Chance to shine for Yorkshire’s media stars

Stars of the media industry across Yorkshire and The Humber will have the chance to shine at this year’s O2 Media Awards.

Once again there’s no fee to enter any of the award categories which cover print, broadcast and on-line journalism as well as entertainment, social and community media.

“The O2 awards recognise media talent in all its forms. We are looking forward to another truly memorable year of entries showcasing the region’s top media performers.” said Nicola Green, Director of Corporate Affairs at O2.

Individual and team categories for the region’s print and broadcast journalists remain. Yorkshire’s Best Writer award returns and there are two awards focusing on how the media support and promote their local communities.

Yorkshire-based maker of news, sport and entertainment programmes will have the opportunity to showcase their work, while judges will also be on the look out for the best media organisation or individual in the O2 Stand Out Award.

Deadline for entries is April 26, 2018. Only work published or broadcast between May 3, 2017 and April 6, 2018 is eligible for the individual and team categories.

Judging panels will meet in May and shortlisted nominees will be announced in June. All nominees will be invited to the awards presentation on July 5, 2018, where category winners will be crowned.

The O2 Media Awards have the support of ITV and BBC, the Press Association and leading newspaper publishers. Judges are made up of experts from the media industry and include working journalists, editors and publishers, writers and producers.

Details of the O2 Media Awards for the North West of England will be announced soon.

This year’s categories are:

• News Reporter
• Broadcast Presenter
• Best Writer
• Television Journalist
• Sports Journalist
• Young Journalist
• Radio Journalist
• Camera Operator
• News Programme
• Sports Programme
• Entertainment Programme
• On-line Media
• Best Newspaper
• Magazine & Specialist Publication
• Community Publication
• Community Journalism
• Most Memorable
• Best Team
• O2 Stand Out

 

Entry forms and criteria information are available by contacting Rossiter Media on 01829 741371 or by e-mail request to [email protected]

For more information, contact

 

Mark Rossiter Rossiter Media Limited [email protected] +44 (0)1829 741371

 

 

O2 Press Office contacts

 

t +44 (0)1753565656

e: [email protected]

 

All O2 news releases can be accessed at our website: www.o2.co.uk/news

About O2

O2 is the commercial brand of Telefónica UK Limited and is a leading digital communications company with the highest customer satisfaction for any mobile provider according to Ofcom. With over 25 million customers, O2 runs 2G, 3G and 4G networks across the UK, as well as operating O2 Wifi and owning half of Tesco Mobile. O2 has over 450 retail stores and sponsors The O2, O2 Academy venues and the England rugby team. Read more about O2 at www.o2.co.uk/news.

 

Telefónica UK Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registration number: 1743099.

Its registered office is at: 260 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4DX, United Kingdom

The post O2 launch Media Awards 2018 appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Sony Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact available on O2 Refresh tariffs in the coming weeks
• O2 to exclusively range Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact in White Silver in the UK

O2 has today revealed that the newly announced Sony Xperia XZ2 and Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact will be available on a range of O2 Refresh tariffs in the coming weeks.

O2 will exclusively sell the Xperia XZ2 Compact in White Silver in the UK, as well as offering the classic Black option, whilst the Xperia XZ2 will be available in Liquid Black, Liquid Silver & Petrol Blue colour variants.

Available on O2’s O2 Refresh tariff, the latest Xperia devices include the brand’s loudest speakers ever and stunning Sony BRAVIA® TV Full HD+ HDR display, providing a truly immersive viewing. Moreover, the Sony Xperia XZ2 lets users experience the best of Sony entertainment in the palm of their hand with the new Dynamic Vibration System which analyses audio data and lets users feel the action in the palm of their hand for a truly unique experience.

With O2 Refresh those who want to upgrade early from another handset need only pay off the remaining balance of their Device Plan to stay bang-up-to-date. What’s more, customers who want to keep their phone after two years will only pay for their monthly Airtime Plan from that point.

Plus, by recycling an old handset through O2 Recycle, customers can receive a cash payment when they upgrade. This could be up to £240 for the Sony Xperia XZ1, depending on the condition of the device*. Customers can recycle in-store or online at www.o2.co.uk/recycle.

For more information on new phone launches, visit www.o2.co.uk.

