ANA Solicits RFPs for Industrywide Media Transparency Study
The ANA has issued an RFP to identify a third-party organization that can conduct a thorough and objective analysis of all media transparency issues.
The ANA has several core objectives:
- Demystify the landscape to establish an appropriate foundation for solutions and longer-term quality business practices.
- Understand the practices and processes of holding companies, suppliers, vendors, and media organizations.
- Assess marketers' practices and processes.
- Develop practical solutions and best-practice behaviors that serve as industry standards, with a cornerstone objective of elevating trust and confidence throughout the media-buying supply chain.
The ANA seeks a third-party organization that can dig deep with agencies, marketers, media organizations, suppliers, and vendors. It is the ANA's belief that the industry requires an independent, objective individual or organization to provide indisputable marketplace clarity and to help set the record straight.
The focus on media transparency began three years ago with the emergence of undisclosed media rebates. An ANA member survey taken at the time indicated a wide swath of marketers had never heard of rebates or did not know rebates were a part of their companies' media buying process. Following the survey, the ANA developed a white paper in conjunction with ANA General Counsel Reed Smith to explain rebates in more detail. In early 2014, the ANA and Forrester teamed up to explore "transparency" more broadly via another ANA member survey. Results indicated growing concerns about transparency across a variety of business practices.
"It is apparent that a wide disparity of opinions exists throughout the industry," said Bill Duggan, ANA group EVP. "The lack of a common perspective runs the risk of suboptimizing client/agency relationships and creating an environment of mistrust."
"One critical expectation is that the output from the study must be reported without bias," said ANA President and CEO Bob Liodice. "The report must demonstrate objectivity and integrity throughout to ensure that the study is beyond reproach."
Individuals or organizations interested in participating in the proposal process should advise the ANA no later than close of business on Friday, July 10, 2015. Responses of no more than two pages should include a statement of interest, identify any potential conflicts, and include credentials.
Final proposal deliverables are due by close of business Friday, July 24. For further information, please view the full RFP.
About the ANA
The ANA (Association of National Advertisers) accelerates growth for marketing professionals, brands, and the entire industry. With a mission to shape the future of marketing, the ANA sets the agenda for the industry, connecting its members to unparalleled expertise, industry-leading resources, and an influential global network. Representing over 1,600 companies — including 1,000+ client-side marketers, 600 marketing solutions providers, and 20,000 brands — ANA members collectively influence $400 billion in annual marketing spending. By championing the 12-point ANA Growth Agenda and the CMO Growth Council, the ANA drives actionable change, empowers marketers, shapes the marketing ecosystem, and delivers exceptional experiences at every touchpoint. Since 1910, the ANA has been setting the agenda for industry transformation. It enables marketers to advance their ambitions, make better decisions, and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.
For more information
Duke Fanelli
EVP and CMO - ANA
dfanelli@ana.net | 212.455.8030