NEWS ONLINE
Subscribers give
NY Times a lift
The New York Times's future is looking better thanks to its new porous online paywall, according to one analyst, Jon Janedis from USB. The paper now charges online readers once they have read 20 articles, and the financial magazine Barron's reports that Mr Janedis has raised his rating from "sell" to "neutral", given its better-than-expected online and print revenue. He expects the newspaper to have about 350,000 paying subscribers to its online edition a year on from its introduction in March. The newspaper said it had 100,000 digital subscribers in an update on April 21, just weeks after introducing a widely-watched online payment model.
SOAP CAMPAIGN
Simon the pilot
wings it for new ad
After nearly 20 years of flying that private jet around, and apparently never making it to Tahiti, Simon the pilot has been called on again to spruik the "everyday luxury" of Cussons Imperial Leather. The much-spoofed ad, which first aired in 1991, centred on a man enjoying the high life, as he sipped champagne in a bubble bath on his private jet, ordering Simon to change course because "Tahiti looks nice". The ad has been remodelled to sell Cussons's shower gel, Foamburst. PZ Cussons managing director, Wayne Horrobin, said: "This ad had so much equity, people loved it, it was one of those classic commercials." Clare Kermond
PAY TV
Slow going for deal
with Foxtel, Austar
The courtship between Foxtel and Austar took a decade, and the engagement is now taking a while, too: the regional pay TV company told the stock exchange yesterday that the conditions on which its city-based suitor bid $1.52 a share for the company had yet to be satisfied. It said talks about "definitive agreements" between Austar, its major shareholder Liberty Global and Foxtel were continuing, and repeated its caveat that "no assurance" that the bid would lead to a "definitive transaction". Austar shares closed at $1.31yesterday, up from sub-$1 levels at the start of the year before talk of a merger proposal emerged. Tim Dick
MUSIC
Gaga effect works
magic for vinyl
Music sales in the US, for the first half of this year, rose 8.5 per cent over the same period last year, according to a report by Nielsen SoundScan, which tracks unit sales. Album sales eked out a 1 per cent gain, the first increase in seven years, the Los Angeles Times reports. Digital track sales were up 11 per cent and digital albums 19 per cent. Vinyl sales were up 41 per cent, helped by Adele and Lady Gaga. David Bakula, Nielsen's music analyst, said labels were being more aggressive on price, packaging and promoting back-catalogues.
RADIO
Spencer's on-air spat with peer
Lord Christopher Monckton, the controversial climate change sceptic, locked horns with Adam Spencer, the host of ABC 702 Breakfast, at one point telling Spencer to "shut up and listen" before Spencer terminated the interview. A short while later, Lord Monckton, pictured, was back on air for another round and, just before the 7.45am news, Spencer bid farewell with a partial apology for hanging up on him in the first instalment. Lord Monckton said: "Please don't conduct an interview like that again, it wasn't very pleasant".
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What is the New York Times' new 'porous' online paywall and how does it work?
The New York Times introduced a ‘porous’ online paywall that allows readers to access up to 20 articles before being asked to pay. The model, rolled out in March, aims to convert frequent readers into paid digital subscribers while still giving casual readers free access to some content.
How many New York Times digital subscribers are expected after the paywall rollout?
According to UBS analyst Jon Janedis, the New York Times could have about 350,000 paying online subscribers a year after the paywall’s introduction. The paper itself reported about 100,000 digital subscribers in an update on April 21, just weeks after the new model launched.
Why did UBS analyst Jon Janedis change his rating on the New York Times stock?
Jon Janedis of UBS upgraded his rating from 'sell' to 'neutral' because the New York Times showed better-than-expected online and print revenue after introducing the paywall. His view reflected optimism that the subscription model could boost digital revenue.
Why has PZ Cussons remade the 'Simon the pilot' ad and what product is it promoting?
PZ Cussons has revived and remade the much‑mocked 1991 'Simon the pilot' commercial to promote its Foamburst shower gel. The company’s managing director, Wayne Horrobin, said the ad had strong brand equity and remained popular with consumers, making it a natural fit to support the new product.
What is the current status of the Foxtel and Austar takeover talks?
Austar said the conditions for Foxtel’s city-based bid of $1.52 a share had not yet been satisfied and that talks about 'definitive agreements' involving Austar, its major shareholder Liberty Global, and Foxtel were ongoing. Austar cautioned there was 'no assurance' the bid would result in a definitive transaction.
How have Austar shares reacted amid merger talks with Foxtel and Liberty Global?
Austar shares closed at $1.31, up from below $1 earlier in the year after talk of a merger proposal emerged. The rise reflects market interest in the potential deal, though the company warns a final transaction is not guaranteed.
What music sales trends did Nielsen SoundScan report and which formats are growing?
Nielsen SoundScan reported U.S. music sales rose 8.5% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year. Album sales increased 1% (the first rise in seven years), digital track sales were up 11%, digital album sales rose 19%, and vinyl sales jumped 41%, with artists such as Adele and Lady Gaga helping drive vinyl demand.
What happened during the on-air exchange between Lord Monckton and Adam Spencer on ABC 702?
Lord Christopher Monckton and ABC 702 host Adam Spencer clashed on air, with Monckton at one point telling Spencer to 'shut up and listen.' Spencer ended the interview, then briefly brought Monckton back on air later and offered a partial apology for having hung up during the first instalment. Monckton described the initial interview as 'not very pleasant.'
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