Numerous non-transparent business practices, including cash rebates to media agencies, were found to be pervasive in a sample of the U.S. media ad-buying ecosystem, according to a study commissioned by the ANA (Association of National Advertisers).

Results of the study were released today by the ANA in conjunction with K2 Intelligence, which conducted the assessment and delivered a 58-page report. Copies of the full report, along with related documents, are available and can be downloaded at www.ana.net/transparency.

“Advertisers and their agencies are lacking ‘full disclosure’ as the cornerstone principle of their media management practices,” said Bob Liodice, president and CEO of the ANA. “Such disclosure is absolutely essential if they are to build trust as the foundation of their relationships with their long-term business partners.”

Read the full ANA article here.