Social Media branches into TV advertising
Much has been made of Twitter and Facebook’s potential as online advertisers, but have you ever considered that they may one day play an important part in TV advertising too? According to a new report, that’s a distinct possibility. The Social TV report from media analysts Futurescape features interviews from figures across the media and technology industries and puts forward an argument that as our TVs make the transition to being online devices,... [Read More...]
KidsCo launches online streaming and community
KidsCo, the kids entertainment network part-owned by NBC Universal, has relaunched its website to enable users to stream full-length shows and interact with each other. Kidscotv.tv has been designed to boost engagement with children, who can now play a range of games on the site, which features characters Sonic the Hedgehog, Dino Squad and Boo & Me. They can also upload photos, drawings and jokes and share them with other KidsCo fans. Paul Robinson,... [Read More...]
Online TV a weekly habit for majority of young adults
More than half of 18- to 24-year-olds watch television online at least once a week, according to new research from YouGov. The research company’s ‘Media Migration’ poll sampled the views of 828 adults online, of whom 55 per cent aged 18-24 years old watch television in this way compared with only 12 per cent of over 55s. Of those respondents who view TV online, only 9 per cent are watching less now compared to a year ago while six... [Read More...]
Lastminute.com launches online TV channel
Lastminute.com is launching a new online TV channel, as it looks to transform itself into a hub for destination information. The new channel, to be found at Lastminute.com/tv, will feature a mixture of ad campaign material and dedicated content. The site is being developed by digital content specialists Adjust Your Set, which has created similar websites for M&S and Thomas Pink. The move is part of a wider strategy by lastminute.com UK and Ireland... [Read More...]
Kevin Lygo to leave Channel 4 to lead ITV Studios
Kevin Lygo, director of television and content at Channel 4, is to join ITV to lead its production arm ITV Studios in Adam Crozier’s first high-profile appointment since he joined the broadcaster last week. Lygo joins as managing director of ITV Studios and will work with Peter Fincham, director of television, channels and online. Lee Bartlett, formerly managing director of ITV Studios, will continue to oversee ITV Studio’s international... [Read More...]
BSkyB expands the reach of Sky Player
BSkyB has signed a deal with a third manufacturer to offer its internet TV service Sky Player through integrated set-top boxes this summer. The Sky Player service allows both Sky satellite customers and dedicated Sky Player TV subscribers to access a range of live channels and video-on-demand services through the internet. From this summer, Sky customers will be able to watch the Sky Player through Humax’s Freeview HD and HD digital TV recorder... [Read More...]
ITV builds interaction for Britain’s Got Talent around own website
ITV has stepped up social media engagement as part of its online campaign for this year’s series of Britain’s Got Talent, but has reiterated its stance that it won’t sign revenue deals with YouTube. The broadcaster is positioning ITV.com as the hub for all digital activity, with an overhaul of its Britain’s Got Talent site allowing fans to interact with the judges as well as each other in more depth. However, ITV still refuses to sign any... [Read More...]
Peter Cowley leaves Endemol UK
Peter Cowley, MD of digital media at Endemol UK, is leaving after seven years at the company to set up his own business. The independent production company is also creating a digital media board, chaired by Endemol chief operating officer Lucas Church, and David Flynn, MD of Remarkable Television. The board will look after all of Endemol UK’s digital media activities including original digital productions and multi-platform brand extensions. Tim... [Read More...]
Project Canvas appoints technology and marketing heads
Project Canvas has appointed Anthony Rose and Tim Hunt as chief technology officer and director of marketing respectively. The positions will be on an interim basis while the proposed on-demand TV service from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, Arqiva, BT and ISP TalkTalk awaits the go-ahead from the BBC Trust. Rose joins from the BBC where he was future media controller of the vision and online media group. Previously he was head of digital media technology,... [Read More...]