Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Benjamin Cohen, Victoria Macdonald
Licence money to pay for local news services and a levy to fund high-speed broadband are two of the measures contained in today’s Digital Britain report.
BBC licence money will be used to fund independent local news services, as part of the government’s Digital Britain proposals.
Presenting the Digital Britain report in the Commons, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw also said that a “small levy” would be imposed on fixed telephone lines to fund expansion of high-speed broadband across Britain.
In addition, the government intends to upgrade all national radio stations from analogue to digital by 2015.
Bradshaw told MPs the Digital Britain report would “accelerate Britain’s recovery from the biggest economic shock the world has seen since the second world war.”
Channel 4 News technology correspondent Benjamin Cohen writes: "I’ve spoken to sources at both BT, Sky and TalkTalk, all of whom have confirmed to me that they were unaware of the planned £6 a year levy in order to pay for super-fast broadband.
"I’ve been told that there is confusion both within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and among telecoms providers as to whether customers will ultimately be charged the £6 or whether telecoms companies may choose to absorb the costs themselves.
"A source close to Sky told me that a tax to fund next-generation super-fast broadband is unwise, given that there is yet to be proof of demand for services that need really fast internet connection.”
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Media waits for digital report
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Benjamin Cohen
The government's vision of Britain's television and internet future will be unveiled on Tuesday in its digital britain white paper.
By Benjamin Cohen
The government's vision of Britain's television and internet future will be unveiled on Tuesday in its digital britain white paper.
Thursday, 11 June 2009
The downside to recession recovery
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Signs of economic improvement have been accompanied by a decline in cheap deals for consumers.
"The recession has ended" - at least that is the headline in one newspaper today.
And there are definitely signs that a recovery is underway. But despite the good news, many cheap recession deals are starting to recede.
For one, mortgages are starting to get more expensive.
Nationwide has increased the rates by up to 0.86 per cent on its fixed-rates deals.
And swap rates - which determine how much it costs banks to raise money to lend to homebuyers - have been rising sharply over the past month.
That means other lenders are expected to follow Nationwide's move.
The mortgage broker Melanie Bien, of Savills Private Finance, speaks to Channel 4 News about the economic recovery.
Signs of economic improvement have been accompanied by a decline in cheap deals for consumers.
"The recession has ended" - at least that is the headline in one newspaper today.
And there are definitely signs that a recovery is underway. But despite the good news, many cheap recession deals are starting to recede.
For one, mortgages are starting to get more expensive.
Nationwide has increased the rates by up to 0.86 per cent on its fixed-rates deals.
And swap rates - which determine how much it costs banks to raise money to lend to homebuyers - have been rising sharply over the past month.
That means other lenders are expected to follow Nationwide's move.
The mortgage broker Melanie Bien, of Savills Private Finance, speaks to Channel 4 News about the economic recovery.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Sugar called to the boardroom
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
Sir Alan Sugar's new role as the government's enterprise adviser prompts tough questions over his alleged conflicts of interest. Rags Martel reports for More 4 News.
Sir Alan Sugar is used to giving others jobs. Today he started a new one himself as the government's enterprise adviser.
But he is facing criticism over alleged conflicts of interest by being a BBC presenter and because of his business interests.
Sir Alan Sugar's new role as the government's enterprise adviser prompts tough questions over his alleged conflicts of interest. Rags Martel reports for More 4 News.
Sir Alan Sugar is used to giving others jobs. Today he started a new one himself as the government's enterprise adviser.
But he is facing criticism over alleged conflicts of interest by being a BBC presenter and because of his business interests.
Monday, 8 June 2009
Are Labour's troubles going postal?
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Jenny Wivell
Opposition mounts to Gordon Brown's plan to part-privatise the Royal Mail as unions vote on whether to disaffiliate from the Labour party.
The mauling at the hands of the electorate is not the only problem troubling the Labour party, as resistance grows to Gordon Brown's plans to part-privatise the Royal Mail.
