Channel 4 seeks talks with new culture secretary as it awaits privatisation decision July 21, 2016 Channel 4 is seeking discussions with the new culture secretary as it awaits a government decision on its future and a possible privatisation. The government has been considering selling off all of part of the publicly-owned, commercially-funded broadcaster since September last year. In May, Channel 4 chairman Charles Gurassa condemned the “prolonged uncertainty” around the potential [...]
More broadband problems for BT customers July 21, 2016 BT said it is close to resolving more internet connection issues reported by customers today – and said a power cut at another of its partner's sites had led to service problems. The telecoms provider said: “We’re sorry that some BT and Plusnet customers are having problems connecting to some internet services this morning. "This is [...]
In or out of Europe, the UK is an innovation economy – here’s how it can stay that way July 21, 2016 Forget Brexit for one moment and allow yourself time for some good news: Britain is going through a craft-making boom. Far from a hobby industry, it now contributes over £3.4bn to the UK economy annually – helping design and create everything from surgical implants, to drug catheters, to cars. And with targeted support from government [...]
Daily Mail publisher reports signs of ad market recovery after Brexit vote July 21, 2016 The publisher of the Daily Mail has acknowledged that the Brexit vote has “created some uncertainty” in the UK advertising market – but has reported a pick-up in revenue since the referendum result emerged. Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) has reported a one per cent growth in advertising revenues across DMG Media – the [...]
From community shares to regional pension funds: How crowdfunding is changing investment forever July 21, 2016 If you're an optimist, you’ll likely think that we’ve only seen the start of what new technologies can offer – and change. Although growth across alternative finance has slowed in the past 18 months, the models found in the industry have continued to evolve at pace. One such development was announced last week. Crowdfunder, one of [...]
BT needs to be open about Openreach aims July 20, 2016 When it comes to Openreach, the arm of BT that runs the UK's cables, fibre and network infrastructure, the telecoms giant is hovering outside the door of the last chance saloon. On the eve of a pivotal decision on the future of Openreach, MPs on the culture and media select committee have upped the ante [...]
Post-Brexit uncertainty won’t derail our commitment to the UK July 20, 2016 Today, the world’s largest international cable company has announced a significant vote of confidence in Britain. The company I run, Liberty Global, the parent of Virgin Media, has announced the next phase of a programme to connect 450,000 additional London premises to the fastest widely-available broadband speeds in the UK by the end of 2018. [...]
Twitter will let you apply to become a verified user July 19, 2016 Twitter's much-coveted blue tick of user verification is about to go mainstream. The tech giant said today it will allow any user to apply to gain the verified user status – usually reserved to high profile tweeters and celebs – which is illustrated by a tiny blue tick alongside their profile picture. Users will simply [...]
Theresa May has blessed the Arm acquisition, but fears are growing the new PM will be too interventionist on M&A July 18, 2016 Theresa May's new government gave its whole-hearted backing to the sale of Arm yesterday, but suggested it could block future deals if they are not considered to be “in the national interest”. May and her chancellor Philip Hammond hailed the £24bn purchase by Japanese giant Softbank, with Downing Street describing the deal as “a vote of confidence [...]
“Good result, job done”: Meet the Independent newspaper’s last chief executive July 18, 2016 It’s been a tough year on Fleet Street. Hundreds of national newspaper jobs have been lost. Publishers have suffered double-digit advertising revenue declines. And, if you include Trinity Mirror’s failed New Day, three titles have been closed. Right at the centre of the decision to close the other two of those newspapers – the Independent and Independent [...]