The Radio Authority is inviting applications for a digital
multiplex licence for Leeds and its surrounding areas. The zone served
by the licence allows potential coverage of an adult (aged 15+)
population of up to one million people, broadly corresponding to the
coverage of the existing ’first generation’ Leeds-based local radio
stations.
Following months of speculation Talk Radio announced last Friday that it
had bought Independent Radio Group, the regional operator that includes
Scot FM and Wire FM, for pounds 21.4 million.
The internet’s standards watchdog has agreed to bring into line the
frequency of electronic media audits. The Joint Industry Committee for
Web Standards says that from 1 January audits will be carried out once a
month. This will enable sites to prove their effectiveness to
advertisers, and comes as ACNielsen prepares to roll out its internet ad
effectiveness measurement service.
Manning Gottlieb Media has won the pounds 7 million media planning and
buying account for TheTrain.com, the ticket booking website owned by
Virgin Trains and Stagecoach. The campaign begins on 30 October,
encompassing TV, radio, outdoor and online ads.
Initiative Media’s new IT arm Initiative.com has revealed the results of
a pan-European study of internet usage. The research, entitled
Cyberscan, shows that 27 per cent of European adults now use the
internet, 9 per cent every day and 27 per cent weekly. The average user
is 33 years old and 40 per cent of users are now women.
Kellogg’s has returned to sponsorship with its latest breakfast cereal,
Crispix. The deal involves Michael Barrymore’s new show, Kids say the
Funniest Things, which goes on air 31 October on ITV. The move forms
part of a brand launch that includes TV, press and poster campaigns.
Virgin Records has appointed Zinc, a new-media agency, as strategic
consultant. Virgin is currently discussing plans for a Spice
Girls-branded free ISP.
Northcliffe Newspapers is to launch The Latest, a national entertainment
magazine. The magazine will carry national news and local listings, and
expects to compete with titles such as Time Out and City Life whilst
also attracting national advertisers. The Latest will be published
monthly and aims to attract upwards of 100,000 readers.
PlayStation Plus has relaunched in a bid to attract a younger
readership. The title has a current ABC rating of 61,000 in a market
that has fallen 7 per cent. It is hoping to increase its audience share
with a core of 15- to 17-year-old males, but faces stiff competition
from 16 other PlayStation titles.
Golden Rose Communications is to change its name to Jazz FM to reflect
the radion stations it runs in London and the North-west. GRC’s losses
in the nine months to 30 June were pounds 2 million, however turnover
was up 14 per cent to 2.8 million.
Automotive Supplier TWR Group has a new sponsorship deal with Baan
Company. Baan will sponsor a range of TWR racing projects including the
Arrow Grand Prix team, whose cars carry the Baan logo on their side
pods.
