NTL:Telewest confirms RKCR/Y&R and Rapier for 30m task

James%20KyddNTL:Telewest, the media company that acquired Virgin Mobile earlier this year, has confirmed incumbents Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R and Rapier will handle its £30m advertising following a review.

James Kydd, the managing director of marketing, announced the review, involving incumbent agencies, in September (MW September 7). It follows the integration of the Virgin Mobile service, which the cable company bought for £960m in July.

RKCR/Y&R previously handled Virgin Mobile’s account while Rapier was incumbent on the NTL:Telewest business.

Both agencies will work on activity surrounding the relaunch and rebrand of NTL under the Virgin name early next year.

Rapier has worked with NTL:Telewest for five years, while RKCR/Y&R has held Virgin Mobile’s business for seven years.

The move follows the appointment in August of media buying agency Manning Gottlieb OMD, which handled the media for Virgin Mobile, and communications strategy company Goodstuff, to the newly merged company.

RKCR/Y&R was appointed to the BBC’s £20m creative roster last week.