Channel 4 to trial live odds broadcasting

The UK broadcaster Channel 4 is looking for a partner for its plan to launch a 60 second live television advert to update viewers with the latest odds before the start of major horse races as part of its Channel 4 Racing programme shown on most Saturdays.

Mike Parker, Head of Strategic Sales for Channel told Media Week “The interest level has been high as this is a sector where clients are looking for big points of differentiation and to promote their service as the best provider of live odds 4”

The Channel is believed to be in talks with several UK based gambling groups and advertising agencies before it makes its final decision. Channel 4 is will be rolling out this facility from early next year on a six to twelve month trial basis with the time coming out of existing advertising breaks.

Ashley Highfield joins William Hill

William Hill PLC the UK based betting company has announced that Ashley Highfield will be joining their Board as a non-executive director with effect from 17th November 2008.

Highfield is the current CEO of Project Kangaroo, the proposed three way joint venture between the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 which is set to offer a commercial on-demand service available over the web and to digital set-top boxes.

The chairman of William Hill Charles Scott said: “I am delighted that Ashley has agreed to join the board of William Hill PLC as a non-executive director. His wide-ranging experience and knowledge of the digital world will be a real asset to the company and our online platforms, bringing an even deeper understanding of existing and emerging technologies, and an expert and realistic sense of what can be achieved in this area.”

William Hill currently operates over 2,250 betting shops across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, employing over 16,000 staff as well as operating an online sports book and casino sites which are available to over 150 countries worldwide.