Sci-Fi hunts UK media shop as ratings rise

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Cable and satellite channel Sci-Fi is seeking a UK media agency as it prepares to launch in other European markets.

Sci-Fi, which launched in the UK in November 1995, is a joint venture between Universal and Paramount Studios. The channel broadcasts in 5 million UK homes.

Marketing director Glenna Patton says the media agency will work alongside design shop Baxter Hobbins Sides, which has helped with the channel’s advertising.

Patton says an annual budget for advertising and media has not yet been finalised. However, the channel hopes to spend about 400,000 on its first advertising campaign, which is due to break next month.

Sci-Fi is a 24-hour channel in the US. BSkyB announced this week that because of increased ratings the channel will boost its hours on both cable and satellite in the UK from August 19.

BARB research shows the Sci-Fi channel has a greater market share than stations such as MTV, Bravo and the Discovery Channel.

Patton says Sci-Fi hopes to launch soon in Germany, Italy and the Middle East.

Sci-Fi recently announced it was teaming up with the BBC in a joint programming deal for a drama series to be released on terres trial television this autumn (MW July 12).

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