BBC launches review of $76 million media planning and buying account

The BBC has launched a statutory review of its media planning and buying account, estimated to be worth £60 million ($76 million) annually.

The review helps fulfil the BBC's Charter agreement with the government to reach all audiences. Campaign understands that the new contract will focus on reaching underserved audiences in particular.

Havas Media Network, then Havas Media Group, won the account from Group M’s MEC Manchester, now known as Wavemaker, in 2015, and successfully defended the account in 2019. Before this, it was jointly handled by PHD and Havas.

Campaign understands that the review is being supported by The Aperto Partnership.

In a document published on the government website, the value of the account is estimated to be $456.7 million (including VAT) across a six-year period, which averages out to nearly $76 million  annually. Excluding VAT, the account is estimated to be worth $380.7 million over six years. There is no guarantee the full value will be spent.

The chosen media agency's work will build on activity across the BBC's own channels to promote its services across social media, podcasts, out of home and more.

To pitch for the account, agencies will have to enquire by March 7 and submit a tender on March 27.

The decision on the winning agency is estimated to be made on September 1 2025 and it is estimated that the contract will commence on January 1 2026.