Channel 5 to seek identity in near future

Channel 5 Broadcasting will start approaching design consultancies to create its graphics, name and identity in the near future. The company won the fifth and final national terrestrial TV channel last year.

“It should not be too much longer before talks start,” confirms a company spokeswoman, but she could not give a date.

The commissioning of design is likely to come under the responsibility of Channel 5 Broadcasting chief executive Ian Ritchie, unless a marketing appointment is made in the meantime, says the spokeswoman.

One of the natural contenders for the job is Lambie-Nairn, designer of the Channel 4 identity. The consultancy would not comment on whether it had been approached.

“Channel 5 has a wonderful opportunity to put all brand responsibility under one person… the marketing director,” says Lambie Nairn group managing director Sarah Davies.

The new terrestrial channel is scheduled to be on air on 1 January 1997 (DW 3 November 1995).