Mr Humphries
15-11-2006, 20:31
Cadbury sponsorship of Corrie comes to an end after 10 years
By Brian Roberts
CORONATION Street is looking for a new sponsor after Cadbury decided to end its £10million a year contract.
Marketing director Phil Rumbol said: "Cadbury has had a wonderful 10-year association with the programme but, like many of its famous characters, it's time to say goodbye to the Street.
"We initially signed a two-year deal in 1996, so the fact we stayed for a decade shows our commitment. It is time to redeploy our marketing spend elsewhere." It is thought some senior executives had become concerned with racy storylines in the soap.
Cadbury's website recently said: "In a programme which attempts to reflect contemporary life there may from time-to-time be elements which some viewers may find objectionable.
"We have noticed changes in the pace of the scripts recently and we are conscious that not everyone will respond positively to these changes." Cadbury is less than halfway through a two-year deal with ITV. They will only be freed from the contract if the broadcaster can find another sponsor.
The contract allows advertising clips at the beginning and end of the show as well as at the start and finish of the advert break.
ITV director Gary Knight said: "This is an incredible sponsorship opportunity to be associated with one of Britain's biggest and best-loved television properties.
"No other programme in the UK boasts an audience that regularly hits 10 million.
Source: The Mirror 15.11.06
By Brian Roberts
CORONATION Street is looking for a new sponsor after Cadbury decided to end its £10million a year contract.
Marketing director Phil Rumbol said: "Cadbury has had a wonderful 10-year association with the programme but, like many of its famous characters, it's time to say goodbye to the Street.
"We initially signed a two-year deal in 1996, so the fact we stayed for a decade shows our commitment. It is time to redeploy our marketing spend elsewhere." It is thought some senior executives had become concerned with racy storylines in the soap.
Cadbury's website recently said: "In a programme which attempts to reflect contemporary life there may from time-to-time be elements which some viewers may find objectionable.
"We have noticed changes in the pace of the scripts recently and we are conscious that not everyone will respond positively to these changes." Cadbury is less than halfway through a two-year deal with ITV. They will only be freed from the contract if the broadcaster can find another sponsor.
The contract allows advertising clips at the beginning and end of the show as well as at the start and finish of the advert break.
ITV director Gary Knight said: "This is an incredible sponsorship opportunity to be associated with one of Britain's biggest and best-loved television properties.
"No other programme in the UK boasts an audience that regularly hits 10 million.
Source: The Mirror 15.11.06