Hallmark hands 2m media task to MediaCom

MediaCom is understood to have been handed the 2m pan-European Hallmark Channel media planning and buying account without a pitch. The decision comes days after UK incumbent BLM Media announced it had resigned the business following “relationship difficulties” (MW September 14). It had held the account since 2001.

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MediaCom is understood to have been handed the £2m pan-European Hallmark Channel media planning and buying account without a pitch.

The decision comes days after UK incumbent BLM Media announced it had resigned the business following "relationship difficulties" (MW September 14). It had held the account since 2001.

It is thought that MediaCom will handle all media activity for Sparrowhawk Media, which owns the Hallmark Channel.

Hallmark is said to have consulted several media agencies since interim marketing director Vicky Mitchell joined the company on a three-month contract in April, although an official pitch has not been held. Mitchell, a former Homechoice marketing director, was brought in to fill the post left vacant by Matthew Woods who left for BT Vision in July 2005.

Mitchell is now leaving the company after five months and is handing over to new appointment Maya Bhose, a former UKTV marketer and consultant.

Sparrowhawk Media bought the channel in 2005 and has made a number of management changes. Earlier this year Rosie Hill-Davies was promoted to UK managing director from vice-president of broadcasting (UK and EMEA). She took over from David Elstein, a former Five chief executive and Thames TV director who held the acting managing director post for 14 months.

The group says it is planning a number of new channels following the summer launch of made-for-TV film channel Movies 24 (MW August 17).