RTL Group has signed an agreement with Luxembourg-based Continental Finance Group (CFG) to build up a joint venture for the production, operation and distribution of thematic, non-terrestrial TV channels in Russia and in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). According to the agreement, RTL Group will purchase 50 per cent of the shares of Content […]

The broadcast value chain is undergoing a significant transformation as digital workflows, HD and traditional IT infrastructure revolutionise the TV industry. The movement is creating immense challenges and opportunities for broadcasters as they fight to adapt to multi channel and multi platform distribution. In a new report, 'The Evolving Broadcast Value Chain', Datamonitor, independent market […]

From Branislav Pekic in Rome Mediaset has announced the launch of two new free-to-air digital terrestrial TV channels. Launching on November 30, Iris will be dedicated to cinema, theatre and opera. It will be able to count on a movie archive with more than 1,000 titles, but the schedule will also include sitcoms, TV series, […]

Google has launched an advertising service for its network in the UK and Ireland that will allow targeted ads to run around YouTube videos. The new offering, called Video Units, is the latest effort by Google in its bid to monetise YouTube video content. The new service is available to the thousands of websites that […]

From Sotires Eleftheriou in Paris The French broadcasting regulator CSA selected the projects submitted by TF1 and M6 for the two private sector HD channels on DTT, rejecting the projects from pay TV channel Canal+ and the project from the AB Groupe. The third available HD channel has been reserved for France 2. The CSA […]

UK Media regulator Ofcom has revealed proposals for a significant upgrade of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) that will offer more channels and new services. The proposed upgrade will create capacity allowing high definition television channels on DTT – on which Freeview operates – as early as 2009. It says the proposals would deliver significant benefits […]

EchoStar's DISH Network has launched two interactive television applications for the ESPN and Disney Channel cable channels. Available content includes scores, headlines, TV listings and interactive advertising for ESPN and games, show information and listings, and a digital video recorder for Disney Channel. Disney touted the applications as a way for advertisers to reach a […]

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five announced that they have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding that, if agreed, would deliver High Definition (HD) channels on Freeview by the projected completion of Digital Switchover in 2012. Potentially from late-2009/2010, BBC HD (see below), ITV HD and Channel 4 HD could all be available on […]

Research has revealed how the European TV-based video-on-demand and pay-per-view markets will develop over the next five years. From a low penetration of just under 8 per cent today, Screen Digest predict that by 2011 over 20 per cent of Western European households will have true video-on-demand (VoD), a 30 per cent growth on current […]

Freeview has confirmed that it is in 14 million UK homes, reinforcing its position as the most popular Digital TV Service. According to Ofcom's latest figures over 80 per cent of people moving away from analogue are opting to buy a Freeview digital box or a digital TV with Freeview built-in.