Granada picks BMP for Internet business

Granada has appointed BMP OMD to the £4m integrated account for its Internet service G-Wizz, which is being launched next month at a cost of £30m.

BMP Optimum Action, the agency’s direct response arm, and BMP Interaction, its online arm, will work alongside the creative and media agency to recruit members and formulate its online strategy.

G-Wizz is expected to create new channels, which are likely to act as e-commerce platforms for selling products such as CDs and videos.

The service aims to stand out from other Internet service providers (ISPs) by offering access to Granada’s television programmes, and free Internet access and e-mail. Surfers will be provided with a range of Granada programmes, such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Mark Brandon, Granada media online and interactive commercial and marketing director, says: “The launch of G-Wizz represents a step-change in the evolution of the ISP. In creating the first entertainment service provider, we will be building a strong relationship between viewers and their favourite TV programmes.”

Consumers will be able to access the service through CD-Roms which will be distributed through Granada’s 5,000 high-street rental shops, restaurants, hotels and motorway service stations.