COMvergence vs ID Comms

COMvergence H1 2026 Global New Business Results: Publicis Media Takes Top Spot

Publicis Media led the global Total New Business ranking among the Big 5 media agency groups, generating $3.24 billion in total new business value. Omnicom Media followed in second place at $3.15 billion and WPP Media ranked third at $2.98 billion.

Agency-Client Relationship Under Review in Germany

German advertisers are fundamentally questioning their collaboration models with media agencies, considering which tasks to handle in-house. This shift puts pressure on agencies to reassess their value propositions and revenue streams. The trend towards in-housing is accelerating, as seen in recent developments like IKEA's mega-pitch, which signals a broader industry move towards more flexible, integrated agency-client relationships. Agencies must adapt by offering more strategic, data-driven services and demonstrating clear ROI to retain clients.

• Advertisers in Germany are increasingly questioning their collaboration with media agencies.
• The trend towards in-housing is growing, with advertisers taking over tasks previously handled by agencies.
• Agencies need to redefine their revenue models to stay relevant.

BetMGM Names Cape Creative Agency of Record

BetMGM has officially appointed independent creative agency Cape as its creative agency of record (AOR), formalizing a collaborative relationship that has spanned two years. Cape's expanded responsibilities will encompass brand and creative strategy, working closely alongside BetMGM's wider agency network to maintain a cohesive brand presence. The transition occurred without a formal pitch process, following successful joint projects like the brand's 'Mullet Over' campaign. BetMGM, which features actor Jon Hamm in its latest campaign, has an estimated annual net media spend of $160 million according to COMvergence data.

• Independent creative agency Cape has been named BetMGM's agency of record (AOR).
• The appointment formalizes a two-year working relationship and occurred without a formal pitch process.
• BetMGM's net media spend is estimated at $160 million according to data from COMvergence.

Coca-Cola’s Media Pivot: Lessons For CMOs From Pepsi’s Power Play

ID Comms publishes a new article analyzing Coca-Cola's media strategy pivot, drawing lessons from Pepsi's approach. The piece is authored by ID Comms #GetGoodAtMedia and published on September 11, 2026.

Mediasense, Consultancies Brace for Busy Second Half

Digiday's Media Buying Briefing reports that consultancies that run agency review processes are preparing for increased activity in the second half of 2026 after a wave of account moves in H1. The article names consultancies — including Abintus, ID Comms, Mediasense, Flock Associates, Mercer Island Group and Ebiquity — as firms often hired to orchestrate prolonged media and creative partner reviews. It also notes that large advertiser activity (with Coca-Cola mentioned as potentially in play) could drive more review work. The briefing is part of Digiday+’s weekly Media Buying Briefing for industry subscribers and highlights the importance for agencies of knowing the main consultancy players if they want to be considered for pitches.

• Digiday published the Media Buying Briefing on 2026-07-13.
• Companies named as consultancies in the article: Abintus, ID Comms, Mediasense, Flock Associates, Mercer Island Group and Ebiquity.
• The article says the media industry saw a large number of accounts change hands in the first half of 2026 and expects an active second half, with Coca-Cola mentioned as 'in play'.