Hotlines

Delta Negotiates With BBDO, Ogilvy Following PitchesNEW YORK Delta Air Lines will choose between Omnicom's BBDO and WPP's Ogilvy & Mather in its $20 million ad review, the client confirmed. A decision, based on contract negotiations, could come as early as this week, sources said. IPG's Lowe and WPP's J. Walter Thompson were cut last week following final pitches at Delta's Atlanta headquarters, sources said. In a twist, sources said top executives from each agency had an hour with Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein on Tuesday to establish chemistry and, if they chose, show work. The shops declined comment. Rojek Consulting Group, Cleveland and New York, is managing.Mars Takes From Grey, Consolidates at OmnicomNEW YORK Mars Inc. said it will consolidate its global ad account with Omnicom's BBDO and TBWA Worldwide, both roster shops, by the end of the year. The move all but concludes the company's longtime relationship with Grey Worldwide, which will continue to handle some below-the-line duties. TBWA in New York adds Starburst, Cookies&, Aquadrops as well as Twix and Dove bar (non-U.S.), worth more than $50 million, said sources. BBDO adds global duties for Mars and Milky Way, estimated by sources at $80 million.MediaCom, MPG Vie for VW's $1.4 Bil. Media Account BOSTON Volkswagen is looking to consolidate its $1.4 billion global media business at either Havas' Media Planning Group or Grey's MediaCom, sources said, though the client insists the account could remain split. MPG and MediaCom have pitched VW execs within the last two weeks, and a decision is due in less than a month, sources said. The review is part of VW's initiative to cut $2.6 billion over two years, the client said. The shops declined comment.National Academy Requests Obesity Ad Campaign, RulesWASHINGTON The National Academy of Sciences has called for the Department of Health and Human Services to prepare a national campaign to reduce obesity among children. In its report, released Sept. 30, the academy also said a national conference should be convened to develop guidelines to stem the amount of junk-food ads marketed to kids. The Federal Trade Commission should be given the authority to monitor the guidelines, the report said.Chase Prepares Cuts In $300 Mil. Media ReviewLOS ANGELES JP Morgan Chase & Co. heard presentations last week from at least six shops in its $300 million media review, sources said. Contending are Aegis' Carat, incumbent on Bank One, which has completed its merger with Chase; IPG's Initiative, which handled some buying for Chase; Publicis' Zenith Media, Havas' MPG; independent Horizon Media, all in New York; and Publicis' Starlink in Chicago. A cut is due this week. Surviving shops will be given a project, sources said.Blimpie Takes Aim at Toasted Rivals in Panini AdsNEW YORK Blimpie this month will take on rivals Subway and Quiznos in an expansion of its first national TV campaign since the '90s. TV and radio ads don't mention rivals outright, but the first salvo asks, "Why settle for toasted?" while touting the chain's new Panini grilled sandwiches—a swipe at Quiznos' signature fare and Subway's toasted subs. The ads, via Grant Jacoby in Chicago, include the words "Real. Fresh. Taste" and the running tagline, "I want my Blimpie." The chain will expand on this year's $12 million budget in 2005, said Mark Mears, CMO of Blimpie International, Atlanta.Quaker State to Pick Winner In $20-25 Mil. Creative ReviewNEW YORK Quaker State is expected to choose an agency this week to handle its estimated $20-25 million creative account, following a second round of final presentations last week, sources said. Contending are WPP's J. Walter Thompson in Detroit and San Francisco; Omnicom's TBWA\Chiat\Day in Playa del Rey, Calif.; independent Doner in Southfield, Mich.; and incumbent The Tucker Partnership in New York, also independent, sources said. The review is being managed by Roth Associates in New York.

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