Global ad expenditure is forecast to grow by 4% in '17 "after Zenith downgraded its growth forecast for the second time." The Publicis media agency’s latest Advertising Expenditure Forecasts gave a global growth figure that "was down against previous reports in June" (4.2%) and March (4.4%). Zenith is "now predicting global ad expenditure to reach" $558B, with a "marginal downgrade" for Western Europe, which is set to grow 2%, down from 2.2% forecast in June (CAMPAIGN LIVE, 9/11).
The BBC will stream Women's Super League One games across TV, radio and the internet when the new season begins this month. Five matches will be shown live on the BBC Sport website, with a further four on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra. The BBC Red Button and BT Sport will also show games, with 14 matches to be broadcast before Nov. 12 (BBC).
The Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee announced the appointment of Int'l Games Broadcast Services as host broadcaster of the Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang 2018. IGBS, a joint venture between HBS and IMG, will be responsible for the entire host broadcast operation for the event, which will take place from Aug. 18-Sept. 2 next year (IGBS).
Cycling network The Bike Channel will close "after failing to find new investment." The Bike Channel was launched in '12 in Italy by Filippo Ubaldini, a former country manager with Scripps. Ubaldini resigned as CEO in July and put his stake up for sale (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 9/11).
CBC Sports renewed its agreement with equestrian venue Spruce Meadows through '20. The deal will see CBC Sports continue to offer coverage of Spruce Meadows-hosted events, including The National, The North American and The Masters -- part of the Grand Slam of Show Jumping -- over the next three years (CBC Sports).
The EuroLeague will now be broadcast on SFR Sport in France. The Altice-owned channel will also show EuroCup Basketball. SFR Sport will show both competitions through ’21. The EuroLeague had previously only been available to French audiences on pay-TV channel beIN Sports (L’ÉQUIPE, 9/1).
