Virgin Media, RTL Group join Thinkbox

Virgin Media and European broadcasting giant RTL Group have today agreed to join commercial TV marketing body Thinkbox as its first associate members.

RTL Group, the former owner of Channel 5, is the largest broadcasting organisation in Europe, while Virgin Media offers TV, broadband and telephony services to millions of UK homes over its cable infrastructure.

The two companies will become associate members to Thinkbox, which entails "consultation and involvement" across the organisation's activities and working groups.

Full shareholder status is currently reserved for TV broadcasters and their sales representatives, such as Channel 4, ITV, Sky Media, Turner Media Innovations and UKTV.

Thinkbox's chief executive Tess Alps said that she was "delighted" to see RTL and Virgin Media join the body as its first associate members.

"We're also grateful for the acknowledgement of the work we are doing and their desire to help us do more to explain the commercial opportunities in TV's rapidly developing future, be that TV on-demand, addressable advertising or product placement," she said.

"We look forward to working with them and our shareholders to continue helping advertisers enjoy the unparalleled success that TV advertising, in all its forms, brings."

RTL Group's executive vice president of corporate communications, public affairs and marketing Oliver Herrgesell said: "RTL Group has always believed in the fundamental strength of commercial, advertising-funded TV.

"Not out of complacency, but because the facts speak for themselves - and facts delivered by Thinkbox are convincing, it's research innovative and thought-provoking. We look forward to a close co-operation to enforce the power of TV."

Virgin Media commercial director Mark Brandon added: "Virgin Media is pleased to become an associate member of Thinkbox.

"The TV advertising value chain is evolving fast, with next-generation TV platforms such as Virgin Media playing an increasingly prominent role in this evolution."

Thinkbox represents more than 90% of the commercial TV industry through its shareholders and partner channels. The organisation is most focused on highlighting the benefits of advertising on television and the overall enduring appeal of the small screen.

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