Channel 5 Launches Retail Venture

Channel 5 is about to enter the retail market with the launch next week of 5 Direct. A multimedia distribution venture, it will allow consumers to order products advertised on the channel.

The first merchandise available will be a dual video package featuring sci-fi movies Species and Species II and including a cinema promotion poster. The product will be advertised on the channel and will give a telephone number which the viewer can call to order the package for direct distribution to their home.

Head of new business James Burgon, who is in charge of the company, spoke about the reasoning behind it: “We are constantly looking for ways to generate revenue. As Channel 5 is famed for its film output we are in an ideal position to place ourselves in the marketplace as a direct response retailer.”

He envisions the market opening up to include books, CDs, DVDs and magazines. The Channel 5 website will eventually be used to order products and a partnership with a publishing group to create C5-related products is being considered.

Channel 5: 0171 550 5555 … http://www.channel5.co.uk/