TV Story of the Week
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has confirmed the Government has scrapped plans to privatise Channel 4. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the broadcaster will remain in public ownership, ‘but with greater commercial flexibility and increased investment in skills and jobs across the UK’. Both the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) and the ISBA (Incorporated Society of British Advertisers) have lobbied against privatisation since it was first tabled in 2021. The trade bodies expressed delight at the news.
Radio Story of the Week
Bauer Media Group, owners of Absolute Radio, announced they will be removing the station from medium wave this month as it turns off all AM frequencies for the station across the country. Absolute Radio launched exclusively on AM (as Virgin Radio) 30 years ago. Whilst this is a historic milestone for the radio industry, it shouldn’t affect many listeners as just two percent of all listening currently takes place on AM. The move makes Absolute Radio a digital-only service, broadcasting nationally on DAB and online.
Social Media Story of the Week
Twitter is relaxing some of its policies that ban political advertisements on the platform as company chief Elon Musk attempts to boost revenue and cut costs. The social media company initially banned all forms of political advertising in 2019. Twitter has signalled a reversal of that policy, announcing it plans to ‘expand the political advertising we permit in the coming weeks.’ In a post on Twitter’s safety account, the company said it would align its advertising policy with that of TV broadcasters and other media outlets to continue protecting people on Twitter.
OOH Story of the Week
Tesco has begun a major rollout of digital screens across its stores, as part of its plans to increase revenue from in-store media. Tesco has said the connected displays would be installed in 150 stores by March this year. Displays are equipped to feature animated content and visuals, contributing to in-store campaigns or exclusive product launches, alongside traditional point of sale campaigns.