IPC Media holds consumer pitch for Now

The publisher is to invite four agencies to pitch for the account as part of increased investment in an 'aggressive' marketing and editorial push for the title.

IPC director of corporate communications Julie York and marketing manager Sam Phillips are to look at credentials from agencies before settling on the final pitchlist. The chosen agency will then report in to Phillips.

According to York, no concrete plans have been made for the type of agency being sought or for the specifics of the brief.

She said the publisher is 'open to input from third parties'.

York added that the publisher will ideally seek to appoint an agency with expertise in the celebrity and media relations sectors.

She refused to comment on the fees that the account will attract.

Now stands as the UK market leader in the celebrity magazine sector, with an ABC of 552,744, almost 200,000 more than its closest rivals Hello! and OK!.

IPC Media currently retains Shine Communications to promote Loaded magazine, Paggett Baker on WebUser, Aurelia Public Relations for Country Life, and The Outside Organisation and Anglo Plugging across its music titles, which include NME.