Philips to sponsor FT Health series in exclusive deal

The Financial Times has announced that Philips will be the exclusive partner of the Financial Times' Health series. The move, brokered by global media and communication specialist, Carat, is seen as forming a key part of Philips' global brand campaign to further establish themselves as a thought leader in the area of health and well-being.

The partnership consists of an integrated campaign, with content appearing across both FT print and online media in a variety of innovative formats. Philips benefits from being the sole sponsor of a four part magazine series titled FT Health, which is being circulated in FT editions worldwide. The first issue of FT Health published in March included a comment piece by Jeffrey Sachs, Director of Earth Institute and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University, looking at how rich-world aid and technological advances can still surmount severe health threats faced by poor populations worldwide. Integral Future issues of the magazine will be published in May, September and November. As an integral part of the partnership, Philips will have a major presence on FT.com, with dedicated microsites devoted to FT Health content. The first is an FT.com microsite publishing content from the magazines and other interactive features: www.ft.com/fthealth. The second is the FT Health blog www.ft.com/healthblog, edited by dedicated FT health correspondents and other expert contributors to provide comment, analysis and encourage debate surrounding a range of prescient health-related issues. These two innovative sites will be heavily marketed and with the aim of helping Philips engage with business and opinion leaders targeted through the FT.       Jon Slade, Global Online and Strategic Advertising Sales Director, Financial Times, said: "This is an important deal for the Financial Times and shows how our brand and editorial quality continues to attract major organisations as we enable them to promote and drive global marketing campaigns. "Philips is a key player in the worldwide health industry and we are excited to be working with them, boosting their presence in this sector". The FT is also working with Philips on one of their major online initiatives, providing FT content that will be featured on the GetInsideHealth online portal. Easy The initiative will include monthly newsletters around current topics in the health and well-being area, integrated with a range of content from the FT and other media owners. All content in its various formats will be archived to give the target audience easy access to the material. The portal and newsletter is accessible via www.philips.com/because.