities. Last month, the Radio 1 DJ Grooverider was sentenced to a four-year prison term in Dubai after admitting to carrying cannabis into the country. “They can have the rock’n’roll but not the sex and drugs,” Mr Oveson said.<br/> <br/> He added: “Given the wealth of the country, the possibilities for charging for high-end, quality shows are endless. Frankly, if Elvis were alive, he’d consider a visit to Dubai in the next couple of years. I believe the future is here.” (more)

Rock and pop concerts for Dubai after AEG buys Gulf promoter Mirage
From The Times. Posted March 24 2008, 12.00am
The world’s biggest live music companies are to take their battle for supremacy to the Gulf states after announcing plans to turn the region into the next lucrative staging post for rock’s biggest stars.<br/> <br/> Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), which reinvented the Dome as a live music venue, plans to lure acts such as Prince and Bon Jovi to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to perform in new, purpose-built arenas.<br/> <br/> Live Nation, the world’s largest concert promoter and AEG’s leading global rival, is beating a similar trail. It has acquired a controlling stake in Mirage, a leading Dubai-based promoter, which has hosted concerts by Aerosmith and Shakira. Madonna, who has signed an exclusive music and concert deal with Live Nation, is expected to add Dubai, the UAE’s main city, to her tour circuit.<br/> <br/> The race to bring rock and pop to the Gulf is part of a wider effort to develop the region as a centre of tourism. Emirates is intent on making itself the world’s airline of choice, for example, a world in which millions use it to fly to the area’s rapidly expanding resorts and developments. Those resorts are already among some of the most exclusive on the planet, The World, perhaps the best-known of them, and its peers built on so grand a scale that they can be seen from space. And some of music’s most famous names are allegedly buying their slices of these exclusive spots.<br/> <br/> Yet if the superstars are intent on spending money on seven-star hotel suites and private islands, the Gulf remains a source of untapped income. Despite a wealthy expatriate population, a young music-loving local audience and the fact that 15 million visitors are expected to visit Dubai in the next decade, the Gulf region has yet to establish a consistent infrastructure for live music.<br/> <br/> With live performances replacing record sales for artists’ pension plans, the region, overlooked so far by the likes of U2 and the Rolling Stones, is seen as the next frontier for promoters to conquer. AEG Live has hired Thomas Ovesen, the man behind some of Mirage’s biggest concerts, to oversee a new live promotions office in Dubai. AEG Live hopes to operate arenas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, seating 10,000 to 15,000 fans and styled after its own O2 in London, inside two years. Mr Oveson plans to draw young, wealthy music fans from neighbouring states by staging Las Vegas-style residencies featuring big names.<br/> <br/> Mr Ovesen said: “My vision is that the UAE will be the hub for entertainment for the entire region. We believe the O2 model, where Prince played 21 nights, could really work in the region. The right type of artist can expect to clear $1 million. But until now, the local live music scene has been fairly insignificant.$”<br/> <br/> AEG plans to host Broadway musicals as well as pop concerts in its new arenas, with the shows marketed at foreign expats living in Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. The company has promised to balance ticket prices so that the local Asian population can attend. Randy Phillips, president and chief executive of AEG Live, said: “A presence in that region is very important to us in terms of growth and finance opportunities.”<br/> <br/> His Dubai-based rival Mirage Promotions, which secures acts such as Diana Ross and Bryan Adams for corporate clients in the region, will be rebranded as Live Nation after the US giant took a 65 per cent controlling stake. Elissa Murtaza, its managing director, said: “Whilst our current focus is to be on the burgeoning UAE, our position in the Middle East provides us with the opportunity to expand our operations. Our new partnership with Live Nation will help us to accelerate our growth by providing us better access to talent and resources.”<br/> <br/> The Gulf does have a flourishing local music scene, which is reflected in the recently launched MTV Arabia service and the arrival of a concert infrastructure, but it does present some logistical problems for touring international rock stars. Some artists have been unwilling to undertake a four-day round trip to Dubai for a one-off show. Promoters also have to make provision for an entirely car-bound audience. This month Celine Dion played her first Dubai concert, at the Four Seasons Golf Club, charging £135 for a platinum seat. Organisers had to promise the authorities smooth-flowing traffic and car-parking for 9,000 vehicles before the concert could take place.<br/> <br/> Western stars will have to respect local sensibilities. Last month, the Radio 1 DJ Grooverider was sentenced to a four-year prison term in Dubai after admitting to carrying cannabis into the country. “They can have the rock’n’roll but not the sex and drugs,” Mr Oveson said.<br/> <br/> He added: “Given the wealth of the country, the possibilities for charging for high-end, quality shows are endless. Frankly, if Elvis were alive, he’d consider a visit to Dubai in the next couple of years. I believe the future is here.” (more)

My Life in Media: Sports commentator Barry Davies
From The Independent. Posted March 24 2008, 12.00am
Sports commentator Barry Davies, 70, has been broadcasting for over 40 years. He has covered 10 World Cups, 10 Olympic Games, seven Winter Olympics, seven Commonwealth Games and many Wimbledons. On Saturday he reprises his role as "Voice of the Boat Race", commentating for LBC Radio. He lives in Datchet, Berkshire, with his wife Penny, whom he met on his first job for BBC Radio. Their daughter, Giselle, is director of communications for the International Olympic Committee, and their son, Barry, is managing director of the online betting shop Betfair. (more)

