South Australian Government appoints MEC as media agency for brand advertising services

The appointment was announced yesterday following a tender process that began last September.

A number of undisclosed media agencies attended the presentation last November, including the incumbent Starcom MediaVest.

MEC will provide media strategy, planning and buying for all South Australian Government clients including the department of tourism, the lottery and the Motor Accident Commission. The contract is for a period of three years starting from 1 July.

The South Australian Government’s monitored media billing in 2009 was believed to be close to US$27 million.

This is MEC’s first government account.

Peter Bucklow, MEC’s managing director in South Australia, said: "We are delighted to have been appointed, and look forward to working closely with all South Australian Government Clients in providing them with insightful media strategies and cost efficient media buying that will add value to all their campaigns.”

The client uses various creative agencies including KWP and Clemenger BBDO for its ad campaigns.

MEC’s other long-standing clients in Adelaide include Mitsubishi Motors, Constellation Wines Australia, Australian Central Credit Union and Radio Rental.

Meanwhile, in another media pitch, Starcom Adelaide has been re-appointed by the South Australian Government to handle its Functional (non-campaign) media agency services on a three-year contract.

“We have handled the total master media business for 13 years now so we have a depth of experience and expertise that few other media agencies can offer,” said Anne Rodgers, MD, Starcom Adelaide.