The interface between account planning and media planning – a practitioner perspective

Account planning grew out of a combination of the complementary roles of consumer research and media planning. Over time it has moved away from the traditional advertising agencies to media independents that act as ever more influential advisors into their clients’ marketing communications strategies. Media strategists have usurped part of the original account planning role in giving advice on how to reach consumers, but they stop short of recommending what the message should be when contact is finally made. This remains the preserve of account planning and the creative team. However, account planners and media planners exhibit their own vested interests. This paper reports on an emerging new generation of marketing communications strategists who seek to overcome the limitations of both. They extend their perspectives on marketing communications beyond advertising and have no vested interest in any particular media solution (media neutrality). These companies do not execute the implementation of the campaign, produce the creative content, or pay for its delivery, yet they act as campaign integrators.