What's NTL's game in bidding for Newcastle?

Article Abstract:

The fact that the mystery bidder for Newcastle United football club has turned out to be cable operator NTL has been greeted with considerable surprise, even though NTL has gained a reputation for being acquisitive. NTL itself believes that this is a logical move, as the introduction of digital television will make it necessary for television companies to have access to programming that will attract large audiences. Some observers have expressed surprise that NTL has chosen to gain an interest in Newcastle United, rather than another football club, as this club has experienced problems with scandal.

Sports Teams and Clubs, Sports clubs, managers, & promoters, Professional Football, Management, Planning, Football teams, NTL Group Ltd., Newcastle United Football Club

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Suddenly it's time to take the cable sector seriously

Article Abstract:

The cable industry in the UK has seen significant changes since the beginning of 1997. Consolidation has reduced it to three main players, and these companies are now being regarded as serious competitors to British Sky Broadcasting and British Telecommunications. Service levels have improved, and operators are also boosting penetration levels by bundling together a telephone line with a basic range of cable television channels. However, observers believe that cable operators will still have to work very hard to attract business users, and some predict that further consolidation will take place.

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Battle is joined in digital television

Article Abstract:

Digital broadcaster ONdigital has managed to attract 110,000 subscribers since its launch in Dec 1998. This is more than had been anticipated by financial experts, and has been greeted with relief by investors. It now seems more likely that ONdigital will reach its target of signing up 2 million subscribers without needing to seek more funds from shareholders. It appears that ONdigital has been successful in attracting people who have so far resisted pay-television.

Comment:

Has reported that its has signed up 110,000 subscribers since Dec. 1998

United Kingdom, Sales & consumption, Pay Television, Services, ONdigital PLC, Pay-per-view television, Digital television, Subscription television

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