We won the MTV account at FCB San Francisco in a pitch against NYC’s best agencies by reminding Viacom that while ratings, their very life line, may be tied to new lifestyle and reality shows like “The Real World”, the network’s soul had to remain about music first.
We boldly and unapologetically told their executives that it didn’t matter that the all music video segments came in last in the ratings. We convinced MTV to forgo tune in advertising for specific shows, and instead use the majority of their efforts to reinforce their place as the center of music. We told them its so integral their tag line should simply be, “Music Television” and every musician that visits their studios should be asked to say it in their own way.
I had such a talented crew, including my partner GCD/AD Steve Fong, CW Suzanne Finnamore, AD/Designer Sean Mullens, CW Ward Evans, AD John Benson, CW Jim DiPiazza, AD John Davis and great account people and planners like Patrick Kiss and Bonnie Wong. And none of this could have happened without an inspired client like Alan Broce from MTV.