Screenshot: Can GB News survive the ad boycott backlash? June 18, 2021 This week **Media Moment of the Week: Richard Madeley goes full Partridge **Can GB News survive the ad boycott backlash? **London’s bumper fintech float: a Wise move Media Moment of the Week: Richard Madeley goes full Partridge It’s always risky when producers attempt a comeback of an old show, so I was sceptical when I [...]
When Warner takes over: David Guetta sells back catalogue June 17, 2021 French DJ David Guetta has sold his back catalogue to Warner in a deal worth a reported $100m (£72m), it was announced today. The producer, who has 50m record sales and more than 14bn streams to his name to date, is the latest in a string of artists to sell off their songs. The label [...]
Government mulls privatisation of Channel 4 next year June 17, 2021 The government could sell Channel 4 as early as next year, as the UK culture secretary seeks the “best model” for the broadcaster. Ministers are planning to launch a consultation within weeks to explore what is next for the 39-year-old company, the Financial Times reports this evening. Youth-oriented Channel 4 is owned by the government [...]
ITV outlines Love Island duty of care measures amid safety fears June 17, 2021 ITV has outlined stringent duty of care protocols for the upcoming series of Love Island after media watchdog Ofcom tightened safety rules for reality TV. The hit dating show, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, will return to screens later this month for its seventh series. But producers have now introduced a [...]
Ofcom flooded with GB News complaints amid advertising boycott June 17, 2021 Ofcom has been hit with a flood of complaints over GB News’ opening night, piling pressure on the channel amid an advertising boycott. The media watchdog received 373 complaints about a programme hosted by Dan Wootton on Sunday night. During a monologue in his inaugural show, the former Sun executive editor railed against Covid lockdowns, [...]
Reality TV stars named and shamed in social media ads crackdown June 17, 2021 Four reality TV stars have been named and shamed by the advertising watchdog as part of a crackdown on influencers flouting ad rules on their social media profiles. Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry, X Factor reject-turned Playboy model Chloe Khan, bodybuilder Jodie Marsh and Towie’s Lucy Mecklenburgh are the first influencers to be named on [...]
Music fund Hipgnosis to raise £150m for song-buying spree June 16, 2021 Hipgnosis is set to raise a further £150m through a share placing as the music royalties firm continues to cash in on the booming value of song rights. The London-listed company today said it will raise the funds through the placing of 124m new shares priced at 121p each. This represents a 2.4 per cent [...]
British music exports grow to record high as streaming hits the right note June 16, 2021 The value of British music sales and streams surpassed half a billion pounds for the first time last year thanks to the growing popularity of streaming services such as Spotify. Global consumption of British music generated £519m in export earnings in 2020 — a six per cent increase year on year and the highest figure [...]
Prime minister calls harassment of BBC journalist Nick Watt ‘disgraceful’ June 15, 2021 Footage posted on social media showed anti-lockdown protesters verbally abusing and chasing Nick Watt, the political editor of BBC Newsnight, near Downing Street on Monday. On Twitter, the prime minister said: “Disgraceful to see the hounding of Nick Watt doing his job.” “The media must be able to report the facts without fear or favour – [...]
Investors stare into the unknown as Keywords CEO Andrew Day departs after bumper year June 15, 2021 Keywords Studios CEO Andrew Day will step down from his role following an extended leave of absence. Jon Hauck and Sonia Sedler will continue as joint interim CEOs until a replacement is found, the company confirmed today. “It should come as little surprise that Andrew Day is stepping down from his role as CEO at [...]
