Culture wars: Brits reckon divisions are ‘exaggerated but real’ May 28, 2021 Three-quarters of the public think divisions around the so-called culture wars are exaggerated by the media – but Brits still think there’s a problem. A new study published today revealed that 77 per cent of Brits believe the media often makes the country feel more divided than it really is, with a third saying they [...]
EU set to open antitrust probe into Facebook’s classified ads business May 26, 2021 The EU is said to be on the brink of opening a formal antitrust investigation into Facebook following complaints from rivals about the platform’s classified ads business. Regulators have already sent questions to Facebook and its competitors asking whether the social media site distorted the classified ads market by promoting its Marketplace services for free [...]
Crowd pleasers: England cricket test match and Royal Ascot picked for next fan pilot May 26, 2021 Thousands of fans will be able to attend an England cricket test match and Royal Ascot this summer as part of the next stage of the government’s pilot programme for major events. The second test of the men’s series against New Zealand, beginning on 10 June at Edgbaston, will be allowed to welcome more than [...]
The world is not enough: Amazon’s streaming push continues with $8.45bn deal for Bond studio MGM May 26, 2021 Amazon has confirmed it will acquire iconic film studio MGM in a deal worth $8.45bn (£6bn). MGM has more than a century of filmmaking history and is the home of a string of famous titles, including Tom & Jerry, The Wizard of Oz and the James Bond franchise. In a statement today the companies said [...]
Instagram for kids: Boss defends plans for new under-13s app May 26, 2021 The boss of Instagram has defended his company’s plans to develop a new version of the app for under-13s, saying it could help protect children from online harms. Earlier this year it emerged Facebook was working on a spin-off version of the popular photo-sharing app targeting a younger demographic. Currently the platform does not allow [...]
GB News gears up for TV debut as it unveils launch date May 26, 2021 GB News today took another step forward in its bid to shake up the UK broadcasting landscape as it unveiled plans to launch next month. The new TV channel, spearheaded by former BBC presenter Andrew Neil, said it will launch on Sunday 13 June. It will begin broadcasting at 8pm with a special programme titled [...]
Airbnb boss banks on long-term shift to remote working May 26, 2021 Airbnb is “not just a travel company anymore”, boss Brian Chesky has said, as he threw his weight behind a long-term shift to home working. The rental booking chief has unveiled a string of changes to the platform aimed at capitalising on new travel habits in the post-pandemic age. Chesky said Covid-19 had sparked the [...]
Covid: Grant Shapps admits local guidance ‘could have been clearer’ May 26, 2021 Transport secretary Grant Shapps today admitted the communications around the local guidance in coronavirus hotspots “could have been clearer”. “It’s important to say there are no new local lockdowns, no change in the law— the law is the same throughout England with regards to coronavirus,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “But I think [...]
SSE profit rises as energy giant ramps up net zero push May 26, 2021 SSE today posted a rise in profit for the full year as the energy giant pushes ahead with its strategy of reaching net zero carbon emissions. The FTSE 100 firm posted adjusted profit before tax of £1.06bn in the year to the end of March, up four per cent on the previous 12 months. This [...]
Federal Reserve strikes dovish tone to calm inflation fears May 26, 2021 The Federal Reserve last night reaffirmed its dovish approach to monetary policy, reassuring investors concerned about rising inflation. Fed vice chair Richard Clarida said the US central bank would be able to curb an outbreak of inflation and ensure a “soft landing” without hampering the country’s economic recovery. Fears have been mounting among investors about [...]
