In a significant development, JWT and Starcom will handle the creative and media duties of Hungama TV, the 24-hour kids###SQ### channel promoted by UTV. The two agencies were selected in a two-way pitch involving JWT and Lowe for the creative part of the business, while Starcom and MediaCom locked horns for the media side of it.

The channel is slated to go on air by August-September this year, and according to Shalini Rawla, vice-president, content and communication, Hungama TV, the decision to go with JWT was based on the latter###SQ###s strategic approach and creative inputs. ###DQ###It displayed exemplary understanding of the brief,###DQ### she says. Starcom, on the other hand, scored key points with its out- of-box thinking and innovative media solutions, she states ###DQ###Given that the media vehicles for a broadcast product are limited, I think Starcom did put in a lot of effort,###DQ### she adds.

Meanwhile, parent UTV has appointed ex-advertising hand Vikas Verma as COO of the company###SQ###s television content division. Prior to his appointment, Verma was the MD of Touché Communications, which is part of Dialogue International, the fourth largest advertising agency in the world. Besides Touché, Verma has done time with Frank Simoes Advertising and Madison Communications in his 16-year advertising career.

###DQ###Verma has hands-on expertise in launching brands across categories including consumer durables, FMCG and entertainment,###DQ### says Ronnie Screwvala, CEO, UTV, ###DQ###and with him in charge of the television content division, the company is hopeful of seeing unprecedented growth,###DQ### he adds.