Media Centre
15 per cent increase in live television and radio broadcasts; blue-chip corporate events delivering increased revenue; introducing the new complex at Paternoster Square.
The Media Centre, the Exchange's broadcast and presentation facility, had a busy year. In the year to 31 March 2004 we transmitted 11,132 live broadcasts on TV and radio – more than ever before. Channel Four's News at Noon now has a regular guest slot, joining BBC1 and BBC World, CNN, CNBC, Sky News and Canada's ROBTV among the international broadcasters who use our studios.
For executives seeking to boost their company's profile, the Media Centre continues to offer the best way to talk to multiple audiences in a time-efficient way and maximise the impact of their messages. Over the year, executives of FTSE 100 and AIM companies alike came here to talk to the world. In one week alone Sir Peter Davies, Sir Victor Blank and Sir Richard Branson were interviewed at the Media Centre.
Corporate events are also up this year. We delivered more than 170 events including AGMs, results presentations, dinners and receptions. Highlights included the World Gold Council's bond launch in December, the City of Glasgow's two-day promotional seminar in November and Manchester United's July investor relations workshop on turning fans into customers. Throughout the year our training courses on the City, media interviews and presentation skills also contributed to revenue.
The new face of the Exchange
The move to Paternoster Square and the launch of the new Media and Business Complex in June 2004 represents a major opportunity for the Exchange. The new facility includes three live studios, greatly increasing our broadcast capacity. The studios are visible through a glass wall, thus replacing the old trading floor as the public face of the Exchange and underlining the Exchange's centrality in both the City of London and the wider financial world.
The new complex has also been designed to host a wider range of corporate events. Facilities include a 120-seat theatre, with state-of-the-art presentation equipment, making it the ideal venue for investor and analyst briefings. As well as being a hub for international broadcasters, the Media and Business Complex is set to become a key destination for the events industry.
