Five agencies shortlisted for £20m COI radio task

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 21-Feb-05, 13:00

LONDON - Carat, MindShare, Starcom, ZenithOptimedia and incumbent OMD have been shortlisted by the government's marketing body COI to handle its £20m radio account.

The agencies will be invited to pitch to the Central Office of Information in early March and will be assessed on negotiation strategy, industry insight and research capacity. A result is expected at the end of March.

Jeremy Found, COI head of media, said: "COI places a great deal of importance on radio as a medium because of its regionality and flexibility in reaching specific audiences."

Earlier this month, COI announced Starcom MediaVest, MediaCom, ZenithOptimedia and Carat were shortlisted to handle its £70m television planning and buying account.

The agencies will be pitching at the end of February with a result expected by the end of March.

COI originally announced plans to review its TV and radio contracts in November 2004.

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