Media services Framework (SP-24-07)
Framework Description
The Scottish Government's Media Services Framework (SP-24-07) covers media monitoring and communications support for public bodies. Lot 1 covers print, broadcast, online news and social media services plus evaluation and analytics, and is held by Press Data Ltd. Lot 2 covers news distribution, an online newsroom and enquiry management, and is held by Access Intelligence Media and Communications. It runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2029.
Context & Use Case
Central government, councils, universities, colleges, the third sector and other public bodies use it to track coverage of their organisation, measure the impact of campaigns and run their press office tools. With one supplier per lot, buyers call off directly at pricing fixed for four years, without running a competition. Media planning and buying is bought through a separate framework.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Print media service Lot 1: Broadcast and online news media services Lot 1: Social media service Lot 1: Evaluation and analytics Lot 2: News distribution and online newsroom Lot 2: Enquiry management
Lots
Lot 1 - Print, broadcast, online news and social media services, evaluation and analytics; Lot 2 - News distribution and online newsroom, enquiry management
Who Can Apply
Media monitoring, analytics and press office software firms suit a framework like this, but applications are closed, with one supplier per lot until 31 August 2029. Other firms should aim for the re-tender around then, or offer specialist services to the appointed suppliers in the meantime.
Buyer Benefits
Pricing is fixed for four years, giving communications teams certainty, and KPIs and service levels have been agreed with each supplier. One supplier per lot keeps buying simple, and a coordinated approach across the public sector brings cash and non-cash savings through competitive rates.
Next Steps
With nearly three years left, firms should treat the re-tender as a medium-term goal: build Scottish public sector references through standalone monitoring or newsroom contracts, develop evaluation and analytics capability that scores well, and watch the Scottish Government's framework pages for a prior information notice during 2029.
How Athena Can Help
Single-supplier lots like these are won once every four years, so preparation matters more than usual. Athena's long-range framework planning keeps the 2029 re-tender on your pipeline and builds the case studies and service evidence you will need well before the notice appears.
Until then, our bid support for media firms and public sector tender guidance help you win standalone monitoring, analytics and press office contracts from councils, universities and other public bodies, starting with a clear bid/no-bid view.
