Why piracy means the sports broadcasting rights bubble is ‘about to burst’ October 8, 2019 The value of sports broadcast rights is on the verge of collapse due to rampant piracy, the head of the world’s largest investor in managed rights has warned. Yousef Al-Obaidly, chief executive of Qatari media network beIN, said the “glorious media rights bubble” was set to burst due to the large-scale piracy of sports competitions [...]
BBC tried to block Ofcom probe into Naga Munchetty impartiality row October 7, 2019 Ofcom has slammed the BBC’s “lack of transparency” after the broadcaster attempted to block the regulator’s investigation into an impartiality row. BBC director general Tony Hall last week reversed the corporation’s decision to partially uphold a complaint into Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty over her comments about US President Donald Trump. Read more: BBC plots iPlayer [...]
How BBC plans to overhaul iPlayer for the Netflix age October 7, 2019 The BBC is gearing up to overhaul its on-demand iPlayer service as it braces for an onset of newcomers in the crowded streaming market. The corporation is planning to reposition the iPlayer as the main access point for its services amid a decline in traditional TV viewing among younger audiences. Read more: Ofcom gives green [...]
Magazine publisher TI Media narrows loss as digital shift helps cut costs October 6, 2019 The publishing group behind Country Life and Horse & Hound has slashed its loss for the full year, as cost-cutting moves helped offset a decline in revenue. TI Media posted a pre-tax loss of £3.2m in the year to 31 December 2018, compared to £13.7m in the previous 12 months. Read more: Marie Claire ends [...]
Netflix gets €57,000 tax rebate in the UK as binge-watching boosts profit October 3, 2019 Netflix has received a €57,000 (£51,000) tax rebate from the UK government last year, even as the success of hit shows such as The Crown and Stranger Things drove a rise in profit. The tax credit, granted as an incentive to produce films and TV shows in the UK, follows a rebate of €199,000 in [...]
Public relations firm Kekst CNC appoints Robbie Gibb as adviser October 2, 2019 Public relations firm Kekst CNC has appointed Sir Robbie Gibb, the former communications director to Theresa May, as a senior adviser. Gibb has been tapped to advise the Kekst CNC’s board and management teams both in the US and internationally. The former Downing Street spin doctor previously worked as head of BBC Westminster, overseeing the [...]
Duke and Duchess of Sussex sue Mail on Sunday as they launch attack on Fleet Street October 1, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have filed a lawsuit against the Mail on Sunday as they launched a blistering attack on the press over its “ruthless campaign” against them. In a statement posted to the couple’s website, Prince Harry said they were suing the newspaper over alleged misuse of private information, copyright infringement and [...]
Vice Media on verge of deal to snap up digital media firm Refinery29 October 1, 2019 Vice Media is said to be in the final stages of discussions with Refinery29 about a takeover of the female-focused digital media company. The two companies have agreed on most of the details for a combined cash and share buyout, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Read more: DC Thomson [...]
Sainsbury’s heir to the throne quits to join media powerhouse WPP October 1, 2019 Sainsbury’s has confirmed the CEO of Argos is quitting the retail space to join advertising giant WPP as its new chief financial officer, sparking speculation that boss Mike Coupe is in for the long haul. John Rogers, widely tipped as Coupe’s long-term successor, will leave the retailer on 31 October after almost 15 years at [...]
Axel Springer cuts revenue guidance as it announces restructuring plan September 30, 2019 German media giant Axel Springer has warned it expects a decline in full-year revenue and profit, as it unveiled plans to restructure its news media division. The firm, which owns a string of news brands including Business Insider, said revenue will decline in the low to mid single-digit range, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, [...]