Discovery Networks international ad team faces axe

by Darren Davidson, Brand Republic 20-Nov-07, 08:00

LONDON - Discovery Networks EMEA is considering axing its London-based international advertising sales team, with the loss of up to 20 jobs.

The company has placed its international advertising sales team under review amid tough market conditions and a downturn in sales across the EMEA region, according to sources close to the situation.

The review will consider closing the team down as part of a plan to sell airtime on a regional basis, instead of an international basis, within the EMEA region.

A spokeswoman for Discovery Networks confirmed the review and issued a statement.

She said: "Discovery Networks EMEA is currently undergoing a review of its international advertising sales structure. The company does not comment on personal matters and has nothing further to announce at this time."

The review of the 20-strong IAS team does not include the company's international sales teams based in the US, Latin America and Asia, nor local ad sales teams based in other markets such as Central Europe and the Nordic region.

The IAS team sells the entire Discovery global portfolio, which includes standard advertising and non-standard multimedia solutions for clients with a London headquarters looking for a pan-regional solution.

It is headed up by Arthur Bastings, managing director of Discovery Networks EMEA. Bastings is leading the review of the IAS team.

The Discovery global portfolio includes the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, The Science Channel, Travel Channel and Discovery Kids. Shows broadcast include 'Man Vs Wild with Bear Grylls', 'Planet Earth', 'Cash Cab' and 'Survivorman'.

Discovery Networks declined to comment on when an announcement would be made, but it is understood the review will be concluded in a matter of weeks.

The move comes almost one year after the company announced the split of its UK and EMEA divisions. The two arms were previously run as a single London-based unit.