±±¾©Èü³µpk10

Chrysalis Radio has created an internet sales force and won its

first contract - to sell space for Rivals.net, the group of sports

websites.

Although the new division, called Chrysalis Radio New Media Sales, will

officially launch next month, it has already begun selling on behalf of

Rivals, which owns a network of 300 sites.

The new division has six dedicated sales people, who will work on the

Rivals account alongside the 45-strong radio sales team.

The plan is to provide a single point of contact for clients and

agencies that want to advertise across one or more of Rivals’ sites, as

well as on Chrysalis Radio’s websites.

Rivals selected Chrysalis over more established internet sales houses

because of its strong regional presence.

Marcus Leaver, chief executive of Rivals, explained: ’We have searched

for a sales operation for six months and are not impressed with what is

available. Chrysalis can deliver a comprehensive sales solution thanks

to its extensive regional network.’

Chrysalis has sales points in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds,

Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Leaver said he had also talked to other radio sales operations with

equivalent new-media arms.

The Rivals account is headed by Gerard Bridges, managing director of

sales, and John Legg, account director of the new-media sales team.

New to the UK market, the net venture is expected to deliver a large

volume of page impressions. The company predicts it will record 15

million-20 million impacts in the next few months. In the US, the site

has attracted ads from consumer and fmcg companies such as Gillette and

Miller Brewing.

Chrysalis has already presented the new account to 40 agencies across

the UK and will sell sponsorship, banner advertising, tiles and

promotions on behalf of its client.

Don Thompson, commercial director of Chrysalis, said: ’We are

responsible for generating as much commercial revenue as possible for

Rivals. The company has clearly recognised we are good at selling

brands.’

Thompson confirmed the company was not actively seeking any more

third-party contracts at this stage. Instead, he said it would

concentrate on building Rivals’ reputation in the UK.