Thinkbox, the marketing body for commercial TV in the UK, in all its forms, announced today (22 February 2024) that Amazon, Disney+, Netflix, Vevo, and Warner Bros. Discovery (UK & Ireland) have joined as Associate Members.
Founded in 2005, Thinkbox works with the marketing community with a single ambition: to help advertisers get the best out of today’s TV. Its shareholders and board members are Channel 4, ITV, Sky Media, and UKTV.
As Associate Members, Amazon, Disney+, Netflix, Vevo, and Warner Bros. Discovery will help fuel Thinkbox’s marketing activities on behalf of TV advertising, from its extensive research programme to the organisation’s wide-ranging engagement with the media and marketing industry in the UK.
Thinkbox’s shareholders and Associate Members are united by their investment in high-quality TV content that creates a premium advertising environment, and their commitment to the quality standards which make TV advertising so trusted and effective – such as ensuring restricted ads aren’t shown to the wrong audiences, agreeing to Barb’s independent measurement, and having a rigorous ad clearance process.
Lindsey Clay, Thinkbox CEO: “This is a hugely positive way to start 2024. Commercial TV is growing and stronger together. We’re delighted that Amazon, Disney+, Netflix, Vevo, and Warner Bros. Discovery have decided to join our mission and work with us to continue making the compelling case to businesses about why TV remains the most effective marketing investment they can make.”
Kelly Williams, Managing Director, Commercial, ITV, and Thinkbox Chair: “TV has transformed in recent years, and nowhere has this been more evident than in streaming. All the commercial TV companies in the UK have been successfully developing streaming capabilities; it’s natural to welcome Amazon, Disney+, Netflix, Vevo, and Warner Bros. Discovery on board. It means that Thinkbox better reflects today’s commercial TV, which now has even more high-quality, emotionally engaging advertising inventory. As commercial TV expands, so should the investment from brands.”
Phil Christer, Managing Director UK, Amazon Ads: “Thoughtfully integrating advertising into streaming video offerings provides brands an opportunity to engage effectively with audiences. We look forward to working with Thinkbox to make TV even more compelling and relevant for advertisers as we continue to deliver premium experiences for viewers.”
Deborah Armstrong, UK Country Manager, GM Networks & Advertising EMEA, The Walt Disney Company: “Disney is a leader in quality storytelling for television audiences and advertising has always been part of our DNA. As the industry evolves, we fully support collaboration and the development of consistent standards, so we are honoured to join Thinkbox as they continue to do a brilliant job of reinforcing the unmatched benefits TV brings to advertisers.”
Warren Dias, Managing Director, Netflix Advertising – UK: "As we continue to expand our ads offering and build our engaged audience, we are committed to innovation in the advertising industry. Our Thinkbox Associate membership is one part of this. We look forward to collaborating with the Thinkbox team and all its members to help the industry innovate and prosper in a rapidly changing media environment.”
James Cornish, SVP International Sales & Partnerships, Vevo: "We are really pleased to join Thinkbox, they are an organisation that uphold all the values we fully believe in when it comes to delivering a true TV experience. The timing is critical for Vevo as we continue to navigate the best ways to serve our viewers however they decide to enjoy our content on the big screen. Our business is built on our distribution of official content within premium environments, and we are committed to ensuring our music videos thrive across TV endpoints. We are excited to work with Thinkbox and their members, for the betterment of the industry to protect and deliver the very best for advertisers and TV viewers alike"
Katie Coteman, GVP, Ad Sales Strategy and Growth UK&I, Warner Bros. Discovery: “We recognise the importance of consistency in high advertising standards everywhere and we are delighted to join Thinkbox as an Associate Member. We look forward to working with Thinkbox, their partners and our industry colleagues to continue to champion, evolve and innovate the power of TV for brands whilst always serving our viewers and subscribers.”