Journalist camps out at shop test its homeliness
From Hold the Front Page. Posted March 19 2008, 9.30am
Express and Star hack pitches up at Asda and meets some interesting characters along the way (more)

Journalist camps out at shop to highlight homeless plight
From Hold the Front Page. Posted March 18 2008, 2.55am
Express and Star hack pitches up at Asda and meets some interesting characters along the way (more)

BT Vision plans more games, teleshopping
From Digital Spy. Posted March 14 2008, 2.37pm
BT Vision is putting "significant investment" into new applications including gaming and teleshopping. (more)

Journalism workshops gear up for important exams
From Hold the Front Page. Posted March 14 2008, 3.05am
Nervy trainees can get a boost at tutor sessions (more)

Nigeria?s National Broadcasting Commission wants more local content on radio
From Media Network Weblog. Posted March 13 2008, 2.05pm
The Director-General of Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Engr Bolarinwa, has decried the inadequacy of local programmes from broadcast stations across the nation, saying that local content programmes could boost competition in the industry. Engr Bolarinwa made the observation yesterday in Port Harcourt at the opening ceremony of a four-day joint national workshop on, ‘Broadcast Programmes [...] (more)

SIRIUS Chief Hoping for Merger OK by End of March
From radio.about.com. Posted March 13 2008, 7.37am
From Forbes.com: "Investors gave Mel Karmazin their praise after the Sirius Satellite Radio chief executive said he expected the company's merger with XM Satellite Radio to end positively, and very... (more)

JK Rowling hoping to reopen privacy case against Sunday Express
From Press Gazette. Posted March 10 2008, 12.00am
Lawyers acting for Harry Potter author JK Rowling are in the Court of Appeal today seeking to renew a test case privacy fight against the Sunday Express (more)

Arrow plans talk station on 828 kHz
From Media Network Weblog. Posted March 5 2008, 11.59am
DutchMedia reports that it has learned directly from Arrow that it plans to use one of its newly acquired mediumwave frequencies for a station called Arrow Talks.  No start date has been decided.  Arrow hopes to find a business partner for the project, probably a newspaper publisher.  Arrow owner/director Ad Ossenrijver told DutchMedia that the frequency, 828 [...] (more)

Eastern Daily Press issues apology after Bishop blunder
From Press Gazette. Posted March 5 2008, 12.00am
The Eastern Daily Press has apologised after confusing the Bishop of Norwich with serial killer Steve Wright, known as the "Suffolk strangler". (more)

Sogecable plans DTT shopping
From Rapid TV News. Posted March 4 2008, 2.28pm
Spanish media group Sogecable, which controls Spain’s Canal+, is planning a new home shopping channel to launch on the country’s DTT platform. (more)

ITV hopes for brighter prospects with Peter Fincham
From Daily Telegraph. Posted March 1 2008, 12.01am
Michael Grade's triumphal appointment as ITV's executive chairman late in 2006 is now the stuff of media industry legend: crowds of cheering staff at the company's Gray's Inn Road headquarters, big cigars and big words about restoring the once-mighty channel's creative swagger. Upstairs, though, senior executives were fearing for their jobs. (more)

Hip-hop, gospel and gangsters: channel for black Britons ignored by mainstream
From Media Guardian. Posted February 29 2008, 12.11am
US programmes dominate initial schedules but more UK input pledged in future (more)

ITV pins hopes on 'Crowngate' controller
From The Independent. Posted February 29 2008, 12.00am
It was a black moment for Peter Fincham last October when he was forced to resignas controller of BBC1 over the "Crowngate" affair involving a misleading press trailer for a documentary about the Queen. (more)

Stalemate in Archbishop spokesman libel trial
From Press Gazette. Posted February 29 2008, 12.00am
A libel case brought by a former spokesman for the Roman Catholic Church over an accusation of hypocrisy over abortion ended in stalemate today after a jury failed to reach a verdict. (more)

CNN profiles Free North Korea Radio
From Media Network Weblog. Posted February 28 2008, 10.36am
The CNN website has an in-depth profile of Free North Korea Radio, which broadcasts from Seoul and is jointly funded by South Korean citizens and the US Government. The station’s founder is a former North Korean soldier who defected. Radio gives hope to North and South Koreans Bookmark to: (more)

KFAR in Fairbanks, Alaska off air due to fire at transmitter site
From Media Network Weblog. Posted February 23 2008, 11.43am
KFAR [660 kHz], the dominant local talk radio station in Fairbanks, Alaska, is off the air after a fire on Thursday morning crippled its transmitter. Bad weather has delayed the delivery of a replacement part, KFAR General Manager Perry Walley said. The part is expected to arrive on Monday and Walley hopes to be transmitting by [...] (more)

MuxCo hopeful for Wales win
From Radio Today. Posted February 21 2008, 11.18am
MuxCo Wales is the only bidder for the Mid & West Wales local digital radio multiplex licence, proposing to provide just three local services. (more)

