Telegraph Media Group kicks off hunt for ad agency

by Jacquie Bowser, Brand Republic 16-Oct-07, 16:00

LONDON - The Telegraph Media Group has begun a search for a new advertising agency in the wake of its existing agency, CHI & Partners, winning Times Media's above-the-line account.

A Telegraph Media Group source said the Telegraph is already searching for a new agency to handle its £8m advertising account, but declined to comment on the record.

According to other sources close to the situation, the Telegraph will scale back its £8m advertising budget, and instead will focus on tactical activity.

It is not known when exactly the Telegraph will end its relationship with CHI, because talks between CHI and the publishing group about a handover date are still ongoing.

The Telegraph announced back in July that it was reviewing its search media account, which it subsequently handed to independent search agency Propellernet. The incumbent, Universal McCann, still holds the remainder of TMG's media account.

Times Media's switch to CHI ended a 12-year relationship with incumbent Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R, although both are WPP Group agencies, with CHI 49% owned by the holding company.