NEW YORK -- EchoStar Communications has awarded its media planning and broadcast buying account to independent TMPG in White Plains, N.Y., the client confirmed. Billings are estimated at $60 million.
The decision follows a review that involved Omnicom's OMD and Publicis Groupe's Zenith Media, both New York, and independent Horizon Media in Los Angeles, sources said. Aegis Group's Carat, Los Angeles, previously handled broadcast buying; Omnicom's Novus Print Media in Plymouth, Minn., continues to oversee print buying. davidandgoliath in Los Angeles replaced Euro RSCG MVBMS Partners in New York earlier this year as EchoStar's lead creative shop.
The client initiated the current review after the arrival of svp of marketing John Scarborough, a former Qwest executive who joined the Littleton, Colo.-based company in June. The account had been in limbo even before then, as previous management invited presentations early last spring.
EchoStar, a direct broadcast satellite service, is currently in merger talks with rival, DirectTV. Interpublic Group's Deutsch/LA handles DirectTV creative and media.