Words of Hope looking for partner stations in Kosovo
From Media Network Weblog. Posted February 20 2008, 12.32pm
Following the declaration of independence by Kosovo, gospel broadcasting organisation Words of Hope is looking to extend its ministry. Words of Hope’s Lee DeYoung told Mission Network News that this development may signal an opportunity for the Gospel to gain entrance into Kosovo in a bigger way. He says their partners are seeking opportunities to [...] (more)

Ross phone-in 'healed' aide, court told
From Media Guardian. Posted February 19 2008, 2.08pm
A former top adviser to the Archbishop of Westminster said he felt 'healed' when he heard his ex-girlfriend on a BBC Radio 4 phone-in accusing him of not supporting her over an abortion, a libel trial heard today. By Chris Tryhorn (more)

Archbishop's aide tells jury 'my blood froze' over Mail story
From Media Guardian. Posted February 18 2008, 6.03pm
A former top aide of the Archbishop of Westminster told a jury today how his 'blood froze' when he read a Daily Mail article about his ex-girlfriend having an abortion. By Chris Tryhorn (more)

Mail cost archbishop's aide his job, court hears
From Media Guardian. Posted February 18 2008, 2.43pm
A former aide of the archbishop of Westminster lost his job and was 'robbed of his moral authority' by a Daily Mail article, a court heard today. By Chris Tryhorn (more)

New City AM editor has ‘high hopes’ for free financial title
From Press Gazette. Posted February 17 2008, 12.00am
Allister Heath, the new editor of free financial newspaper City AM, has said that the current uncertainty in financial markets will make financial journalism “more exciting”. (more)

Workshop proposes independent public broadcaster for Ghana
From Media Network Weblog. Posted February 16 2008, 11.35am
Participants at a day’s workshop to accept proposals that would inform the drafting and passage of a National Broadcasting Law to regulate the industry in Ghana have advocated for an independent public service media devoid of overwhelmingly ‘negative’ control from the government. They argued that legislation of broadcasting, either public service, commercial or community-owned, should [...] (more)

Digital radio receives welcome boost
From Financial Times. Posted February 15 2008, 10.23pm
Broadcasters hope two significant votes of confidence will prove a tipping point for the platform, after it was decried as a white elephant earlier in the week (more)

Virgin Radio bids fall short of hopes
From Financial Times. Posted February 14 2008, 2.00am
At least four bidders submitted offers in the first round of an auction of Virgin Radio yesterday, but none were thought likely to bring a smile to the face of its... (more)

Hopes rise for British journalist after interpreter freed
From Press Gazette. Posted February 14 2008, 12.00am
A British journalist kidnapped in Iraq could be released today after his interpreter was freed yesterday, reports suggest. (more)

Asian radio industry gives DAB backing
From Biz Asia. Posted February 12 2008, 10.25pm
DAB radio IS the future, say key players in the UK Asian radio sector. The industry is already split over DAB. Is it the cornerstone of the future of digital radio, or is it a hugely expensive white elephant that has already been overtaken by rival delivery platforms such as the web? Earlier this week, GCap Media announced it is to pull back from digital radio to help double profits as part of an overhaul which will see digital radio brands such as theJazz and Planet Rock close down (it has already closed down Core, Life and Disney). BizAsia.co.uk has spoken to the key figures of Asian radio industry who all unanimously supported DAB. Jenny Abramsky, Director, BBC Audio & Music "The BBC has been at the forefront of digital radio for more than ten years and remains fully committed to DAB and the other digital delivery platforms. There's an exciting future for radio. It is central to the lives of huge numbers of people who listen every week. "Recent RAJAR listening figures show that nearly 5.6 million people tune into BBC Radio via DAB each week and the BBC's digital-only networks continue to grow, with two networks – 6 Music and BBC 7 – recently posting record listening figures." Raj Baddhan, Station Manager, ZEE Radio “As a new player in the UK Asian DAB market, we are positive our carefully sifted programming will attract new listeners to digital radio. Programming, packaging and the marketing of the station are factors that can determine the popularity of one station; we aim to deliver on all three. Watch this space." John Ogden, Director, Club Asia "This is a very difficult time for Commercial stations who have been heavily exposed in DAB. Many groups pursued a "land grab" when DAB was launched. They are now realising that the costs of maintaining present simulcast services are largely unsustainable. "However, Commercial Radio is questioning the viability of DAB just as interest among retailers, manufacturers and listeners has never been higher. 23% of homes have DAB digital radio and 30% of homes are listening to radio on a digital platform. However, those listeners clearly demand more than a simulcast of what's already available on their old AM or FM frequencies. We remain excited about our role in the new Channel 4 led multiplex. It is clear to us at Club Asia that DAB has a role in a fast converging UK media industry. DAB is part of a bouquet of opportunities offered to listeners in the future. Listening via the internet and mobile technology will complete the picture. The key is providing new and exciting services that listeners can't get elsewhere" Surjit Singh Ghuman, Director, Asian FX and Panjab Radio "Panjab Radio has proved itself as a leading brand on digital radio with its niche programming. Once again we’re doing the same with Asian FX by offering an entity, which is individual but also something, which listeners have shown interest in. I’m hoping we can turn around the negative press DAB has been receiving of late by shaking up the market with our Asian FX, just like we did with Panjab Radio." Sunrise Radio, which is launching nationally on DAB early next-year refused to provide us with a quote on their plans. Related links: RAJAR Results: Record high listeners for DAB EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge Asian FX confirmed for West Midlands DAB launch Two new radio stations launch on Midlands DAB Club Asia to offer podcasts via 4 Digital Group Sunrise Radio to go national after new licence win BBC Asian Network to launch two free podcasts (more)