*Your device must pass our checklist. The value will depend on the model and condition. We can transfer the money or you can use the money towards a new purchase from O2 in the same transaction. Our terms apply o2recycle.co.uk.

The post O2 to stock newly announced Sony Xperia devices appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• The latest Samsung flagships are available to pre-order from O2 online from today
• Those who pre-order before 8^th March will receive their new device seven days earlier than the general public¹
• Customers can benefit from a range of flexible tariffs and promotions, including O2’s best ever data deal²

O2 has announced that its customers can now pre-order the hotly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ flagships, before they go on sale on 16^th March. Keen fans who put in their order for either handset before 8^th March will receive it seven days earlier than general sale.

Available for pre-order on O2’s market leading O2 Refresh and flexible tariffs, customers can now get their hands on both the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Midnight Black, Coral Blue and Lilac Purple colour variants tariffs offering O2’s best ever data deal – buy 5GB and get an extra 10GB on us, up to an enormous 90GB; when you buy 50GB and get an extra 40GB on us. 

With flexible tariffs, customers can move their bills up or down each month, giving freedom to adjust how much data they expect to use – giving customers greater flexibility and control over their monthly bills.

Additionally, the long-awaited new devices will be available on both O2’s coveted Yearly Upgrade Programme and returning free screen replacement promotion. The Yearly Upgrade Programme offers customers the opportunity to trade in their phone after only 12 months and upgrade to a new one without having to pay to end their current O2 Device Plan. Customers can also receive a free screen replacement over the course of 24 months with specific O2 Refresh tariffs.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ builds on Samsung’s heritage of creating stunning designs and functional devices. The 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch models offer an Infinity Display that allows users to see more and hold less, for a deeper experience when viewing photos or movies as well as new re-imagined camera technology that allows for great photos, even in dark settings.

Plus, dual stereo speakers tuned by AKG offer a cinema-like experience with Dolby Atmos surround sound. The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ offer Bixby Translate to help users speak the local language when abroad, not to mention also water resistant up to 30 minutes at 1.5metres making both devices the ideal travel companion.

 O2 Refresh options include³:

For the S9

• Prices start from £44 per month on S9
• £209.99 upfront then £44 a month for 1GB of data OR £89.99 upfront then £49 a month for 1GB of data
• Our data offer starts from £56 a month, £49.99 up front for 15GB of data (5GB + 10GB extra data)
• Our Yearly Upgrade and free screen replacement starts from £64 a month, £49.99 upfront for 50GB of data (20GB + 30GB extra data)

For the S9+

• Prices start from £49 per month on S9+
• £209.99 upfront then £49 a month for 1GB of data OR £89.99 upfront then £54 a month for 1GB of data
• Our data offer starts from £61 a month, £49.99 upfront for 15GB of data (5GB + 10GB extra data)
• Our Yearly Upgrade and free screen replacement starts from £69 a month, £49.99 upfront for 50GB of data (20GB + 30GB extra data)

With O2 Refresh, those who want to upgrade early from another handset need only pay off the remaining balance of their Device Plan to stay bang-up-to-date. What’s more, customers who want to keep their phone after two years will only pay for their monthly Airtime Plan from that point. Terms and conditions apply, visit o2.co.uk/termsandconditions for full details.

Plus, by recycling an old handset through O2 Recycle, customers can receive an extra cash⁴ payment when they upgrade. This could be up to £100 for a Samsung S7, S7 edge, S6 or S6 edge+, depending on the condition of the device. Customers can recycle in-store or online at www.o2.co.uk/recycle.

The Samsung S9 and S9+ are available to pre-order from O2 stores or online now. For more details on tariffs and pricing, and to pre-order visit www.o2.co.uk/shop/phones/samsung/galaxy-s9.

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 ¹ Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S9 or Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus between 25 Feb and 8 March 2018. Direct channels only. Pre-orders do not guarantee handsets availability or release dates which may be subject to change. Terms apply see o2.co.uk/terms.

² Best data offer is based on a price per GB calculation. Direct purchases only, when bought with eligible O2 Refresh tariffs. 5GB tariff with 10GB added each month for the first 24 months only. 24-month minimum term. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status, credit check and direct debit. 18+. Europe Zone data only. UK calls/texts to standard UK landlines and mobiles and when roaming in our Europe Zone. Fair Usage policy applies. Special and out of bundle numbers chargeable. 4G phone required to access 4G. 4G available in selected areas. Terms apply see o2.co.uk/terms.

