ITV launches review for its 6m ad task
The ITV Network Centre is reviewing its advertising account in advance of an increased ad spend worth 6m next year.
The ITV Marketing Forum – comprising Marcus Plantin, chief executive of the Network Centre, programmers and the heads of the three ITV sales houses – meets next week to draw up a pitch list.
ITV sources claim no decision has yet been made on the agencies likely to be considered, but a senior ITV source says they will be looking at full-service agencies. Lowe Howard-Spink and WCRS have both been mentioned in connection with the account.
Incumbent Grey is confident of a place on the pitch list, although sources at the agency say there have been disputes with ITV over creative work.
“Grey was appointed to handle short-term activity and we have to look at who will execute a more complete communications plan for the next two years,” says a senior ITV source. “There’s a possibility Grey may execute it.”
ITV has come under pressure to put money behind a marketing push to counter this year’s loss in audience share.