Virgin Radio sale in doubt as bidders retreat
From The Times. Posted February 12 2008, 10.25pm
Virgin Radio could struggle to fetch the £70 million auction price hoped for by owner SMG. (more)

High hopes for TBS in German market
From Rapid TV News. Posted February 12 2008, 3.43pm
Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), the television branch of US media giant Time Warner, is currently looking at a stronger engagement in the German market.   (more)

GCap digital stations for the chop
From Media Guardian. Posted February 11 2008, 7.58am
GCap Media is to close its digital radio stations TheJazz and Planet Rock and sell its stake in national digital radio operator Digital One. By John Plunkett. (more)

GCap's Fru Hazlitt switches off digital radio
From The Times. Posted February 9 2008, 11.55pm
GCAP MEDIA will deal a blow to government hopes of increasing the take-up of digital radio tomorrow by selling its majority stake in Digital One, the national platform of channels, for a token £1 to partner Arqiva. (more)

5 Wedding Hopefuls for 96.4 Eagle Radio
From Merry Media. Posted February 4 2008, 12.01pm
96.4 Eagle Radio has announced the 5 contestants that are in the Runaway Bride Competition on Monday morning with one of them winning a £10,000 dream wedding at Preston Cross Hotel in Bookham. . (more)

'Desi DNA' specials with A.Network in Feb
From Biz Asia. Posted January 30 2008, 11.31pm
The BBC Asian arts and entertainment show 'Desi DNA' has teamed up with the BBC Asian Network for two special shows to be aired in February. 'Desi DNA', which is fronted by Adil Ray, Anita Rani, Bobby Friction, Samanthi, Parv Bancil, Nikki Bedi, Tommy Sandhu and Bidisha returned on BBC Two for its fifth series last week. 'Desi DNA & Asian Network Presents' is a multi platform Asian music collaboration spanning DAB digital radio, online, mobile and TV. For the first time full performances from the gig will be available to digital tv viewers via the red button from any BBC channel between 13th and 20th February. 'Desi DNA & BBC Asian Network Presents' introduces the first of two programmes from a specially recorded showcase presented by Adil Ray and Bobby Friction. On Wednesday 13th February (23:20) there are live performances and backstage interviews from artists including Danish rap outfit Outlandish, resurgent R and B singer Jay Sean, currently gaining chart success for his new single Ride It and a rising crop of new talent including exotic electro folk sitar player and singer Bishi and Bhangra DJs Tigerstyle, making their TV debut. Recorded in December exclusively for 'Desi DNA' and the BBC Asian Network at London’s Scala Theatre, digital TV viewers can watch full performances from Jay Sean and Outlandish by pressing the red button from any BBC channel. The second 'Desi DNA & BBC Asian Network Presents' which airs on BBC Two on Wednesday 20th February, introduces more exclusive recordings from the Scala gig. The programme features live performances from Bhangra progressives Swami, more from Jay Sean, and hip hop outfit Sona Family. This will be the first time the Asian Network will function the red button facility on digital TV. Related link: BBC Asian Network ups the ante on marketing (more)

STAR planning to launch Indian shopping channel
From Biz Asia. Posted January 30 2008, 10.39pm
STAR India and Bennett, Coleman & Company (BCCL) are planning to launch an Indian tele-shopping network in collaboration with a Korean company. According to reports, the Korean company will hold a minority stake, while STAR and BCCL will be equal partners. Both STAR and BCCL are keeping tightlipped about developments. Sources close to BizAsia.co.uk have suggested that Korea's popular TVHS channel CJ is advising STAR India and BCCL about entering the market. However this has not been confirmed. The parties involved are currently investigating costs and revenues. Speculation is also rife that NDTV is also looking into home tele-shopping. TV18's shopping channel is looking at launching February-end, early March. There are no plans to launch such channels in the UK market. (more)

Imagine Publishing names Julie Easton as new deputy editor of Advanced Photoshop
From Journalism.co.uk. Posted January 25 2008, 2.15pm
Easton moves from her role as senior sub editor at Digital Photographer to take up the new role    (more)

Hopes of movement in writers' strike
From Media Guardian. Posted January 22 2008, 11.15am
Screenwriters are planning to resume talks with the Hollywood studios, raising hopes of an end to the three-month deadlock. By Maria Esposito (more)

TWR Benin to launch on 1 February
From Media Network Weblog. Posted January 18 2008, 12.35pm
Trans World Radio’s new transmitting station in Benin will broadcast for the first time on 1 February 1. TWR hopes the station will be automated within three months. They will be broadcasting programs from local churches and ministries.  With at least 15 languages reaching into 9 countries, they will be able to reach areas that are difficult to [...] (more)

