Independent and Evening Standard could face probe over Saudi stakes June 13, 2019 The Independent and the Evening Standard could face an inquiry over public interest concerns after a mysterious Saudi investor took major stakes in the titles. Culture secretary Jeremy Wright today said he is mulling an investigation into the groups behind the two newspapers, amid fears the deals could compromise freedom of expression and the accurate [...]
Podcast listeners outspend their peers, report finds June 13, 2019 Podcast listeners outspend their peers by as much as 179 per cent, a new study has revealed, in a sign that brands can cash in on avid on-demand audiences. People who listen to podcasts spend significantly more in all areas than those who do not, with the starkest contrast found among millennials, according to figures [...]
Channel 4 grows revenue as it doubles down on digital June 11, 2019 Channel 4 has posted a modest rise in revenue for the year as it looks to shift its focus to digital viewing amid a “challenging” economic environment. The broadcaster reported a 1.5 per cent rise in revenue to £975m in 2018, as record digital revenue offset a decline in traditional viewing. Pre-tax profit hit £5m, [...]
Advertisers slam government over junk food ad ban proposals June 9, 2019 Advertisers have launched a scathing attack on the government’s plans to ramp up restrictions on junk food advertising, describing them as “totally disproportionate” and lacking in evidence. In submissions to a government consultation, seen exclusively by City A.M., industry bodies Isba and the Advertising Association (AA) said the proposals would harm advertisers and consumers but [...]
Calls for mobile operators to give guarantees over rural ‘not-spot’ proposals June 6, 2019 Campaign groups have called on mobile operators to give guarantees for consumers and businesses over plans to tackle so-called rural not-spots. Consumer group Which and four rural organisations have penned a letter to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) calling for legal obligations to ensure operators improve 4G coverage in rural areas. [...]
Ofcom boss Sharon White chosen as next John Lewis chair June 6, 2019 Ofcom boss Sharon White is set to replace Sir Charlie Mayfield as the next chair of John Lewis, taking on the role as the retailer battles to recover from a recent plunge in profits and tough trading conditions on the high street. White, who is currently chief executive of the UK’s communications regulator, is set [...]
BT to close 90 per cent of its UK offices June 5, 2019 BT Group will shut offices in more than 270 locations across UK as it seeks to cut £1.5bn in costs. The telecoms company is to slash its number of offices across the UK by 90 per cent, leaving just 30 open. In some locations, existing buildings will be refurbished while in others BT will move [...]
Firms to make it easier for mobile and broadband customers to switch June 3, 2019 Broadband, phone and pay TV companies have signed up to a string of new measures that will ensure customers are treated fairly, as regulator Ofcom continues its crackdown on poor customer service. BT, Vodafone, O2 and Sky are among the companies that have committed to helping customers get a good deal and switch providers easily [...]
HMRC cracks down on number spoofing scams in fight against fraud June 1, 2019 HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has put a block in place on numbers that were using spoofing tactics to impersonate genuine tax officials. Fraudsters had been using so-called number spoofing so that when calling people it would appear as HMRC’s actual phone numbers on their display. Read more: City of London Police apologises after diamond [...]
Netflix raises prices by 20 per cent as it blames $15bn production budget May 30, 2019 Netflix is raising the prices of some of its subscriptions by as much as 20 per cent as it prepares to ramp up investment in new TV shows and films. The streaming service is increasing the cost of its standard plan, which allows users to watch on two screens, by £1 to £8.99, while the [...]