Today the Communication Workers Union votes on whether to disaffiliate from the Labour Party in protest at the plan. Union members made their opposition clear when they marched on parliament in February.
Although a bill outlining plans for part-privatisation has made it through the House of Lords, nearly 150 Labour MPs have signed a motion condemning the proposal.
By Jenny Wivell
Opposition mounts to Gordon Brown's plan to part-privatise the Royal Mail as unions vote on whether to disaffiliate from the Labour party.
The mauling at the hands of the electorate is not the only problem troubling the Labour party, as resistance grows to Gordon Brown's plans to part-privatise the Royal Mail.
Today the Communication Workers Union votes on whether to disaffiliate from the Labour Party in protest at the plan. Union members made their opposition clear when they marched on parliament in February.
Although a bill outlining plans for part-privatisation has made it through the House of Lords, nearly 150 Labour MPs have signed a motion condemning the proposal.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Wheels finally come off General Motors
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Sarah Smith
For 100 years an icon of corporate capitalism, General Motors today declared itself bankrupt in one of the biggest industrial failures in US history. Sarah Smith reports.
President Obama said he was confident a stronger, streamlined company will emerge – under a massive restructuring plan, backed by another massive tranche of government aid.
But as workers braced themselves for news about their job, GM announced a series of factories would close, confirming it was more than $170bn in debt.
By Sarah Smith
For 100 years an icon of corporate capitalism, General Motors today declared itself bankrupt in one of the biggest industrial failures in US history. Sarah Smith reports.
President Obama said he was confident a stronger, streamlined company will emerge – under a massive restructuring plan, backed by another massive tranche of government aid.
But as workers braced themselves for news about their job, GM announced a series of factories would close, confirming it was more than $170bn in debt.
Wind farm on the ranch
Link to the article: BBC News
The high plains of the Texan Panhandle are running out of water. It spells bad news for the local cattle ranchers.
However the area is now turning to another source of income, wind.
Roger Harrabin visited rancher Mike Baca on his ranch outside Amarillo, Texas.
The high plains of the Texan Panhandle are running out of water. It spells bad news for the local cattle ranchers.
However the area is now turning to another source of income, wind.
Roger Harrabin visited rancher Mike Baca on his ranch outside Amarillo, Texas.
GM bankruptcy 'will hit Vauxhall'
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Jenny Wivell
The car giant General Motors is today filing for bankruptcy, as unions warn it will inevitably mean job losses at Vauxhall plants in Britain. Jenny Wivell reports.
General Motors is expected to file for bankruptcy protection today, marking the biggest corporate failure in American history.
The century-old car giant will receive emergency funding from the US government, which will in turn receive a 60 per cent stake in a new, leaner company due to be relaunched within 90 days.
Unions here warn that the restructuring, which includes the sell-off of GM Europe to a Canadian-Russian conglomerate, will mean that jobs will be lost at Vauxhall plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port.
By Jenny Wivell
The car giant General Motors is today filing for bankruptcy, as unions warn it will inevitably mean job losses at Vauxhall plants in Britain. Jenny Wivell reports.
General Motors is expected to file for bankruptcy protection today, marking the biggest corporate failure in American history.
The century-old car giant will receive emergency funding from the US government, which will in turn receive a 60 per cent stake in a new, leaner company due to be relaunched within 90 days.
Unions here warn that the restructuring, which includes the sell-off of GM Europe to a Canadian-Russian conglomerate, will mean that jobs will be lost at Vauxhall plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port.
Friday, 29 May 2009
How the EU has changed
Link to the article: BBC News
How has the European Union grown since its birth in 1958? Who is and who isn't in the Eurozone? Where can you travel without passport controls?
The BBC's Europe Editor Mark Mardell explains how the EU has developed and its current structure.
How has the European Union grown since its birth in 1958? Who is and who isn't in the Eurozone? Where can you travel without passport controls?