Radiohead announce London shop gig
From Digital Spy. Posted January 16 2008, 11.35am
Radiohead reveal details of an intimate London show on Brick Lane tonight. (more)

New Polish government reviews EU grant to Catholic anti-Semitic radio
From Media Network Weblog. Posted January 10 2008, 2.46pm
The new Polish Liberal government will reexamine the European Union grant awarded to a controversial Catholic radio station, the press reported. According to Polska newspaper, Poland’s Environment Minister, Maciej Nowicki, is making a critical review of a 15/3 million euro EU grant to Radio Maryja, known for its anti-Semitic and anti-European opinions. Nowicki reportedly hopes to [...] (more)

Ladbrokes accepts Turf TV into shops
From Digital Spy. Posted January 4 2008, 11.51am
Ladbrokes agrees to show Turf TV in its 2,200 betting shops. (more)

Jock jailed for grooming girls
From Radio Today. Posted January 3 2008, 3.14pm
A former GCap prsenter has been jailed for grooming two school children online. Adam Hopkins, who has now left his job as a presenter on Coast 96.3 FM, described himself as a sex addict during his court hearing. (more)

Alliance & Leicester shares jump on bid hopes
From Daily Telegraph. Posted January 2 2008, 8.10am
Shares in Alliance & Leicester jumped almost 10pc in morning trading after the Daily Telegraph reported that mortgage bank held takeover talks with Grupo Santander, the Spanish owner of Abbey National. (more)

Newspaper's online mapping hopes to solve city's congestion troubles
From Hold the Front Page. Posted December 28 2007, 12.00am
Evening paper to use web technology in bid to beat the jams (more)

RadioToday.co.uk Awards 2007
From Radio Today. Posted December 27 2007, 3.20pm
Like that needlessly repetitive Billy Joel song you can't dance to, there aren't many more events you could hope to squeeze into the past 365 days of radio. Arrivals and departures, sales and scandal - 2007 had the lot. Radio Today has brought you over 1300 news stories in the past 12 months, so it's with a tear of pride and sigh of relief that we present the Radio Today 2007 Awards. (more)

Viewers sold on Old Curiosity Shop
From Media Guardian. Posted December 27 2007, 12.35pm
ITV1's adaptation of Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop attracted an audience of 4.5 million. By Chris Tryhorn (more)

BSkyB executives hope trust idea will deflect calls to slash its 17.9% stake in ITV
From Media Guardian. Posted December 20 2007, 11.44pm
· Commission says holding should be less than 7.5%· Stake 'could be used to stop rival raising funds' (more)

Channel shoppers
From Media Guardian. Posted December 20 2007, 11.43pm
Why did Sky buy its stake in ITV? (more)

Basil Brush to front new 'Swap Shop'
From Digital Spy. Posted December 20 2007, 4.38pm
Basil Brush is to front an updated version of Saturday morning children's show Swap Shop. (more)

Northern Rock up on Bradford & Bingley hope
From Daily Telegraph. Posted December 19 2007, 8.05am
Shares in Northern Rock rose after reports that Bradford & Bingley approached the troubled lender about buying a stake in it several weeks ago. Although the mortgage lender is not looking to buy the bank outright, it could become part of a private sector rescue, according to the BBC. (more)

80 years of the Daily Service
From Radio Today. Posted December 18 2007, 3.52pm
BBC Radio 4 is celebrating 80 years of the Daily Service with a special week of presenters including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Westminster. (more)

Heard about the 'whispering' window?
From The Scotsman. Posted December 13 2007, 12.04pm
NEW "whispering" windows are to be introduced in a Capital shopfront. The technology is to be introduced to Scotland for the first time at the Multrees Walk shop premises occupied by radio station XfmScotland. (more)

Central Asia gets its first community radio service
From Media Network Weblog. Posted December 13 2007, 10.21am
In a hidden mountain valley in northeast Kyrgyzstan, a group of broadcast journalists are bringing community radio to Central Asia with a new station called Radiomost. Last month, UNESCO sponsored a week-long training workshop for the station to provide the staff with a solid understanding of community radio. Located in Talas, Kyrgyzstan, a remote area with [...] (more)

Launch of new journalism workshops for distance learners
From Hold the Front Page. Posted December 11 2007, 12.00am
Revamped foundation course offers wider range to trainees (more)

Rio Tinto shares rise on Blackstone bid hopes
From Daily Telegraph. Posted December 10 2007, 8.15am
Rio Tinto shares climbed in London trading after the Daily Telegraph revealed that private equity firm Blackstone is planning an audacious break-up bid for the miner. (more)

Archbishop in Mugabe protest
From Media Guardian. Posted December 10 2007, 2.25am
The Archbishop of York dramatically cut up his dog collar during a live television interview yesterday, and vowed not wear it again until Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe is out of office (more)

