Latest news with #MarkThompson
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oasis bring a crowd to Cardiff like nothing anyone expected or the city has ever seen
Oasis bring a crowd to Cardiff like nothing anyone expected or the city has ever seen To say the Welsh capital has been alive is an understatement An Oasis fan holds a Union Jack flag featuring the band logo in Cardiff, ahead of the first show in the band's long-awaited reunion tour, which kicks off at the Principality Stadium tonight (Image: PA ) The first thing that stood out about Cardiff in the sunshine on the afternoon of July 4, 2025, were the languages. This is a city used to international crowds for sporting fixtures. It has often played host to tourists visiting to see the sights or attend a concert. Yet this was different, the people strolling along the paved area of St Mary Street were from all over the world. Scores of different nationalities all in the city at the same time and all united by their branded Oasis T-shirts and their love of the band. The river of people headed between the stadium and the Oasis mural were threading their way through the outdoor seating areas of bars and restaurants packed with people eating and drinking in the warm weather. The familiar strains of Don't Look Back in Anger drift from the nearby pubs. It is sea of people - bags of Oasis merch in hand, bucket hats perched on heads. The stadium has been vibrating from the soundchecks. Yet few seem to be from Manchester. They are from everywhere. People have travelled from Newport to New York to experience the first gig of Oasis' reunion tour (Image: John Myers ) If you needed reminding that Oasis were far more than just a 90s sensation on these islands, the proof is here in the dedication of those who have flown from around the world to hear Noel and Liam together again. This is a music that transcends language and culture. The likes of Wonderwall and Live Forever connect people all over the world and today, Cardiff is proof. Among those who've made the journey are Kellie Evans and Mark Thompson, who have come from Melbourne in Australia. For this pair, being here isn't just about seeing a band that they have loved for decades but reconnecting with their youth. "In the nineties, I was actually living in London which was at the height of Britpop. It was a whole new genre of music! Team Blur and Team Oasis - I liked Blur but I did lean more to Oasis." Kellie Evans and Mark Thompson have come from Melbourne in Australia for the long awaited gig (Image: Lois McCarthy ) Mark remembers how the Britpop movement stood out against what was dominating the charts back home. "There was a lot of house and dance music at the time," he says. "But all these great bands started coming together: James, The Charlatans... It was different to what we were hearing from America, which was a whole lot grunge and Nirvana." "Oasis and Britpop definitely made an impact in Australia," he adds. Despite the following the band for decades, they never imagined they'd see them live - let alone reuniting. "We never thought they'd be getting back together," they say. "But the first show was was always on our radar. We thought it was the safest - just in case there were any arguments!" Oasis fans outside the stadium ahead of the opening night of the Oasis Live '25 Tour (Image:) Hiro Iwane, a 36-year-old fan from Japan arrived in Cardiff last night for the gig. He says the band changed his life. He's been a fan since he was 14, when his father's second-hand CD of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? first introduced him to the band. "It was a shock when I heard it for the first time," he recalled. "I didn't understand English at the time but after that thought I should learn it. "I learned English from them. They changed my life." Hiro Iwane, a 36-year-old fan from Japan is excited to be in Cardiff (Image: Lois McCarthy ) Hiro's story is one that resonates with many people here today - fans brought together by not just music but what it represents: nostalgia and memories. Another fan here is Alex Schüt, who has come from Germany. Alex has been following Oasis since 1995, and this evening marks the eighth time he has seen them live. "I never thought they'd get back together," he admitted. "I can only hope that it isn't because of the money!" Alex Schüt has travelled from Germany to Cardiff for what marks his eighth time seeing Oasis (Image: Lois McCarthy ) Regardless, there was no way Alex was going to miss Oasis's opening show - telling WalesOnline that this was an "unmissable" event. "My wife is at home looking after our twin sons who are one-years-old, they are a bit ill at the moment. I said though - there was no way I was missing this! This is more than just a gig to me. It's so hard to describe, but Oasis changed my life." Alex said that it's the setting that has made the experience all the more special. "Really it's the overall atmosphere surrounding the gig that I'm most excited for. You could feel it here last night. "Last night I went to Tiny Rebel and a couple of other bars in Cardiff. In the end there was a group of us Oasis fans from Germany, Argentine and Norway, coming together for the band - it's just really special. "I think that it's very good they started the tour here - because you can feel the vibe. I think if it had been in London, the vibe would have been swallowed by the city." An Oasis fan poses in front of a mural in Cardiff, Wales, ahead of the first show (Image: PA ) Max Ahlstedt from Stockholm in Sweden is another International fan to make the trek, which he described as a bit of a nightmare. "I hate flying," he says. "I have been nervous for it all week! But I'm here. I haven't been in the UK since 2007, it's great to be back." Despite the travel stress, Max couldn't be more thrilled to be in Cardiff. "I love it