Tiscali TV has introduced a new search tool to its EPG that is designed to help viewers navigate their way through the IPTV operator’s mix of on demand, catch up and broadcast content.
Regulator approves Prisa Sogecable takeover
Spanish stock market regulator CNMV has approved the takeover of Sogecable by media house Prisa.
BPG announces award nominations
It’s not often that Dame Judi Dench gets nominated alongside a convicted forger, but the shortlist for the 34th annual Broadcasting Press Guild Awards places the Cranford actress alongside John Myatt, the presenter of Sky Arts’ Mastering the Art.
Dutch pubcasters faced with large podcast bills
Dutch public broadcasters NPS, NOS, KRO and VPRO have received large copyright bills for podcasts that may contain music from the Dutch Association of Record Companies (NVPI) through the rights agency SENA. A number of podcasts have been or are now being taken off-line. Broadcaster KRO said it has received a bill of over €10,000, while […]
ProSiebenSat.1 acquires SBS
ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG has acquired SBS Broadcasting for €3.3 billion. The deal, which is not subject to any regulatory approval, will be finalized by the end of the month following the signing of a purchase agreement earlier today. Both SBS and ProSiebenSat.1 are controlled by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Permira, and the integration […]
Polsat sounds out radio station
Polsat is preparing to move into the radio business. Local press reports indicate that the Polish national commercial broadcaster is about to buy a 51% stake in the Warsaw radio station Radio PiN for between PLN10-13 million (€2.6-3.4 million). Radio PiN was launched in 2002 and is currently owned by Prokom Investments. It recently had […]
Fraunhofer to work on Worldspace receiver blueprints
Worldspace has signed an agreement with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits to produce a receiver reference design for its digital satellite radio services. Worldspace intends to roll out its services on a region-by-region basis, commencing with Italy. Worldspace will operate with a combination of satellite and terrestrial repeater networks. In addition to Italy the […]
RTL to acquire John de Mol’s Tien
According to Dutch newspaper reports, John de Mol’s Tien channel will be acquired by RTL Nederland. However, a spokesperson for De Mol said no deal has been signed. Tien would be turned into an RTL branded channel, probably RTL10, but programming from the channel would be spread across the RTL channels. RTL would also incorporate […]
Lagardere wants to be a Virgin
The French Groupe Lagardère wants to rebrand its Europe 2 TV channel and radio station as Virgin. The company has signed an agreement with the British Virgin group to be able to exploit the brand name in France. Europe 2 TV would become Virgin TV and Europe 2 Virgin Radio. To this effect Lagardère has […]
Worldspace secures $155m refinancing
Satellite radio service Worldspace has said it has reached agreement with holders of its $155 million (€114.54) convertible notes to redeem $50m in cash and renegotiate the terms of the remaining notes. It means that note holders will no longer be able to require Worldspace to redeem the convertible notes on December 31, 2007. Worldspace […]