Australia: ABC prepared for disaster broadcasting
From Media Network Weblog. Posted November 30 2007, 12.18pm
New technology will help the ABC bring local coverage directly to communities affected by natural disasters like floods and cyclones. Three fly-in transmitters have been purchased to allow local ABC stations to set up shop anywhere in Australia. The units were originally designed for the United States military to use in the Iraq war. Mark Spurway, [...] (more)

BBC, ITV and C4 hop together
From Rapid TV News. Posted November 27 2007, 8.51pm
The UK’s three main networks have formed a commercial j-v to sell on-demand programming. (more)

UK Radio hope for Xmas No 1
From Radio Today. Posted November 27 2007, 8.04pm
Radio stations across the UK will take delivery of a Christmas number one contender designed to rival the winning act from The X Factor. But this single, a copy of Shakin' Stevens hit Merry Christmas Everyone, has been recorded and produced by UK radio presenters. (more)

First community radio station in Central Asia has launched
From Media Network Weblog. Posted November 27 2007, 1.45pm
“You are in the remarkable position of writing the media history of your own country,” said Tarja Virtanen, UNESCO Representative to Kyrgyzstan, speaking to the staff collective of Radiomost on the final day of a UNESCO-sponsored training workshop on community radio, reports UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty. The first radio service of its kind in Central [...] (more)

Blow to Rajar ratings alternative as US rollout delayed
From Media Guardian. Posted November 27 2007, 11.55am
Hopes of finding an alternative to the Rajar diary method of measuring radio audiences have suffered a blow. By John Plunkett (more)

Talks raise hope of end to US writers' strike
From Media Guardian. Posted November 26 2007, 2.02pm
Talks were due to begin today to end the US TV and film writers' strike as their UK counterparts were urged to show their support. By John Plunkett (more)

Advertising industry given fresh hope of avoiding a pre-9pm junk food ad ban
From Media Guardian. Posted November 26 2007, 7.30am
The advertising industry's hopes of avoiding a pre-9pm ban on junk food TV advertising have been lifted by a letter from a government minister. By Mark Sweney (more)

Bernard to quit as head of GCap Media
From Financial Times. Posted November 24 2007, 2.00am
A glimmer of hope in GCap Media's results was overshadowed by confirmation that Ralph Bernard, the industry leader who built the UK's largest radio broadcaster, is to... (more)

Bernard steps down as GCap chief
From Financial Times. Posted November 23 2007, 8.03am
A ray of hope in GCap Media's results was overshadowed Friday by confirmation that Ralph Bernard, the industry giant who forged the company into the UK's largest radio broadcaster, is to step down (more)

Shopping Smart: SIRIUS and XM Radio's Best Deals
From radio.about.com. Posted November 22 2007, 6.24pm
Looking to get Satellite Radio? Both XM and SIRIUS and making some good deals to lure new subscribers and convince current subscribers to expand the amount of radios they have.... (more)

DJs release Christmas song
From Radio Today. Posted November 16 2007, 8.04am
A bunch of radio DJs are hoping for a Christmas Number 1 as they sing their own version of Shakin Stevens' Merry Christmas Everyone. Around 20 presenters from around the industry have given the song a modern slant in hope of raising money for charity. (more)

New Bollywood show heads to Sabras Radio
From Biz Asia. Posted November 13 2007, 9.27pm
A new weekly Bollywood show is being launched on the Midlands renowned Sabras Radio, starting this Saturday (17th November). The programme called 'Filmi Access' will be presented by newcomers Vishali and Minesh between 09:00 - midday. 'Filmi Access' will feature all the very latest breaking news stories from tinsel town, plus star interviews, music and film reviews, as well as live correspondents from the capital city of Mumbai. 'Filmi Access' will also launch the all new Top Ten Bollywood soundtracks, which will be compiled by Sabras Radio airplay, public votes and record sales in the Midlands. The Bollywood Top Ten will air at 11:00 during the show. The new show replaces the long running 'Bollywood Buzz', which has been on the station since its launch twelve years ago. Its presenter Shama Malik will be moving to Sunday evenings in a weekend schedule shake-up. BizAsia.co.uk's Founder and Operations Manager at Sabras Radio, Raj Baddhan, said, "We are always reviewing our programmes here and the new Bollywood show is being launched based on the response we have collated from our listeners. We're filling a gap in the market to inform and entertain our listeners through our exciting three-hour show - Filmi Access, which is going to be a one-stop shop for all Bollywood fanatics." More on the new weekend Sabras Radio changes soon only on BizAsia.co.uk. (more)

Steps taken for multilingual Internet
From Media Network Weblog. Posted November 13 2007, 3.25pm
The International Telecommunication Union, UNESCO and ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) will collaborate on global efforts to forge universal standards towards building a multilingual cyberspace. The three agencies organized a workshop on this subject today during the second Internet Governance Forum (IGF) taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Multilingualism is a key concept to [...] (more)

Licence hopefuls start RSL
From Radio Today. Posted November 13 2007, 12.34pm
One of the two community radio groups in Preston hoping to secure a five year community radio licence has started broadcasting to the city via a 28 day temporary licence. Preston FM will air 24 hours a day till December 9th. (more)

