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Brief

Kelly Scott Madison

Media Planning & Buying

KSM delivers sophisticated, unbiased media planning and buying with the transparency and client-centricity of an independent agency, combining data analytics with deep channel expertise to maximize media ROI.

Last updated Oct 22, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment

Founded
1984
HQ
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Connections
1

AI-drafted from public sources1 source cited

At a glance

Employees
51-200
Revenue
$10M-$50M

About

One of the largest independent media agencies in the United States, known for transparent, data-driven media services for mid-market and national brands

Kelly Scott Madison (KSM) is an independent media agency founded in 1984 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The agency provides comprehensive media planning, buying, and strategy services across all major channels including television, digital, radio, out-of-home, and print. KSM serves a diverse roster of national and regional clients, with particular depth in categories such as healthcare, financial services, retail, and consumer packaged goods. The agency is known for its data-driven approach to media investment and its ability to deliver sophisticated media solutions typically associated with larger holding company agencies while maintaining the agility and client focus of an independent shop. KSM has built a strong reputation in the mid-market segment, offering integrated media services that include audience research, media analytics, programmatic buying, and performance measurement. The agency leverages proprietary tools and third-party data platforms to optimize media spend and demonstrate ROI for clients. Its independence is a key differentiator, allowing for unbiased media recommendations and transparent business practices that resonate with marketers seeking accountability. As one of the larger independent media agencies in the United States, KSM competes with both holding company media shops and other independent agencies. The firm has consistently been recognized in industry rankings and has grown its capabilities in digital and data-driven media to stay competitive in an evolving landscape. KSM's longevity and sustained independence in a consolidating industry underscore its strong client relationships and consistent delivery of media results.

Business model

Agency

Target market

Mid-Market and Enterprise

What they offer

  • Media Planning & Strategy

    Integrated media planning across TV, digital, radio, OOH, and print tailored to client objectives and audience insights

  • Media Buying

    Negotiation and placement of media across all channels, including programmatic and direct buys

  • Media Analytics & Measurement

    Performance tracking, attribution modeling, and ROI reporting to optimize media investments

  • Programmatic Media

    Data-driven programmatic buying across display, video, and connected TV environments

  • Audience Research

    Consumer insights and audience segmentation to inform media strategy and targeting

Key features

Full independence with no holding company conflictsTransparent media buying and reportingCross-channel media planning and executionData-driven audience targeting and analyticsProgrammatic and direct media buying capabilitiesCustom performance measurement and attribution

Use cases

National and regional brand media campaign planning and executionHealthcare marketing media strategyFinancial services brand media investmentRetail and CPG media buying and optimizationPerformance media and direct response campaignsMulti-channel audience reach and frequency management

Customer segments

Healthcare and pharmaceutical brandsFinancial services companiesRetail brandsConsumer packaged goods companiesRegional and national advertisers

Tech & specs

Technology stack

NielsenComscoreDoubleVerifyIAS (Integral Ad Science)Google Campaign ManagerTrade DeskPrisma (media buying software)

Security & compliance

CCPA

Deployment

Managed Service

API

No

Corporate history
  1. 1984 · Founded
Connection details

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