The BBC's Europe Editor Mark Mardell explains how the EU has developed and its current structure.
Lifestyle annuities hit record levels
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Channel 4 News
Quantitative easing by the Bank of England is forcing more people to consider annuity products that are linked to lifestyle, a consultancy firm said today.
The enhanced annuity products – which are used to convert pension pots into a fixed income – will reach total sales of £1.8bn this year, according to Watson Wyatt.
While customers have traditionally taken standard annuities solely linked to the life expectancy of their gender, the last 12 months have seen a record rise in the numbers of enhanced annuities being agreed.
Enhanced annuities pay more than conventional annuities because they take into account life expectancy reducing factors such as: whether you drink, smoke, where you live, or even if you have a risky occupation.
The pension company effectively gambles that, for example, 20-a-day pensioners will not live as long as pensioners who regularly exercise, so agree to pay out more annually for an unhealthy lifestyle.
Watson Wyatt say the total value of enhanced life annuities sold in the first quarter of this year was up by nearly 10 per cent on the same period last year, at £443m.
They say the reduction in gilt yields, brought on by the Bank of England’s decision to begin quantitative easing, has reduced annuity rates, forcing people to consider how to get the most out of their retirement income. This has led record numbers to look at enhanced annuities.
You are eligible for an enhanced annuity if you meet the requirements set by your pension provider. They will look at your health, where you live and if you have a history of illness.
By Channel 4 News
Quantitative easing by the Bank of England is forcing more people to consider annuity products that are linked to lifestyle, a consultancy firm said today.
The enhanced annuity products – which are used to convert pension pots into a fixed income – will reach total sales of £1.8bn this year, according to Watson Wyatt.
While customers have traditionally taken standard annuities solely linked to the life expectancy of their gender, the last 12 months have seen a record rise in the numbers of enhanced annuities being agreed.
Enhanced annuities pay more than conventional annuities because they take into account life expectancy reducing factors such as: whether you drink, smoke, where you live, or even if you have a risky occupation.
The pension company effectively gambles that, for example, 20-a-day pensioners will not live as long as pensioners who regularly exercise, so agree to pay out more annually for an unhealthy lifestyle.
Watson Wyatt say the total value of enhanced life annuities sold in the first quarter of this year was up by nearly 10 per cent on the same period last year, at £443m.
They say the reduction in gilt yields, brought on by the Bank of England’s decision to begin quantitative easing, has reduced annuity rates, forcing people to consider how to get the most out of their retirement income. This has led record numbers to look at enhanced annuities.
You are eligible for an enhanced annuity if you meet the requirements set by your pension provider. They will look at your health, where you live and if you have a history of illness.
Hopes for Vauxhall
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Faisal Islam
Canadian-Austrian car parts maker Magna International has reportedly reached a tentative deal to rescue GM Europe, owner of Vauxhall.
Five thousand British carmaking jobs depend on it - tonight an initial rescue deal for GM Europe - which owns Vauxhall and Opel - is on the verge of agreement.
Along with the US government, the new owners, the Canadian car parts maker Magna and its Russian banking partner, have offered to provide short term funding.
The Business secretary Lord Mandelson said he had been seeking confirmation as soon as possible, that no Vauxhall jobs would be lost in the UK.
Earlier in the day, the future of Vauxhall, which employs 5,500 UK workers and has plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port, seemed uncertain after strong bidder Italian car maker Fiat pulled our of the take-over negotiations with the German government.
An agreement between Magna and GM Europe would guarantee there are less job cuts than the proposed cuts by other bidders, reports said. But Magna still needs to obtain clearance from the German government.
By Faisal Islam
Canadian-Austrian car parts maker Magna International has reportedly reached a tentative deal to rescue GM Europe, owner of Vauxhall.
