MediaFinance 2009 Programme

08:00-09:00

Registration and networking breakfast: Sponsored by Linklaters LLP

09:00-09:15

Official Opening
Introduction: Ed Ansell, Editor, MediaFinance

09:15-10:45

The Finance Panel

• From which sectors, geographies and asset classes will acquisition opportunities emerge?
• How can these be funded in the current economic environment?
• Has the buy out model changed for good? What role will sponsors and SWFs play in future media M&A?
• Will cash rich strategic players increasingly snap up distressed assets?
• Alternative financing instruments - pipes, rights issues and the increased role of export credit banks

Chair: Roger Barron, Partner and Co-head, Media and Entertainment Sector, Linklaters LLP

Speakers:
Geoffrey Austin, Global Co-head of Media, Deutsche Bank
Simon Gluckstein, Head of Media, Hawkpoint Partners
Tim Green, Managing Partner, GMT Communications Partners
Louis Kenna, Managing Director, Co-head, MTF London, BNP Paribas

10:45-11:15

Networking break

11:15-12:45

The Publishing Panel

• Will the recession lead to permanent structural changes for the national newspapers?
• Are we seeing the death of print for regional newspapers?
• Distressed assets: who are the buyers?
• Can the B2B model remain robust in the widening economic gloom?
• Is online still the solution?

Chair: Ed Ansell, Editor, MediaFinance

Speakers:
Tim Bowdler, Chairman, PA Group
Tony Elliott, Founder and Chairman, Time Out Group
Nick George, Partner, PwC Strategy

12:45-13:45

Lunch

13:45-15:15

The Broadcasting Panel

• What will be the outcome of the expected consolidation in the UK television market?
• What is the future for the independent producers?
• Monetising content on the web - how do you manage distribution?
• Can the commercial radio business model survive beyond the current crisis?
• What scope is there for M&A across Europe?

Chair: Matt Woodington, Acting Editor, TelecomFinance

Speakers:
Clive Dickens, Chief Operating Officer, Absolute Radio
Gareth Neame, Managing Director, Carnival Film & Television
Mick Pilsworth, Chairman, Motive Television PLC
Kate Stross, Director of Content, Ofcom

15:15-15:30

Networking break

15:30-17:00

The Online Panel

• Who will take the lead in the expected consolidation of the digital media market?
• Who will benefit from internet convergence?
• Digital marketing - search vs banner advertising and the increased importance of SEO
• Social networks - how do you monetise your subscriber base?
• How do you derive value from digital acquisitions?

Chair: Jeremy Phillips, Co-founder and COO, StrategyEye

Speakers:
Mark Beilby, Co-founder and Chairman, Apollo Media
Angel Gambino, Entrepreneur and Board Advisor
Simon Guild, Chairman, BigPoint
Simon Nicholls, Managing Director, Ingenious Corporate Finance

17:00-18:00

Closing remarks and networking reception