Twitter shares jump as Elliott makes move to oust founder Jack Dorsey March 2, 2020 Shares in Twitter rose more than eight per cent in early trading in New York this afternoon after it emerged an activist investor has launched a bid to oust founder Jack Dorsey. Elliott Management has built up a stake in the social media firm and has nominated four directors to its board. The New York-based [...]
Twitter bans ‘non-critical’ business travel over coronavirus fears March 2, 2020 Twitter has rolled out a ban on all “non-critical” business travel and events as the social media firm ramps up its health precautions amid the coronavirus outbreak. In a blog post published yesterday, Twitter’s chief HR officer Jennifer Christie said the company had informed staff of the new measures at the end of last week. [...]
Tuning in: Has the City undervalued the podcast craze? March 1, 2020 With podcasts steadily shoring up their position as a mainstay of the modern media landscape, canny distributors have been biding their time. But now Aim-listed podcast platform Audioboom seems ready to cash in on the booming popularity of on-demand listening. Last month the Nicky Candy-backed audio firm, which distributes podcasts including nerdy QI favourite No [...]
Sky closes in on bumper £300m Six Nations broadcasting deal March 1, 2020 Sky is said to be closing in on a £300m deal for the broadcast rights to the Six Nations in a controversial move that could wipe the rugby tournament from terrestrial TV. The tender process for the new broadcasting contract is set to close when this year’s tournament wraps up on 14 March, with Sky [...]
Government launches review to protect future of radio February 27, 2020 The government today outlined plans for a review aimed at protecting the future of radio amid growing pressure from new technology and listening habits. The digital radio and audio review will address changing trends in the UK audio market, including the rise of smart speakers and streaming services. Its terms of reference, agreed with industry [...]
Netflix UK shows ‘not aligned to British taste’, say top media analysts February 27, 2020 Netflix’s UK shows are “not necessarily aligned to British taste” and cannot be compared to the BBC’s home-grown dramas, according to top media analysts. In a note issued today, Enders Analysis threw its weight behind the BBC’s value to the wider creative economy and blasted “naive” comparisons between the public service broadcaster and Silicon Valley [...]
Online harms laws will not harm free speech, vows Ofcom boss February 27, 2020 The rollout of new laws to tackle so-called online harms will not lead to censorship or damage free speech, a top Ofcom executive has said. Earlier this month the government said it would appoint Ofcom as Britain’s first internet watchdog, tasked with crackdown down on illegal and harmful material on social media sites. The beefed-up [...]
Chrysalis Records relaunches with Laura Marling deal February 26, 2020 Iconic record label Chrysalis Records today announced its relaunch as an active label, signing up British singer songwriter Laura Marling. Chrysalis, which was founded in 1968, pioneered some of the biggest artists in the 70s and 80s, including Billy Idol, Blondie and Sinead O’Connor. The relaunch marks the first time in more than two decades [...]
Top journalists Nick Robinson and Jon Snow in isolation over coronavirus fears February 26, 2020 The BBC’s Nick Robinson and Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow are both in self-isolation as coronavirus fears take their toll on British journalism. Robinson, who presents Radio 4’s Today programme, said he had been given a “routine precautionary check” for the virus after returning from Vietnam and Cambodia. The former Beeb political editor said he [...]
This Morning star Eamonn Holmes faces hefty bill after losing IR35 tax case February 25, 2020 Veteran TV presenter Eamonn Holmes could be facing a hefty tax bill after losing a case against HMRC over his employment status. Holmes, who hosts ITV’s This Morning, had argued he was a freelancer as he received payments from the broadcaster through his company Red, White and Green Limited. However, a judge ruled that the [...]