APN Newspapers: spot the fast disappearing news content

The Northern Star newspaper must have a death wish, because wall-to-wall advertorials replacing news content on "Local News" pages in its issues is not a good look and won't encourage readers to handover their money for a copy of this 138 year-old paper.

It's 155 year-old stablemate, The Daily Examiner appears to have a similar urge to alienate readers by filling pages with thinly disguised advertising. However, at least this newspaper placed this particular example in the business section.

* Thanks to Clarrie Rivers for supplying these e-paper snaphots

From Those Wonderful Folk Who Gave You Wal-Mart Grand Openings: Abbott Government picks Japanese global media group to deliver its political propaganda and campaign advertising

Mitchell & Partners, with experience in government media management, is about to become the Abbott Government’s new master media agency with a contract worth approximately $137 million.

Mitchell & Partners was formerly part of the Aegis Media Group. 

The Japanese Dentsu Group acquired the Aegis Media Group in 2013 and formed Dentsu Aegis Network Ltd in London.

In August 2013 major shareholders in the parent company of this global media group were The Master Trust Bank of Japan Ltd. (Trust accounts), Kyodo News, Jiji Press, Ltd, Japan Trustee Services Bank Ltd (Trust accounts), Group Employees’ Stockholding Association, Mizuho Corporate Bank  Ltd, Yoshida Hideo Memorial Foundation, Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc, SSBTOD05OMNIBUS ACCOUNT-TREATYCLIENTS.

It will come as no surprise to find that Aegis Media/Mitchell & Partners appears to have had one or more contracts with Rupert Murdoch’s News Ltd.

Mitchells says of itself:

We are thought leaders and reputation managers, protecting and promoting the missions, visions and values of our clients.

I suspect that neither Mitchells nor Dentsu realise what an onerous contract they may have entered into.

Australian Government Dept. of Finance media release:

Mitchells appointed as the Australian Government’s master media agency

15 Apr 2014

Author: John Sheridan

Category: Procurement Coordinator

Tags: Government Advertising

Hi all,

I am pleased to announce that Mitchell and Partners Australia Pty Ltd (Mitchells) has been appointed as the Australian Government’s master media agency for an initial period of four years. Mitchells was awarded the contract following a competitive open tender process undertaken by the Department of Finance, which was overseen by industry, probity and legal advisers.

Mitchells, in an alliance with Adcorp Australia Ltd, will provide both campaign and non-campaign advertising services and deliver operational efficiencies to departments and agencies through the amalgamation of advertising services, the use of an online system and increased visibility of transactional data.  Mitchells will also be offering a number of optional services under the contract such as econometric modelling and creative content development and production services.

It is mandatory for departments and agencies covered by the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 to use the arrangement for media planning, buying and placement.  Bodies covered by the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 will have the option to utilise the arrangement.

Finance is planning for a smooth transition for users of the advertising arrangement and will be in contact with departments and agencies over the next few weeks.

Regards

John

Campaign Brief 15 April 2014:

Says John Thompson, general manager of Mitchells: "Our approach to develop a customised and innovative solution for the Australian Government allows Mitchells and Adcorp to deliver a full service media model covering core media activity as well as search and performance marketing, social media, creative services and econometric modelling. We have a deep appreciation of the needs of Government and look forward to bringing a new level of innovation, understanding and capability to the Australian Government media activity."

News, opinion or advertisement?

I wonder if the businesses involved in this type of advertising fudge realise the badwill they create in the hearts of quite a few newspaper readers?

Dressing the family up in white won't undo any negative opinions formed.

Snapshot from Page 7 of The Daily Examiner, 12 February 2014

Click on image to enlarge

UPDATE

The identical advertorial and photograph was published in a rival newspaper, The Clarence Valley Review, on the same day - again it was being passed off as a news article on Page 6.