News Briefs
STARZ: has named Minneapolis-based Fallon Worldwide as its new media agency of record. This assignment will take effect immediately and includes strategic media planning and buying in connection with Starz’ 13 digital movie channels in addition to Starz on Demand and Starz!HD. This decision comes after extensive competitive review of media agencies throughout the U.S. TBWA/Chiat/Day will continue to be the creative agency of record for Starz.
HILTON HOTELS: is stocking up on toys, cooler carriers and snacks in preparation for Hilton Vacation Stations, its 12-year old family vacation program. From now through Labor Day weekend, every family traveling with kids that stays at a participating Hilton hotel or resort will receive a complimentary welcome gift for each young guest in their party ages two to 12. This summer, children will be treated to the Hilton Vacation Station Cooler Carrier, a compact canvas bag that has an insulated compartment to hold lunch or snacks, a mesh-net drink holder on the side and an extra pocket to stow goodies in. A $4.00 snack pack service designed to fit in the insulated selection of the carrier will also be available.
SHOWTIME: has created a national acquisition campaign entitled Now is the Time to Get Showtime, which kicked off this week and runs through the end of August. The campaign, designed to support affiliates’ efforts to increase subscriber levels this summer, will highlight the network’s programming choices. Showtime will also reward new subscribers with a $25 rebate offer for signing on during the promotional period. DRTV spots, letter packages, postcards, door hangers, bill stuffers and direct-sales coupons support.
DISNEY CHANNEL: named Matthew Palmer SVP-marketing this week. Palmer brings with him 15 years experience in strategic and brand marketing and he will be responsible for managing the creative direction of on-channel promotion, online content and off-channel marketing for Disney Channel and its programming block for preschoolers, Playhouse Disney, plus The Walt Disney Company’s JETIX kids action/adventure programming blocks. Palmer will report to Rich Ross, president-Disney Channel Worldwide.
BURGER KING: has entered a multi-year agreement in which basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s company becomes the newest BK franchisee with a total of 30 restaurants in Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas and Miami. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
LATINA MAGAZINE: hosts Latina Nights summer concerts through August in Los Angeles, Miami and New York, with contests, interactive kiosks, product sampling and demos. Sponsors include Cingular Wireless, McDonald’s and Universal Records. This is the third year for Latina Nights.
JUPITERRESEARCH: has released a report that says that consumers do not fully understand the benefits of the standalone DVD recorder and this will lead to continued slow sales. Based on a JupiterResearch consumer survey, 6% of online consumers currently own a standalone DVD recorder with 7% planning to buy a DVD recorder over the next year. The report says manufacturers stand to lose market opportunities if consumer awareness of the benefits of DVD recorders is not addressed.
ED McCAFFREY: has been named VP of Sports & Entertainment at Denver-based Exclusive Resorts, a private luxury vacation membership club. The three-time Super Bowl will be involved in all aspects of business development with a focus on increasing Exclusive Resorts’ brand awareness to athletes and entertainers.
ADVERTISING SPECIALTY INSTITUTE: Trevose, PA, promoted Lori Sherman to VP-development, a new post at the promotional products industry association. She had been ASI’s director of Internet technology.
HAVAS: promoted Peggy Nahmany to director of external relations; she had been communications director for Hava’s agency Euro RSCG Worldwide. Nahmany will continue to work from Havas’ New York City office.
