Foxtel has confirmed that it is talking to agencies outside of the Clemenger network for a number forthcoming projects.
Foxtel streamlined its roster two years ago following the merger with Austar. Since then Clemenger and CHE have handled much of the pay TV provider's work. However, the company, jointly owned by News Corp and Telstra, remains open to other ideas. BWM was recently tasked with launching Presto (although the brief was originally handed to The Works).
Foxtel head of sales and marketing Ed Smith remained tight-lipped on the remit of the agencies and the nature and timings of the launches, but stressed that the calibre of Clemenger's work was not in question, and the creative account was not in play
“We're not pitching anything. We won't be changing agencies this year but it is a very big year for Foxtel.”
Smith said that there were three big launches in the offing, but would not be drawn on what they were. Agencies were being briefed on different elements on a fee-for-service basis, he told AdNews.
“We probably need to pay for ideas rather than get everyone to pitch them and then farm out the [best ideas].”
Pointing to the BWM Presto deal Smith said it was “not dissimilar”.
“We've pitched some different parts to different agencies and we have been very transparent about that.”
It is understood that agencies initially approached by Foxtel include The Monkeys (which was previously on the Foxtel roster) and Whybin/TBWA.
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