Video: Choppy waters
From Media Guardian. Posted November 13 2007, 10.14am
Morgan Matthews talks about the state of the documentary industry and his new film 'Battleship Antarctica', which premiered in Sheffield and will be screened on Channel 4 next year (more)

BBC launches music podcasts
From Radio Today. Posted November 12 2007, 4.54pm
The BBC has today launched music podcasts. A wide range of musical genres will be available including pop, folk, hip hop, jazz, indie, rhythm and Blues, dance, punk and Asian Music. (more)

London?s Heart up for top radio awards
From UTalk Marketing. Posted November 7 2007, 4.33pm
European Radio Award hopes (more)

SMG raises �95m before selling Virgin Radio
From The Guardian. Posted November 7 2007, 12.00am
Scottish broadcaster SMG hopes to slash its debt burden and avert a cut-price sale of Virgin Radio by raising �95.1m through a rights issue. (more)

Supermarkets 'good for shoppers'
From BBC News. Posted October 30 2007, 11.10pm
A watchdog is set to say supermarkets should open new stores where choice is limited, the BBC learns. (more)

Two new radio stations launch on Midlands DAB
From Biz Asia. Posted October 26 2007, 8.23pm
The West Midlands today have two new Asian radio stations on DAB, both of which are from the same umbrella group - Panjab Radio. It signed a contract with MXR digital to be a service provider on their West Midlands multiplex earlier this year. The successful religious and entertainment station Panjab Radio has been available in London digitally for the past seven years. It can also be picked up on DAB in West Yorkshire. This is the first time Panjab Radio has branched into the Midlands to tap into the highly populated Panjabi market. Not snubbing its non-Panjabi audiences, Panjab Radio has also launched a new general Asian entertainment station steering towards the youth tentatively called Q Asia (previously known as Urban Asia). The station officially begins broadcasting (with presenters) at the start of 2008, until then it hopes to generate enough noise around the new addition as a direct commercial competitor to Radio XL, Sunrise Radio and its Punjabi Radio. Q Asia will be announcing its official name and programme line-up in the coming days, keep it with BizAsia.co.uk for the exclusive news break. Previously, Surjit Singh Ghuman Managing Director of Panjab Radio said, "My four years of hard work and determination to get on to West Midlands on DAB has finally paid off and feels like a dream coming true, but in reality the very hard task of getting the message to the Panjabi community will start now and our listeners will be over the moon as they will not be confined to a TV and instead listen to us on DAB digital radio anywhere in the home, work or whilst on the move." Diane Wray, Managing Director MXR Digital said, "I am really delighted that Panjab Radio are joining the rosta of stations broadcast by MXR in the West Midlands and look forward to working with the team to promote DAB in the area." Panjab Radio is replacing the slot left vacant by Jazzfm, with its 128kbps capacity being split into two 64kbps - one for Panjab Radio and the other for Q Asia. Related links: Panjab Radio to launch in the West Midlands Biz Asia Industry Whispers - Issue 74 Panjab Radio all set to celebrate seven years Biz Exec: Surjit Ghuman - Panjab Radio (more)

Watch this: Sarah Dempster
From Media Guardian. Posted October 25 2007, 11.40pm
Sarah Dempster on EastEnders | The Armstrong & Miller Show | Comedy Showcase: The Eejits | Comedy Lab: Doug Stanhope, Go Home (more)

Alton: straight-talking editor who took Observer out of choppy waters
From Press Gazette. Posted October 24 2007, 12.00am
When Press Gazette interviewed Roger Alton as he relaunched the Observer in Berliner-size last January he gave no hint that he had any thoughts about stepping down. (more)

SMG reeling as shares slump after criticism
From The Scotsman. Posted October 21 2007, 12.03am
SMG is maintaining a "business as usual" response to a collapse in its share price that has left the company worth little more than it was hoping to get from the sale or flotation of Virgin Radio. (more)

S Africa's rugby hopes and political fears
From Financial Times. Posted October 20 2007, 3.00am
Radio 702, Johannesburg's premier talk-radio station, has been running a jaunty nation-building clip in the countdown to tonight's showdown between South Africa's... (more)

Shoppers get set for smooth transition
From Financial Times. Posted October 17 2007, 4.33am
The people of Whitehaven are making sure they are prepared when their analogue signal is turned off, ushering the town into an era of digital-only TV viewing (more)

Citybeat hopeful for award
From Radio Today. Posted October 16 2007, 7.59am
Citybeat is up against the big boys in the Best Radio Station Event category of the Radio Academy Promotions and Marketing Awards tomorrow. The station is competing against Capital 95.8, Northants 96 and Northsound Radio, and say if they won, it would be a dream come true. (more)

Messy Media hopes blogs will be money makers
From Press Gazette. Posted October 15 2007, 12.00am
While blog publishing has gone mainstream in the United States, it has stagnated in the UK, creating an opportunity for the latest ex-journalists to venture into micro-publishing (more)

Hopes of deal to end post strikes
From BBC News. Posted October 12 2007, 7.36pm
Postal workers and Royal Mail bosses could be nearing a deal to end strike action, the BBC learns. (more)

