JWT scrambles to save Dell as BBDO gets foot in door.

This article reports that New York-based BBDO Worldwide is making a high-stakes push to snare the Dell Computer Corp. account from J. Walter Thompson USA Inc. (JWT), with the incumbent scrambling to keep the $100 million-plus business. Dell vice president of corporate branding Scott Helbing denied reports that Dell had given JWT a 30-day notice and declined to comment on whether the computer marketer was looking beyond that agency. In late August 1998, JWT presented new advertising, keeping its "Be direct" tag but adopting a slightly different look. There were some indications late last week that the new work could save the business.