Media

The future of UK-based digital channel ONDigital looked fragile today after its owners Granada and Carlton Communications were advised to ditch the network – due to be rebranded and renamed ITV Digital in August. Sport and Interactive TV: A new report from SportBusiness Group:

The English Premier League is to formally accept the proposed consortium bid for rights to pay-per-view soccer within the next few days, sportbusiness.com has learned. Pay Per View Sport in Europe: A new report from SportBusiness Group:

Microsoft Corp. has announced that its MSN Internet unit will help produce the official Web site for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sport and Broadband: A new report from SportBusiness Group:

Breeders' Cup officials this week unveiled a plan aimed at boosting familiarity and interest in European horses among American racing fans ahead of this year's multi-million dollar thoroughbred racing card.

UK cable operator NTL joined the broadband market yesterday after it disclosed plans for high-speed internet access using its existing digital set-top boxes. Sport and Broadband: A new report from SportBusiness Group:

Grand Prix Sports Group (GPSG) has acquired the leading Formula One sponsorship and marketing consultancy, PSM Grand Prix Management Services.

Canadian television network CTV has put its 40 percent stake in sports broadcaster Sportsnet up for sale in line with regulatory requirements following the network’s purchase of rival broadcaster TSN.

Watford Leisure, the holding company for Watford soccer club in the UK is to obtain a listing on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), the junior stock market for small and growing companies.

Italian broadcaster RAI, holder of the country’s television rights to a number of sporting events including the 2004 European soccer championships, the Italian Formula One Grand Prix and the Tour de France, said profits for the year fell to $38million from $65m while revenues rose by 4 percent to $2.3bn.

The organisers of this year’s Goodwill Games in Brisbane have unveiled two new sponsors in the shape of America Online (AOL) and US broadcaster HBO. How to Develop Effective Sponsorship Programmes: A new report from SportBusiness Group:

The English Premier League is still looking for a new media partner, just two months from the beginning of the new soccer season.

Walt Disney and champion golfer Tiger Woods are believed to have struck a deal calling for Woods to appear in golfing exhibitions on Disney television networks.

The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) has scrapped plans to produce separate TV programming for the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) franchise it recently acquired.

BSkyB, the UK satellite TV operator which is run by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, will switch off the analogue signal on its sports channels Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 3 this weekend. Pay Per View Sport in Europe: A new report from SportBusiness Group:

News Corporation chairman Rupert Murdoch has stated in a report to investors that his proposed merger with US satellite TV firm DirecTV is within a few months of completion while the amalgamation of his Italian pay-TV operation Stream with its primary rival, the Vivendi Universal-owned Telepiu is only a matter of weeks away. Pay Per View Sport in Europe: A new report from SportBusiness Group:

World Sports Solutions (WSS) has extended its portfolio by targeting the golf industry. The Manchester-based sports management company was originally only involved in soccer but, for the last month, has also worked with the Williams Formula One racing team.