Sky owner Comcast announces plan to split Business Comcast, the US media behemoth which owns Sky TV, has announced plans to split in two. The deal comes just as Sky is agreeing terms of a multi-billion-pound acquisition of part of ITV, which would unite the UK’s biggest pay-TV provider with the channels and streaming platform of its dominant free-to-air service. London traders looked unperturbed at [...]
Government is set to deal major blow to Big Tech’s moves into sports rights Sport Business The government is set to deal a major blow to Big Tech’s moves into sports rights after launching a consultation on the future of broadcasting. A green paper – an exploratory consultation – was announced by the minister for creative industries, media and arts, Ian Murray, on Tuesday, proposing to prevent streaming platforms such as [...]
Government to take on big tech in bid to boost British news Tech The government is preparing to force social media platforms to boost the presence of British news providers to counter misinformation, in a move likely to ruffle the feathers of big tech firms. Ministers are preparing to consult on rules which would require platforms like YouTube and Meta to make UK news sites like the BBC, [...]
Hydration breaks: World Cup ad cost could eclipse Super Bowl’s $7m price tag June 17, 2026 Ads during hydration breaks at the Fifa World Cup final could cost more than a Super Bowl commercial, according to one of the world’s biggest advertising groups. This year’s World Cup in North America and Mexico has introduced a drinks break during each half of football, effectively cutting the game into quarters, like many US [...]
As it happened: Markets on high alert as Streeting calls on Starmer to resign May 14, 2026 Welcome back to the City AM liveblog. The past few days of political drama have to come to a head today and UK assets are bracing for a showdown. All eyes were on the bond market after Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary and called for a leadership contest. Gilt yields see-sawed yesterday as Sir [...]
ITV banks on World Cup boost as Sky talks rumble on May 14, 2026 ITV is eyeing a rebound in ad revenue in the second quarter as the broadcaster bets on the World Cup to power a summer recovery. The broadcaster and producer behind Love Island and Rivals posted flat revenue for the first quarter, with growth in ITV Studios and streaming platform ITVX offsetting weaker ad sales. Total [...]
Why World Cup hydration breaks will push traditional ads to the subs bench March 15, 2026 Hydration breaks at the World Cup could usher in major changes to advertising during live sport, writes Jonathan Haines. As broadcasters prepare for the 2026 World Cup, an unexpected talking point has emerged. The tournament will feature mid-half hydration breaks, introduced to protect players from the searing heat predicted this summer in North America. But [...]
FTSE 100 Live: Airline shares fall after Wizz Air profit warning; Primark new boss March 5, 2026 Good morning and welcome back to the City AM liveblog. Global markets returned to a touch of stability on Wednesday as energy prices retreated as investors awaited the latest on the events in the Middle East. The FTSE 100 ended the day 0.8 per cent higher at 10,567.65p – still far below it’s level at [...]
Exclusive: Times Radio in discussions for Boat Race radio rights February 26, 2026 Times Radio is in advanced discussions with the Boat Race over the exclusive radio rights for the annual Oxbridge regatta on the Thames, City AM understands. The race’s TV broadcast is already switching from the BBC to Channel 4 and organisers are now closing in on a move to commercial radio for the first time [...]
Fans negative towards Samsung and Virgin Atlantic Six Nations in-game adverts February 16, 2026 The majority of Six Nations fans have reacted negatively to in-game adverts during the rugby tournament. UK broadcaster ITV’s coverage has been broken up with adverts during scrum resets across the opening two weekends of the tournament, which involves England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy. Samsung and Virgin Atlantic both saw an increase in [...]