Five thousand British carmaking jobs depend on it - tonight an initial rescue deal for GM Europe - which owns Vauxhall and Opel - is on the verge of agreement.
Along with the US government, the new owners, the Canadian car parts maker Magna and its Russian banking partner, have offered to provide short term funding.
The Business secretary Lord Mandelson said he had been seeking confirmation as soon as possible, that no Vauxhall jobs would be lost in the UK.
Earlier in the day, the future of Vauxhall, which employs 5,500 UK workers and has plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port, seemed uncertain after strong bidder Italian car maker Fiat pulled our of the take-over negotiations with the German government.
An agreement between Magna and GM Europe would guarantee there are less job cuts than the proposed cuts by other bidders, reports said. But Magna still needs to obtain clearance from the German government.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Time Warner and AOL to part company
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Benjamin Cohen
US media giant Time Warner says it plans to spin off its AOL internet division as a separate company by the end of 2009. Benjamin Cohen reports.
It was a massive merger between the two media companies that critics say failed to live up to its promise.
Once completed, the deal will once again make AOL an independent company - but shareholders will have lost hundreds of billlions of dollars.
The accompanying report contains flash photography.
By Benjamin Cohen
US media giant Time Warner says it plans to spin off its AOL internet division as a separate company by the end of 2009. Benjamin Cohen reports.
It was a massive merger between the two media companies that critics say failed to live up to its promise.
Once completed, the deal will once again make AOL an independent company - but shareholders will have lost hundreds of billlions of dollars.
The accompanying report contains flash photography.
Vauxhall jobs at risk as talks stall
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By John Sparks
The future of 5,000 British jobs at Vauxhall looks uncertain after tense negotiations between General Motors Europe and the German government break down. John Sparks reports.
German ministers criticised both GM and the American administration, saying the talks had become "absurd".
Here, the British government has insisted there is "no chance" that GM's Vauxhall plants will close.
But Channel 4 News has been told the firms bidding for the car making giant cannot make any firm promises.
By John Sparks
The future of 5,000 British jobs at Vauxhall looks uncertain after tense negotiations between General Motors Europe and the German government break down. John Sparks reports.
German ministers criticised both GM and the American administration, saying the talks had become "absurd".
Here, the British government has insisted there is "no chance" that GM's Vauxhall plants will close.
But Channel 4 News has been told the firms bidding for the car making giant cannot make any firm promises.
Oil output curbs push up petrol prices
Link to the article: Channel 4 News
By Carl Dinnen
Pump prices are up, but Opec, meeting in Vienna, is unlikely to boost current output levels. Carl Dinnen talks to Paul Watters of the AA.
Since September petroleum exporters have reduced output by more than 4 million barrels a day, which has helped drive up prices.
In the UK the cost of a litre of petrol has nearly reached one pound. That means it has shot up by two and a half pence in just over a month.
By Carl Dinnen
Pump prices are up, but Opec, meeting in Vienna, is unlikely to boost current output levels. Carl Dinnen talks to Paul Watters of the AA.
Since September petroleum exporters have reduced output by more than 4 million barrels a day, which has helped drive up prices.
In the UK the cost of a litre of petrol has nearly reached one pound. That means it has shot up by two and a half pence in just over a month.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Village People: Will Ireland back flip on EU?
Link to the article: BBC News
The Lisbon Treaty could finally come into effect in 2009, eight years after European leaders launched a process to make the EU "more democratic, more transparent and more efficient".
Naoise Nunn, former executive director of Libertas which campaigned against the Treaty, tells David Grossman why he believes that Ireland, which rejected it last year, does not have the luxury of voting No for a second time.
The Lisbon Treaty could finally come into effect in 2009, eight years after European leaders launched a process to make the EU "more democratic, more transparent and more efficient".
Naoise Nunn, former executive director of Libertas which campaigned against the Treaty, tells David Grossman why he believes that Ireland, which rejected it last year, does not have the luxury of voting No for a second time.
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