Discovery Networks UK to review 4m media account

Discovery Networks UK is reviewing its £4m media planning and buying account, currently handled by Starcom. It is not known if the agency is planning to repitch for the business.

It is understood that the broadcaster had approached a number of agencies to pitch for the business. It has been handled by Starcom since 2000, when it won the business from incumbent Zenith Media following a six-way pitch.

Discovery operates a number of channels in the UK and Europe including Discovery Home & Health, BBC joint-venture Animal Planet, Discovery HD and Discovery Turbo. Its channels are available through platforms including Virgin Media, Top Up TV and Sky.

Last November, Discovery Networks UK appointed Paul Wilson as its vice-president of marketing.

Wilson, who joined from BSkyB, where he was head of marketing and product management for Sky Plus and Multiroom, will oversee all consumer and trade marketing strategies and leads marketing planning. He reports to senior vice-president, Rebecca Rormark.

It is thought that the broadcaster may consider splitting planning and buying accounts into different agencies. It is not thought its advertising roster, including Albion and Mother, will be affected by the review.

Discovery declined to comment on the review and Starcom was unavailable as Marketing Week went to press.