Four race to win Sci-Fi Channel push

Satellite and cable station the Sci-Fi Channel has shortlisted four agencies to handle an estimated 1m-plus through-the-line account to promote the two-year-old station.

Bartle Bogle Hegarty, CDP, HHCL & Partners, and DMB&B have presented to station executives, and a decision is due next week.

EURO RSCG Wnek Gosper, which handled the launch of the station in November 1995, is not included on the list.

“The account, as a full-blown ad agency brief, has been dormant for some time,” says Sci-Fi spokesman.

“But with the growth of satellite channels and the imminent launch of digital broadcasting, it’s going to become more important for us to promote our brand as we look forward to next year.”

The channel broadcasts a mix of classic and contemporary sci-fi programming, including The Outer Limits and Tales of the Unexpected.

The estimated budget for the through-the-line campaign is expected to match or exceed the 1m spent through EURO RSCG on the launch campaign.