NNN says nepotism played no part in ad agency selection p.87

By: Dorothy Giobbe A FEW WEEKS ago, the Newspaper National Network (NNN) named Culver Moriarty Galvin (CMG Communications) as its agency of record.
NNN officials say the fact that Christopher Culver, managing partner in CMG Communications, is also the husband of NNN's marketing director, Nancy Weber Culver, had no bearing on the selection process.
"We were very sensitive to that," said Nick Cannistraro, vice president and chief marketing officer of the Newspaper Association of America. "I reviewed some of their work and they were the clear winners."
"It's always awkward when you have a supplier, if you will, who is related to someone in the organization," Cannistraro added. "But that's what happens sometimes, it's a small business."
Pat Haegele said that four agencies competed for the NNN account, which she estimated at about $1 million. The NNN's six sales directors collectively chose CMG Communications over the other agencies.
"The sales directors gave each agency presentation a rating," she said. "The decision, quite frankly, was unanimous."
The NNN was founded in September 1994. According to a press release, CMG Communications was founded in May 1994 by Culver and two other partners.
According to the release, the agency "combines strengths in advertising, direct response, event marketing, media buying, telemarketing, cooperative marketing, and interactive technologies."
Other CMG Communications clients include: Bulova Watches, Johnnie Walker Brands, and Virgin Atlantic Airways. The agency has billings of about $35 million.