here. My dream is to get a Bluebirds shirt - I hope I get to see the football stadium while I'm here." Max's connection to Oasis goes way back. He was 14-years-old when he first saw them perform Wonderwall on MTV and soon after, attended his first Stockholm show. "My little brother actually made the paper for carrying these massive Oasis posters - I was so jealous at the time, I was like 'I'm the real number one fan! Being interviewed now is so cool." Max Ahlstedt from Stockholm in Sweden is another International fan to make the trek to the Principality (Image: Lois McCarthy ) Over the years, Max has seen Oasis 19 times - but this is the most important event to date. "This is the biggest it has ever been. Coming to this first gig was a priority." In saying that, he has no concerns that the band will break up during the tour. "They'll carry on through to the end," Max predicts. "I am surprised that they've gotten back together though. I thought they'd be like the Fab Four - not the Stones.' "It's amazing... but strange at the same time. In a weird way it still feels like my little band. "Lots of people don't know this but Definitely Maybe released in Sweden three days before any other country. It's crazy to see how far they've come." Oasis fans begin arriving in Cardiff in high spirits ahead of tonight's much-anticipated gig, with crowds expected to fill the city as excitement builds for one of the summer's biggest live music events (Image: John Myers ) I f you didn't manage to get your hands on the hard to get tickets you can enter our competition here to be in with a chance of winning tickets to see Oasis at Wembley . Tickets for the Oasis reunion sold out across all venues due to huge demand when they went online earlier in the year. However, there are still several options available for fans trying to snag a last-minute spot. Viagogo and resale tickets Sites such as viagogo, Stubhub, and Vivid Seats allow fans to buy resale tickets from other fans. However, it is important to note that ticket conditions often prohibit resale after initial purchase. Those tickets may not be valid for admittance to gigs. Fans intending to buy tickets for live events through resale websites should check the ticket terms and conditions, to confirm whether resale is prohibited, before they buy. Ticket terms and conditions can be checked with the original seller, such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation. If resale is prohibited, tickets bought second-hand could be voided and admission to the event refused. Article continues below Limited last-minute tickets can be bought from the official Ticketmaster resale site, where fans who can no longer go sell their seats, although these tend to go into and out of stock quickly. Elsewhere, resale sites like Viagogo, Vivid Seats, StubHub and Twickets are selling tickets for various dates with prices from £121, although fans should always bear in mind that many official sites, such as Ticketmaster and Live Nation, discourage the purchase of resale tickets.
The Guardian
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
BBC to start charging US-based consumers for news and TV coverage
The BBC is to begin charging US-based users for unlimited access to its news content and rolling televised coverage, as it searches for new ways to ease the pressure on its finances. In the first scheme asking users outside the UK to pay a direct subscription for its news content, US users will be offered the chance to pay for a 'premium experience', including unlimited news and feature articles and a livestream of the BBC News channel. Ad-free documentary series, films, early access to podcasts and exclusive newsletters will be tested as part of the deal, which launches on Thursday and will be targeted at those who are already heavy users of the BBC's content. It comes after the Guardian revealed earlier this month that BBC bosses were considering the idea. The initial phase of the launch will offer the premium package for $49.99 (£37) a year, or $8.99 (£6.60) a month. Senior BBC figures believe there is a real opportunity to raise far more commercial income in the US. They believe there could be an appetite to pay for its brand of journalism, given the politically partisan reputation of some US television networks. It will see the BBC compete directly with the likes of CNN, headed by the former BBC director general Mark Thompson, which is launching a streaming subscription service later this year. Currently, users in the US can access BBC journalism for free through which is overseen by the corporation's commercial arm, BBC Studios. Unlike in Britain, where users pay for content through the licence fee, already carries advertising. The search for subscribers in the US is a sign of the BBC's desperation to boost its ailing coffers. Income from the licence fee has fallen significantly over the last 15 years, while it has also had to contend with the inflated costs of making television after the arrival of the big streamers. The move also demonstrates the BBC's willingness to explore new revenue streams to ministers as talks begin over the renewal of its royal charter – a process that will decide the immediate future of its funding model. Rebecca Glashow, the chief executive of BBC global media and streaming, said: 'We see the BBC as the world's most trusted global news brand, and we have heard that time and time again. We provide incredibly distinctive global news reporting in this market and we have a distinct relationship with our audiences, where they trust us. And I don't have to tell you how incredibly valuable and hard it is to create that relationship with consumers in this moment.' While this is the furthest the corporation has gone in terms of charging overseas audiences for its news coverage, it does already charge for other content. In the US market, consumers pay to access the BBC Select documentary service via Prime Video, Apple TV and Roku. The BBC also owns the BritBox streaming service. The corporation has been targeting the US for some time, recently relaunching its overseas website and app. now reaches 139 million visitors globally, including nearly 60 million in the US. US consumers who opt not to pay for the premium service will still have access to some free BBC content, including selected breaking news stories, podcasts, newsletters and radio livestreams. Licence fee payers travelling to the US will still have access to the BBC's content through its updated app.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Very, very stressful months - static caravan owner from Coventry
