The NSW Government has ordered a 25% cut to its advertising spend in this week’s mini-budget, in a bid to save $31 million each year.

Media agencies are remaining optimistic about advertising budgets next year despite a wave of damming forecasts from industry analysts at a marketing and media forum yesterday.

The Franchise Marketing Awards, one of the most highly coveted accolades recognising marketing excellence across the UK industry, has called on the UK and international franchise community to submit entries for the 2009 initiative.

Saatchi & Saatchi worldwide creative director Bob Isherwood has resigned from the network after a 22 year stint, its Sydney office has confirmed.

Procter & Gamble is pitching out its digital advertising work, with the work expected to be spread across two or three agencies.