TBWA\C\D Exits Comcast Review Amid Potential Conflict

NEW YORK Omnicom Group’s TBWA\Chiat\Day has withdrawn from the review for creative duties on Comcast Cable’s national ad account, citing a potential conflict with key client Nextel.

“After discussions with Nextel, we believe that the coming convergence of telephony and cable makes the fit a bit uncomfortable,” said Brett Gosper, president of TBWA\C\D’s New York Group. “We think it right not to proceed, but we were honored to be chosen as one of the five agencies to compete.”

It is unclear if the client will replace the shop or move forward with the four remaining contenders. A representative for the Philadelphia-based client declined comment.

Also vying for the business, according to sources, are Interpublic Group’s Deutsch in Marina del Rey, Calif; independent The Richards Group in Dallas; and two Omnicom Group shops: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco and DDB. It is unclear which office of DDB is pursuing the account.

Agency officials either declined comment or referred calls to the client.

A representative for Comcast yesterday said the list had been narrowed to a “handful” of agencies, but declined to confirm the contenders.

Independent Red Tettemer in Philadelphia is the creative incumbent.

The client spent nearly $120 million in measured media last year, according to TNS Media Intelligence/CMR. However, much of that was spent on local and regional efforts, which are not part of the review. Billings for the assignment in play were not disclosed.

That work is limited to cable-related offerings (such as basic, digital and high-definition cable), on-demand programming and high-speed Internet access.

Media duties, handled in-house and by various local shops, are not in play.

This story updates an item posted on Nov. 3 with news of TBWA\C\D’s withdrawal.