ITV is to review its £2 million above-the-line business and
is in discussions with agencies about moving the account out of the
three-year incumbent, HHCL & Partners.
Bartle Bogle Hegarty and Mother, which currently handles the £30
million ITV Digital account, are said to have been contacted regarding
the main ITV brand. However, neither agency would comment on the
review.
ITV's marketing and commercial director, Jim Hytner, denied reports that
HHCL & Partners was placed on notice last week. "The agency has not been
put on notice and I am not holding a pitch," he said.
The ITV brief is expected to address weaknesses in the broadcaster's
corporate image as well as the challenge of boosting ratings. ITV's
recent problems came to a head last week when it was forced to abandon
its policy of screening The Premiership football highlights programme in
a peaktime 7pm Saturday slot.
The review is not expected to effect ITV's media account, handled by
Starcom Motive.
