Advanced Television

FTA

ITV edges up, cuts debt

ITV achieved £1.51 billion (€1.75bn) revenue in the first nine months of 2011 as its ad revenue edged up 2 per cent against market trend, though it was only 1 per cent ahead of last year in Q3. Meanwhile, in production, ITV Studios revenue was up 9 per cent to £224 million on strong international […]

November 14, 2011

BT power cut blacks out X Factor

One of the biggest UK TV audiences in recent history was left frustrated on Saturday night when an apparent power failure at BT Tower delayed the live broadcast by over 15 minutes. As viewers waited for news on who would replace Frankie Cocozza – removed for drug use – they were greeted with apologies and a […]

November 14, 2011

Canal Plus and TVN merge Polish DTH

Following the news in October that France’s leading pay-TV platform Canal Plus was entering  into exclusive negotiations with Poland’s ITI and TVN Groups to create a strategic partnership in Poland, ITI has confirmed that Canal Plus  is to buy a “significant minority” stake in ITI, the parent company of the owner of 51 per cent […]

November 2, 2011

National Disney Channel for Russia

The Walt Disney Company has completed a deal to introduce a national broadcast version of the Disney Channel in Russia. Disney said it would pay $300 million to acquire 49 per cent of Seven TV, a broadcast channel that reaches about 40 million households, or more than 75 per cent of Russia’s measured television audience. […]

October 28, 2011

Argos TV joins Freesat

Freesat, the subscription-free satellite TV service, has confirmed the addition of Argos TV shopping channel to its line-up of over 150 channels and on Demand TV. The Argos TV shopping channel is available immediately on Freesat Channel 819. Freesat’s Head of Channels, Mark Briggs said: “With the Christmas shopping rush approaching, we’re delighted to offer […]

October 26, 2011

Sky: Why should the BBC get a free ride?

Rob Webster, BSkyB’s group commercial director, has responded to the BBC’s plea to let it off the £10 million re-transmission fee for relaying regional programmes around the UK. Webster lists a bunch of BBC operational costs including travel, hotels and hospitality then asks: “Now, of those costs, which is the odd one out? Well, it’s […]

October 20, 2011

Discovery MAX takes over from Veo on Spanish DTT

Discovery Networks International is launching FTA channel Discovery MAX on January 12th that will be available throughout Spain on the DTT platform on the channel 69 currently occupied by Veo TV. The launch of this new channel on Spain’s DTT is the result of a recent agreement between Discovery Networks and Unidad Editorial in the […]

October 20, 2011From David Del Valle in Madrid

Eight shortlisted for Italian DTT

The Italian government’s special commission (AgCom) has shortlisted eight would-be broadcasting companies for the nation’s auction of six new digital terrestrial TV frequencies following the country’s absolute switch-off of analogue TV broadcasting. Initially, 10 firms submitted bids. Five of the new bundles are for DVB-T broadcasting, while one is for DVB-H. The finalists, together with […]

October 17, 2011By Chris Forrester

Title fight streamed on TVonics Freeview

This weekend, some Freeview viewers will be able to watch Nathan Cleverly defend his WBO World Light- Heavyweight crown against Commonwealth Champion, Tony Bellew. For viewers with the latest generation of Freeview+HD boxes from British manufacturer TVonics, the fight will be streamed live on Freeview Channel 112 at 7pm on October 15th. The live broadcast […]

October 13, 2011

ITV restructures online ready for micro-pay

ITV is restructuring its online and on-demand business to centre on four product categories as it prepares to launch a series of digital innovations, including micropayments on ITV Player. The broadcaster has chosen specific product groups around which it will focus its resources: ITV Player; programme and web support; commerce and ventures; and news and […]

October 11, 2011