Enders Analysis provides a subscription research service covering the media, entertainment, mobile and fixed telecommunications industries in Europe, with a special focus on new technologies and media.
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Douglas McCabe was quoted in an article regarding Local TV in the UK, a government-led project inspired by the success of regional channels in the US. Local TV faces an uphill battle in the UK to secure viewers and credibility. He commented " All local TV business will struggle to get the audience that they need."
Vodafone Europe’s service revenue growth improved by 1.1ppts to -8.5% in the March quarter, but this was all driven by a waning regulatory impact, with underlying growth nudging down slightly
The company’s service revenue growth improved a fraction more than its competitors, but it has barely narrowed the substantial gap, and contract net adds share fell after three consecutive quarters of improvement
Hopes for a recovery in underlying growth still centre on M&A, with EC decisions due in June, and on the Project Spring investment paying off, but this is unlikely to result in improved financial metrics for a year at least
In Q1 2014 Sky has reaped the rewards of its marketing strategy focused on high quality longer term subscribers with churn hitting a record low, sustaining net adds, while ARPU growth remains healthy However we perceive no change in the underlying trend: Sky’s profitability should rise smoothly towards an EBITDA margin approaching 20% in fiscal 2017 – the last year of the current Bundesliga contract In a market slow to adopt digital innovations Sky is comfortably ahead of the competition – even if trailing international peers. Its long term success will depend on its ability to build on its distinctiveness through its innovative user interface, on demand offering and original as well as exclusive content
James Barford was invited to the Today programme to discuss Vodafone's FY 2013/14 results and forward strategy for the company in the context of current competitive performance and the investments funded by the proceeds from the recent sale of its stake in Verizon Wireless. James also shared views on consolidation prospects related to AT&T's rumoured interest in Vodafone earlier in the year as well as competition regulation in Europe. The interview begins at 1:19:00 into the programme.
TalkTalk achieved solid broadband net adds, accelerating TV net adds and 5% revenue growth in the March quarter, and a significant price rise in April/May should support this level going forward
EBITDA is still suffering from set-top box subsidies, but the company is confident in significant expansion going forwards
Mass market adoption of fibre remains the biggest risk to TalkTalk as a discount brand, but for the moment this is not happening within its base, and TV could help it escape this niche
Leo Watkins was quoted in an article regarding the change of editorial leadership of the New York Times. Ms Abramson's departure comes a week after Arthur Gregg Sulzeberger completed an "innovation report" on how to improve the Times' digital reach and scope.
BT had a solid Q4, with a continuing improvement in BT Consumer metrics and revenue growth the highlight, mitigated by weaknesses at BT Business and Wholesale
Overall Group revenue growth was positive again at 1%, and EBITDA growth of 2% would have been much higher had it not been for the impact of BT Sport
Despite revenue growth now being firmly positive, BT has only nudged up its guidance for 2014/15 and 2015/16, with the costs of BT Sport broadly counteracting progress with cost cutting
We have estimated the breakdown of the media day for UK adults (16+) using standard industry sources. The charts in the attached PDF present a picture of overall time spent with different media in the UK
Over the last 10-15 years the digitisation of content, coupled with internet connectivity and device proliferation, particularly recently with smartphones (now at 63% penetration) and tablets (35%), have given individuals far more ways and means to consume media and communicate with each other
However we also note that 'traditional' media has held steady and still accounts for 6 hours and 50 minutes of daily media time. We have not yet arrived in a post-print, post-TV world, rather a multi-layered one where consumers access media from a wide variety of sources and devices.
NYTNow, a new iPhone-only app offering a selection of New York Times journalism at a lower price, is the latest, pretty well executed manifestation of the company’s gradual change into a digital news business
A year after its unveiling, we review the progress of the company’s digital growth strategy, and point to some areas of concern, especially around video advertising
The biggest challenge the Times faces is to reengineer its journalism to appeal to a much broader digital audience, and to do so before others seize the opportunity its caution to date has opened up