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Sony Awards Media to Universal McCann NEW YORK—Universal McCann was tapped to handle media planning and buying for Sony Corp. in North America, which consolidated the estimated $600 million account after a review. The New York agency was one of three roster shops that participated. The others, Starcom MediaVest, Mediaedge: CIA and OMD (pitching with TBWA\Chiat\Day in Playa del Rey, Calif.) were either cut or withdrew in earlier rounds. Universal McCann beat out Arnell Group, which pitched with PHD, both in New York, for the account. The media assignment for the New York-based client covers Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment (network television) and Sony of Canada. Creative duties for each division are handled by various agencies. Sega to Consolidate $25 Mil. AccountSAN FRANCISCO—Sega of America, which oversees the Sega Sports and Sega Entertainment brands, is looking to consolidate its ad business with one agency, according to sources. The San Francisco video game maker spends a combined $25 million annually on those two accounts, according to CMR. Foote, Cone & Belding and Leagas Delaney, both in San Francisco, have been doing work for the client in the past year. It is widely expected that the consolidated account will settle with one or the other, unless a review is launched in the coming weeks. Western Union Financial in ReviewLOS ANGELES—Western Union Financial Services has put its North American consumer ad account in review, the company said last week. Billings were undisclosed. Spending was approximately $20 million for the first eight months of 2001, per CMR. Lowe, New York, resigned the account in October, stating that the client wanted to focus on the Hispanic market [Adweek, Oct. 29]. The Denver money-transfer-services company said it wants an agency that can offer multicultural work in the U.S. and Canada. The review is being led by Achenbaum Bogda Associates in Raleigh, N.C. Roster agencies Bromley Communications, San Antonio, which handles Hispanic marketing, and Unity Media, New York, have been invited to participate in the review, the client said. McCann-Erickson Lands Major League BaseballNEW YORK—McCann-Erickson has won the estimated $25-30 million Major League Baseball ad account without a review, the agency said. The business left Foote, Cone & Belding, San Francisco, in December. Media duties are handled by Universal McCann. California State Lottery to Name FinalistsLOS ANGELES—The California Lottery is expected to identify finalists this week in the review for its African American ad account, which is worth $4 million over the next four years. Proposals were due last week. Sources said shops that responded to the RFP include the incumbent, Carol H. Williams Advertising in Oakland, Calif., as well as The Chisholm-Mingo Group/Sankofa Communications and Lagrant Communications, both in Los Angeles. Presentations are scheduled for March 26-28, with a decision due in mid-April.

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