ESPN consolidates European ad sales

by Tristan O'Carroll, Media Week 25-Feb-08, 10:20

LONDON - Disney-backed sports broadcaster ESPN is creating a consolidated TV ad sales team for its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) operation.

The newly formed group will generate revenue for all ESPN channels in the EMEA region, including ESPN Classic, NASN (North American Sport Network), plus its live networks in the Middle East and Africa.

The group will be led by Chris Nicholls, who takes on the new role of director, TV ad sales, ESPN EMEA. Nicholls and his group will also be the point of contact for ESPN's Europe-based advertisers.

Nicholls will be responsible for all EMEA TV ad sales, and report to Mike Fox, vice-president worldwide advertising sales.

In addition, Nicholls will work with ESPN's digital sales team to lead cross-media sales in the region. He will also coordinate with ESPN Star, the Disney and News Corp joint venture sports broadcaster in Asia, on certain multi-regional ad deals.