O&M, McCann withdraw from Singapore CCA

<p>Bates' decision to boycott the Singapore Creative Circle Awards </p><p>(CCA) because of the scam ads issue is the latest in a series of events </p><p>that have rocked the Lion City's 4As. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Two other agencies - Ogilvy & Mather and McCann-Erickson - have said </p><p>earlier in the year that they were staying away. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Their reasons were different - but just as controversial. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Newly-appointed O&M regional vice-chairman Tim Isaac said his agency </p><p>objected to the fact that the rules have been changed this year to bar </p><p>international judges from taking part in the first round screening </p><p>process. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"It's in no-one's interests except for the friends of the judges. (And) </p><p>it opens the door to less than neutral, objective, world standard </p><p>judging and we do not want to encourage it, " Mr Isaac told MEDIA. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>He added that he was "worried that Singapore is unnecessarily exposing </p><p>itself to accusations that the playing field isn't level". </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>McCann-Erickson Singapore head of creative Scott Brazil said cost </p><p>deterred his agency from participating in the CCA. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"We enter a lot of award shows, not just here in Asia-Pacific, but </p><p>around the world as well," Mr Brazil said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"Taking part in the number of shows we participate in costs a great deal </p><p>of money so we have decided on entering the top ones only." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The CCA presentation takes place at the end of this month, but despite </p><p>three major agencies staying away, the Singapore 4As said it had </p><p>received a record number of 1,300 entries. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>