³ Your Airtime Plan will be adjusted every year on your April bill by the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate of inflation announced in the preceding February. Find out more at o2.co.uk/prices.

⁴ Extra £100: (i) pre order the Samsung S9 or S9+ between 25 February and 15 March 2018, (ii) purchase the S9 or S9+ by 15 April 2018, and (iii) trade in a Samsung S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus, S7, or S7 Edge by 15 April 2018 with O2 Recycle, to get an extra £100 from O2 Recycle. Direct purchases only, when bought with eligible O2 Refresh, Business Essentials and Small Biz tariffs. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status, credit check and direct debit. 18+. O2 Recycle trade in payment or credit and £100 extra trade in payment or credit may be credited separately.

The post O2 opens pre-order for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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Test network will be available for visitors to enjoy at least two years ahead of expected 5G rollout in Britain

O2 today unveiled plans to launch a 5G test bed at The O2 in North Greenwich later this year, bringing a 5G experience to the world’s most popular entertainment venue. Installation of the network will begin in March, with visitors able to enjoy the technology from the second half of 2018. The move will see O2 leading the way in putting the next generation network technology into the hands of the British public.

The network will initially roll-out across select locations at The O2, including the exclusive O2 blueroom and the O2 store at the venue, with plans to extend coverage across the venue by the end of 2020. It will initially allow O2 customers to experience ground-breaking technology via a variety of customer demonstrations. Demonstrations being assessed for showcasing include virtual reality, augmented reality and live streaming.

The test bed will be delivered using ‘Multi-access Edge Computing’ (MEC) and is configured for virtualisation of core 5G network technologies. In time, O2 will use the network to test a variety of equipment and potential use cases for 5G under live conditions, gathering feedback from customers and partners to ensure a future high quality service for customers in the future.

This latest customer initiative from O2 has been designed to ensure the business is 5G ready and primed to launch a leading next generation network for customers when spectrum and equipment availability allow. The installation at The O2 will be the first in a number of trials in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that will look at uses for 5G for consumers, businesses and the public sector. It follows a similar approach taken by the business when it was the first to launch a live 4G trial in London back in 2011.

The announcement builds on O2 and AEG’s ongoing commitment to enhance the fan experience at The O2 before, during and after each event, as they strive to set the industry benchmark for live entertainment. The new 5G network follows the recent ten-year renewal of the partnership and continued joint strategic investment in the connectivity across the venue, resulting in high definition wi-fi and dynamic digital advertising solutions. These initiatives have created a truly immersive experience for fans.

The O2 is the world’s most popular music and entertainment venue. Since opening in 2007, it has been visited by more than 70 million people. On event nights, O2 customers can visit the O2 blueroom with up to three friends simply by using the Priority app. In addition to the arena, The O2 is also home to indigo at The O2, a live performance space; an 11-screen Cineworld complex; Up at The O2, an experience that allows visitors to walk across the roof of The O2; and The Avenue, which features over 26 bars and restaurants.

Mark Evans, CEO of O2, said: “The arrival of 5G technology, and the range of unprecedented benefits it will bring, will play a key role in keeping our society and the British economy moving for years to come. That’s why we are delighted to announce our plans to launch a 5G test bed at The O2 later this year. At O2, we are obsessive about always delivering for our customers, and this test bed is a further example of our pioneering attitude to putting our customers first and and backing the importance of mobile for Britain’s future.”

John Langford, General Manager of The O2 commented: “We are delighted that our partner O2 has chosen our venue for the first test of this exciting new mobile technology.  It is a clear demonstration of their deep commitment to improving the customer and fan experience at The O2 through innovative technology.  We’re excited to see 5G in action and know it will deliver clear benefits for O2 customers who visit.” 

London’s Chief Digital Officer, Theo Blackwell, said: “O2’s decision to bring 5G technology to one of the world’s most iconic entertainment venues reinforces London’s status as a global leader in digital innovation and investment.  I want London to be the world’s leading smart city and these 5G trials at The O2 will give visitors an early opportunity to experience the enhanced services that can be supported by 5G digital connectivity. This move by O2 is good news for London and its future.”