Xfm creates new music awards
From Radio Today. Posted October 8 2007, 8.39am
GCap Media's Xfm is hoping to score with the launch of a new music award and subsiquent ceremony to acknowledge the best of 2007’s new music. The awards will be based around one major prize "The Xfm British Debut Album of the Year" and will take place at Koko in Camden next year. (more)

Trinity Mirror finds the going tough as newspaper auction hopes take a tumble
From Financial Times. Posted October 1 2007, 10.45pm
When Sir Victor Blank stepped down as the chairman of Trinity Mirror last year, many investors expected his successor to take a less sentimental view of its assets. (more)

The last hope for humanity - and dogs
From Financial Times. Posted September 29 2007, 3.00am
Do we need them? What are they for? And how long before they join the outcasts of history, along with dinosaurs, spinning wheels and analogue TV? The world has never... (more)

Virgin hoping to take on Sky with launch of new channel
From The Times. Posted September 28 2007, 12.00am
The launch of Sir Richard Branson’s first Virgin-branded television channel never promised to be an understated affair. As 200 guests enjoyed fairground rides and chart-topping bands in the grounds of the entrepreneur’s Oxfordshire retreat, the inclusion of a flight simulator among the attractions appeared prescient. (more)

Introducing New Releases of All Key Products in the First Hop� Wireless Broker? Suite
From Press Release, via webitpr. Posted September 27 2007, 1.06pm
Helsinki (Finland) ? 27 September, 2007 ? First Hop announced today the availability of new releases of all the key products in the First Hop� Wireless Broker? suite. The integrated suite of First Hop products form a powerful service delivery platform for personalised content services, 3rd party content provider management, and intelligent promotions. While new types of technologies and infrastructure, such as Mobile TV and IMS, are making their gradual entry into the market, SMS,... (more)

Heat radio: Your ears will be burning...
From The Independent. Posted September 24 2007, 1.00am
To anyone who manages to get through the week without Heat magazine's merry-go-round of gossip and celebrity, Lucie Cave's description of Heat Radio, which opens for business tomorrow, might sound slightly unsettling. "It's Heat in surround sound!" beams the diminutive features editor, as she tackles a shopper outside Topshop on London's Oxford Street to interview her for "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", a style segment that Cave is recording with Heat stylist Bronagh Meere for the magazine's new digital radio station. (more)

Channel 4 chairman snaps up Borders bookshops for £20m deal
From The Times. Posted September 22 2007, 12.00am
Luke Johnson, the Channel 4 chairman, has moved into bookshops through the £20 million acquisition of the struggling Borders and Books etc business. (more)

Argus launches campaign for Body Shop founder memorial
From Press Gazette. Posted September 19 2007, 12.00am
The Brighton Argus has launched a campaign to create a permanent memorial in the city for Anita Roddick, founder of the Bodyshop. (more)

Work on breakup of MV Communicator suspended
From Media Network Weblog. Posted September 18 2007, 4.07pm
Work on the breakup of the former radio ship MV Communicator in St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney, has been suspended after the authorities discovered that the owner, Andrew Banks, did not have the necessary licence to carry out the demolition. The Scottish Enviroment Protection Agency spoke to Mr Banks, who agreed to suspend the demolition work. [...] (more)

Anita Anand lands 'Drive' on BBC Radio 5 Live
From Biz Asia. Posted September 17 2007, 9.55am
BBC Radio 5 Live's popular presenter Anita Anand is moving from her late night show to front the 'Drive' programme, in major schedule changes taking place at the station from Monday 8th October. The ex-ZEE TV presenter has been with Radio 5 Live since 2005 after Matthew Bannister left the 22:00 chat show. Anita Anand will join Peter Allen on the new sounding 'Drive' show. She replaces Jane Garvey who has partnered Peter Allen in various programmes on Radio 5 Live since 1994. Anita Anand said: "I am delighted and really rather honoured to be taking over on 5 Live Drive. Jane has always been a presenter I have admired and respected. "To get the chance to work with a journalist of Peter's calibre is a joyous prospect. Drive is such an important news programme and I relish this new challenge." Peter Allen said: "Jane's been a delight to work with – and very long suffering. Bear in mind our partnership has lasted longer than the average marriage at the BBC! "Anita Anand is a terrific find for 5 Live, and has a great sense of humour, which is probably just as well." Meanwhile Richard Bacon will take over the late night show from Anita Anand on the same day. Radio 5 Live Controller Bob Shennan said: "It's the end of an era and I am really sad to lose Jane. She is a fantastic broadcaster and has played a major part in the station since its launch. I hope she will be back on it at some stage in the future. "I'm delighted to welcome Anita, Richard and Gabby to new places in our schedule. They are all familiar voices to our listeners and great talents." (more)

Planet QVC: Lights, camera, shopping!
From The Independent. Posted September 15 2007, 12.15am
Switch on the QVC shopping channel at almost any time of day or night and you'll find mostly the same thing: a lady of pleasant looks and mild demeanour sitting in a simple, inoffensive TV setting, holding up an object of everyday domestic usage and explaining, with expressive hand gestures, how it works. A vertical on-screen panel will explain that the device on offer is, in fact, a Remington Nano Gold Wet 2 Dry Hair Straightener, originally costin