Channel 5 is strengthening its sales proposition to advertising agencies
and media specialists outside London by opening a northern sales office
this week in preparation for what is now understood to be an Easter
launch date.
Nick Milligan, Channel 5’s sales director, has raided the northern
office of Laser Sales to appoint Geoff France regional sales controller.
France will be based in Manchester.
Milligan said France would lead a team of salesmen who will cover all
areas outside London. ‘Geoff has a great reputation and contact level
among clients, and this post gives him the opportunity to run his own
office and make his own decisions,’ he explained. He added: ‘There are
millions of pounds for Channel 5 in the regions.’
France’s appointment comes in the week that the Independent Television
Commission meets to ratify a new launch date for the channel.
Channel 5 now intends to begin broadcasting next Easter. It decided to
postpone its original January launch after being awarded additional
broadcast frequencies by the ITC.
The delay means Channel 5 will not have to begin paying its pounds 22
million annual licence fee until the end of the first year on air.
This week, Channel 5 also announced a co-production deal with the
Paramount Channel for a range of comedy series, including a stand-up
comedy show featuring comedians such as Paul Merton and Ben Elton, a
contemporary sketch series, and a comedy quiz show.