The last few months have been "very, very stressful", according to Sandra Thompson, after she and husband Mark bought a static caravan at a park near York was purchased in 2019 and the price was £66,000 including site fees for the Thompsons, from Coventry, were free for the first year and then £3,995. But in just three years, Mr Thompson said they were facing a demand for £7, Golf and Country Park said fee increases reflected its increased costs and enhanced offering. The couple eventually asked the site to buy back their lodge and now have a £40,000 Thompson said: "You feel embarrassed in one way that you've done this and why didn't you think about it more?"But you look at the dream and think 'no, this is what we want to do, we're at that time in our life where we can do it'. "But then you think 'we did read all the contracts, we did everything that we thought... was right'." In September 2024, the couple asked the site to buy back their sales manager offered £23,000 – little more than a third of what they had Thompson has said they had no choice but to accept: "I just said, yeah, let's move on. It is making you ill."But soon after leaving, they were shocked to see their lodge back up for sale, in exactly the same lakeside spot, for £110,000 - £87,000 more than they had been been paid for Thompson stated that at one point "Mark... I don't think he slept for weeks"."It was just, you know, taking his toll on it. He didn't wanna go up there and have the discussions all the time, so that was the last straw."Mr Thompson said: "I was driving up there sometimes and all I was thinking about is what I'm gonna say to the manager when I get there, not 'oh, I can't wait to get there to sit on the decking to have a few drinks and enjoy the sunshine'." Mrs Thompson said the couple had "taken a mortgage out to fund it in the first place"."We've still got that debt now."Their story began with wanting to be closer to their son in Leeds."We thought it'd be nice, lovely part of the country, to see York," Mrs Thompson said."Our son has now had our first grandchild, so that was even better, so we thought we'd spend lots of time having our grandchild there and meeting up with our family."We did. We used it for a long time and friends joined us there and family joined us there."Allerthorpe Golf and Country Park said site fee increases "reflect the growing cost of operations" and "the significantly enhanced offering".It strongly rejected any suggestion of deception, saying "the final decision on whether a caravan remains on park is a business and operational matter and the listing price reflects significant upgrades and premium location, not simply the original unit value". Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Campaign ME
16-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Going beyond breaking news
On the sidelines of World Governments Summit earlier this year, a fascinating discussion took place between CNN's Chairman and CEO Sir Mark Thompson and two of the network's foremost journalists, Richard Quest and Becky Anderson. At a dinner for VIPs attending World Governments Summit, they reflected on the global news agenda at a time when the news cycle was already in overdrive with the LA fires, the inauguration of President Trump for his second term and continuing conflicts and geo-political tension around the world. However, the conversation wasn't just about breaking news, conflict and politics; they also reflected on many of the themes that had emerged from the sessions, events and interviews that had taken place at World Governments Summit and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Themes such as innovation, collaboration and advancements that could benefit society, culture, wellness, the environment and more. Anderson talked about covering rich stories from across the Gulf and the Middle East, and Quest gave his perspective reporting on global business. This discussion made me reflect how in a way this conversation encapsulated the changing nature and purpose of 'news' in today's world. Yes, the brand promise of the world's foremost news organisations to cover breaking news and politics is even more important in an era of prevalent, rapidly spreading misinformation. This is why people around the world turn to CNN when it really matters. But people also turn to CNN to learn more about topics that they are passionate about, which may not be strictly defined as 'news'. The data backs this up. According to GWI – a major global survey which looks at behaviour of 16- to 64-year-olds in 52 markets around the world – 72 per cent of CNN's audience has an interest in gadgets and technology, 68 per cent in music, 63 per cent in food and drink, 58 per cent in films and cinema and 58 per cent in cooking. The same survey found that 69 per cent are interested in personal healthcare, fitness and exercise, 68 per cent are interested in business, economy and entrepreneurship, and 54 per cent plan to purchase a handbag, jewellery, wallet or wristwatch. This data tells us that news networks such as CNN have diverse audiences with all kinds of