About 5G

5G is the next evolution of mobile connectivity that promises a faster and more reliable mobile data connection than is currently available. It will offer a higher bandwidth and lower latency network experience, meaning faster speeds can be achieved with a more reliable network experience for a greater number of devices on a network.

5G will not only improve the experience of how people use mobile networks today but will also unlock a range of completely new services delivered over mobile networks, making the lives of UK citizens easier, safer and more enjoyable.

The post O2 to launch 5G test bed at The O2 appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• #FollowTheRabbit returns as O2 calls on the nation to get out and enjoy live music
• Major above the line campaign launching today with a two minute film cut to The Chemical Brothers track ‘EML Ritual’
• Innovative social executions include augmented reality proximity triggers on Snapchat, as well as regular ticket giveaways to gigs at venues across the country

O2 today unveils the evolution of its galvanising #FollowTheRabbit campaign. Building on the success of 2017’s launch and the mantra that life doesn’t come with catch up, 2018’s campaign focusses on the power of shared life experiences that only live music can offer.

At the heart of the campaign is that in an age of box sets, streaming and binge watching, people sometimes forget to get out into the world and experience life itself. With music being the most popular form of live experience in the UK,[1] O2 is uniquely placed to help customers and fans seize the emotional, visceral and connected moments of that it offers – whether it’s at The O2, one of 19 O2 Academy venues in 13 cities nationwide or access to thousands of Priority Tickets, 48 hours before general release.

Building on O2’s longstanding music heritage the campaign launches on the biggest night of the music calendar with a hero two minute film broadcast at 8.45pm on ITV during the BRITs. Shot in the style of a music video, O2 worked with The Chemical Brothers to adapt the track ‘EML Ritual’ to bring the film to life. It opens with a series of mundane everyday experiences but in each scene there is a blue rabbit staring at the characters reminding them of what’s outside and encouraging them to follow. As momentum builds, crowds of people are following their own rabbits all in the same direction, breaking into an excitable run. Everyone converges under a railway bridge, the rabbits have led them to a portal with pulsating light and the roar of the crowd…

This year’s #FollowTheRabbit will be appearing across a huge range of channels including Spotify, YouTube, video on demand and out of home spots across the UK. It will also appear on TV during ITV’s Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and The Voice Battle on 24^th February as well as the Carabao Cup final on Sky Sports the following day.

#FollowTheRabbit will feature prominently across Facebook videos and Instagram Stories, while anyone using the hashtag or #O2Music on Twitter will reveal a bespoke branded emoji. Using unique O2 customer insights, the campaign also features hundreds of tailored and contextual creative execution across digital display and YouTube. Different adverts will be served based location and type of content being displayed, driving increased relevancy and personalisation.

In a first for O2, the campaign will feature a Snapchat world lens with an augmented reality proximity trigger, allowing users to physically follow the blue rabbit in their surrounding environment. O2 is also broadening its work with cultural influencers and super fans, giving them front row access to live music at any O2 venue as part of an exclusive scheme.

 

Finally, O2 will be encouraging customers to snap up some of the thousands of Priority Tickets to live music across the UK, available 48 hours before general release. And, for those customers unable to get tickets, O2 will be running regular last minute ticket giveaways to sold-out gigs on social media.

Rachel Swift Brand Director and Head of Creative at O2, said:

“Through The O2, 19 O2 Academy venues and access to thousands of Priority Tickets, O2 provides access to some of the best live music not only nationwide, but worldwide.

Unlike other brands that encourage people to stay glued to a screen, O2 believes that everyone should be getting out and living in the moment. Nothing beats the emotional connection that comes from live music, and #FollowTheRabbit reminds our customers just how good it is.”

O2 and live music

• The O2 is the world’s most popular music and entertainment venue
• The O2 has welcomed over 60 million visitors and sold 20 million tickets since opening in 2007
• O2 runs 19 O2 Academy venues in 13 cities across the UK
• To date, 25 million people have been through the doors of an O2 Academy venue
• O2 customers have access to tickets to over 5,000 shows in over 400 venues across the UK each year via Priority
• 5m Priority Tickets sold to date

In 2017, O2 renewed its commitment to The O2 and O2 Academy venues with two longstanding sponsorship deals.

To find out more, visit O2’s hub at www.o2.co.uk/follow-the-rabbit.

