The Ofcom chief executive, Ed Richards, has confirmed the UK regulator is to abandon plans for a “public service publisher”. He said the idea had “served its purpose” in shifting the debate on the future of public service broadcasting by emphasising the importance of digital media. It is understood that Ofcom no longer envisages recommending […]

Highwinds Network Group, a multi-platform IP services and content distribution provider, has closed a $55 million round of equity financing led by General Catalyst Partners and Alta Communications. The financing will fund the infrastructure build-out of Highwinds' RollingThunder network, including a content delivery network offering. Highwinds' RollingThunder network was unveiled in conjunction with an announcement […]

Co-founder of Pace Micro Technology Barry Rubery is returning to the digital TV industry by joining interactive technology provider Electra Entertainment as Chief Executive. Rubery joins Electra coinciding with the launch of its next-generation interactivity technology platform for digital terrestrial and satellite television Electra is part of General Entertainment Technology Corporation, the newly-established holding company […]

Modern Times Group (MTG), the international entertainment broadcasting group is selling national Russian free-to-air television network 'DTV Group' to CTC Media for approximately $395 million on cash. MTG owns 39.5 per cent of CTC Media, which is Russia's largest independent television broadcaster. The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

Entriq, the CA / DRM company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DayPort, a player in video publishing, content, workflow, and syndication solutions.

France Telecom subsidiary Viaccess has agreed to acquire 100 percent of Israel’s Orca Interactive for $21.4 million. Orca Interactive, a subsidiary of telecom group Emblaze, develops software for IPTV. It has gross assets of $15.9 million and posted a net loss of $4.3 million in 2007. Emblaze said the deal is worth about 59 cents […]

Virgin Media has confirmed the appointment of Neil Berkett to the role of Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Berkett has been Acting Chief Executive Officer of the company since the resignation of Steve Burch in August 2007. Neil will also be joining the Board of Directors of Virgin Media. It also announced Jacques Kerrest, […]

Kate Burns, one of Google’s first UK managing director, has been hired to run the British operation of YouTube competitor Dailymotion. Burns has the job of increasing the online video website’s user numbers, the amount of user-generated and official content uploaded, and boosting revenues.

Digital video recorder maker TiVo reported a narrower Q4 loss, beating expectations as it cut marketing costs and pushed its high-definition product. Its net loss decreased to $6.4 million from a year-earlier $19.5 million. TiVo is trying to drive sales of its $299 TiVo HD box rather than the free, standard-definition offer from a year […]

Russia may limit foreign ownership of ISPs, broadcasters and publishing houses, extending a list of industries deemed strategic, a senior lawmaker told Reuters. Russia’s parliament is set to debate the controversial law this month amid a row between government officials and the security services over what industries should be deemed sensitive and how much to […]