passions, hobbies and interests. Therefore, it makes sense that audience expectations of a news provider go beyond breaking news and politics as they also want to hear about other topics important to them. For years, CNN has had this commitment whether in business – where shows such as Quest Means Business have been a mainstay in the schedule – or in CNN Style, for decades a show fronted by the iconic Elsa Klensch and now a smart, video-led digital destination – or in travel, where Richard Quest, Eva Longoria, Anthony Bourdain and others have fronted travel show franchises, and CNN Travel remains a go-to hub for incredible content. When it comes to travel, GWI data tells us that in the last year, 465 million people who consume CNN travelled on at least one business trip, and 704 million people had at least one trip for vacation. Those are incredible numbers. Consequently, news organisations such as CNN have developed franchises such as the long-running Quest's World of Wonder and the newly launched My Happy Place – the first CNN Original to launch simultaneously on CNN US and international networks. Such franchises are a counterweight to the news agenda and provide audiences with 'news you can use' in an entertaining and informative way. As news organisations embark on transformation programmes, these franchises feature on different platforms to reach diverse audiences in new ways. Such content lends itself to podcasts, newsletters, social media and, of course, streaming and on-demand as well as TV and digital. As CNN accelerates its own transformation, we are seeing more touchpoints for content, bringing new angles and perspectives to audiences. From a brand perspective, news-adjacent content provides a unique space for advertisers to reach news audiences. Data from Stagwell and others shows no negative impact to brands that advertise alongside breaking news and politics, and that avoiding doing so can threaten the sustainability of business models that enable such important news provision. In which case, as someone who has worked in this space for a long time, I point brand partners to areas such as travel, business, sports, technology and culture. Advertising alongside or sponsoring such content enables brands to reach audiences at scale in a premium environment. With the multi-platform approach enabled by transformation, publishers can also provide advertisers with more data, insights and attribution on the audience response to the content. So, the next time you think of news – either as a consumer or as an advertising partner – be prepared for more than the headlines. Breaking news will always be the bedrock of a major international global news network, but news is also about life. By Marwan Kai, CEO, MIS Gulf
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
viaim Launches AI Office Solutions Bundle on Amazon with Limited-Time Deals on RecDot and NoteKit
NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- viaim, an AI hardware company specializing in smart office solutions, has officially launched its RecDot AI Voice Recorder Earbuds on Amazon in North America. As part of a limited-time promotion, customers can get $35 off RecDot and 15% off NoteKit until June 30, 2025. Both products are designed to help professionals communicate better, work faster, and stay organized. viaim is building an AI-powered smart office ecosystem designed to help professionals tackle key workplace challenges such as complicated note-taking, inefficient organization, and language barriers. Products like RecDot and NoteKit support a wide range of scenarios — from real-time multilingual communication to meeting documentation and task management — empowering users to communicate and collaborate more effectively. RecDot, recently honored with the Red Dot Award for Design Concept, supports real-time transcription in 16 languages and real-time translation in 15 languages via the viaim app. It's ideal for global teams, remote workers, and travelers who need seamless cross-language communication. With viaim's proprietary FlashRecord™ technology, users can instantly capture audio, calls, or video sound with a single tap—no phone or app needed. The earbuds can clearly record voices up to 7 meters away and support quick mode switching. Built-in storage and three recording modes make it suitable for spontaneous meetings, ideas, and mobile work. Advanced noise reduction improves call clarity by 70% in noisy environments such as cafes or airplanes. Recordings can be synced to tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. RecDot also delivers Hi-Res audio, with custom tuning by the China Philharmonic Orchestra. The earbuds offer 19 hours of use on a single charge, or up to 53 hours with the charging case. Real-world feedback from early adopters highlights how RecDot transforms productivity: "The Tokyo team recorded an emergency meeting," said Mark Thompson, CTO at a Silicon Valley startup. "RecDot generated a bilingual to-do list in Chinese and Japanese in real time. Our response speed improved by 40%." Tom, a cross-border purchasing manager, added: "During a factory visit in Vietnam, I almost missed a $100,000 penalty clause change. With FlashRecord, I captured the entire conversation clearly. The AI even highlighted where the terms were modified." Mike, a startup founder, shared: "I once lost $2M in funding due to a misquoted equity term. Now, RecDot highlights key figures in red and sends a call summary in five minutes. It helped me close an 18% equity deal." To celebrate the launch, viaim is offering limited-time Amazon discounts through June 30. Customers can get $35 off RecDot and 15% off NoteKit, viaim's AI-powered meeting assistant. Buy now at June 19, 2025, offering enhanced versatility and a better fit for more listening scenarios. Stay tuned at to see how AI can elevate your workflow.