[1] Media Insight Consulting

The post O2 promotes live music in new #FollowTheRabbit campaign appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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For any England Rugby super fan the chance to spend some time with the team in such a massive match week would be a dream.  Well, that is what two lucky Priority customers Jim and Carly Hadfield got to do for the England v Wales NatWest 6 Nations game at Twickenham.

How did they get this amazing opportunity we hear you ask? Easy. They like thousands of O2 customers entered a once in a lifetime competition to remember through Priority.

The week started off with a pitch side view of Eddie Jones putting his team through an intense training session, fine tuning ball-by-ball tactics leading up to the Wales game. Lunch with the England Rugby squad followed and an opportunity to compliment some of the England players on their training techniques.

After this training day, Jim and Carly spent the rest of the week pinching themselves about what an amazing first day they had. Then came England v Wales match day.

We brought them down to a very quiet Twickenham Stadium hours before the 82,000 plus were due to arrive.  First off a breakfast with former England and British & Irish Lions player Ugo Monye. Then straight to the changing rooms to help the kit staff lay out the team’s kit and everything else the players need to get ready for a big game.

Then came kick-off. First off they sang the national anthem at pitch-side. Certainly a wow moment. Front row seats for a pulsating England 12-6 win over Wales and then, once the celebrations had finished, Jim and Carly put on their best evening outfits and dined with a victorious England Rugby squad in the Spirit of Rugby.

“Thank you again for the whole experience. It’s one we will never ever forget. Thank you to the whole of O2 for making it all possible.”

What an amazing day and a once in a lifetime experience Jim and Carly will never forget thanks to Priority.

For amazing offers and perks, download the Priority app today and you could also have the chance to win some incredible prizes.

The post A Priority once in a lifetime experience to remember appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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Written by Nina Bibby, CMO at O2

Tuesday 6th February marks this year’s Safer Internet Day.

Now in its 15th year, this day brings together schools, businesses, charities, the police and many others to help inspire a better, safer internet and keep children safe online.

At O2 we’ve been long term supporters of Safer Internet Day. With one in three internet users now under the age of 18 in the UK, and a third of children saying they have been a victim of cyberbullying, I firmly believe it’s one of the most important issues we face in society today.

Last month we commissioned some research which showed that both children and parents are hugely excited by the opportunities that technology can bring. Nearly half of the children we polled (49%) wanted to pursue a career in technology-focused jobs.

But we also know that our customers with children can sometimes feel nervous about actively encouraging them to enjoy the online world. Our research revealed that only 11% of parents encourage their kids to use technology as a way to develop skills or express creativity online.

More needs to be done to help support our children when they are online. For example, only a third (36%) of parents talk to their children about what they do online each day, compared to three quarters (75%) talking about what they do at school every day. Children are navigating an ever expanding online world. We need to make sure they are adequately prepared to manage the potential risks, but also the opportunities – and it’s clear there is a need for practical advice and support for parents.

So that’s why, for this Safer Internet Day, we’re going further. As part of our ongoing partnership with the UK’s leading child protection charity, the NSPCC, we’re writing to more than 100 MPs offering an online safety workshop for parents in their constituency to help keep children safe online.

Through our partnership with the NSPCC, parents can also visit our free Net Aware website and app which explains the social networks, apps or games their children use most frequently. Alternatively they can visit one of our 450 stores nationwide for tutorials with fully trained O2 Gurus.

A free helpline (0808 800 5002) and web chat is available seven days a week, giving parents access to online safety experts. Parents can learn about social networks, privacy settings and parental controls, designed to keep the whole family safe online.

Together with NSPCC, we’ve created a UK-wide network of support and information parents can rely on. The resources are available to everyone, both O2 customers and those with other networks.

If you’re interested in joining the conversation or want to know more about keeping your child safe online, join in our live Twitter Q&A from 10am-2pm on Tuesday 6th February with an O2 NSPCC helpline agent using the hashtag #O2NSPCC.

As a mother myself, I’m proud that we are committed to supporting Safer Internet Day again this year, helping families to enjoy the digital world safely and with confidence.

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MOBILE is one of the UK’s most powerful opportunities to stabilise and strengthen our economy. Join us on our mission to make mobile a national priority. Mobile moves Britain, so Britain needs to move mobile. 

The post A better, safer internet starts with you appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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