Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) has announced the winners of its third annual IMAA Awards for Media Partners, with QMS hailed the overall Media Partner of the Year.
The award is determined by IMAA member votes across six criteria: service & relationships, ideas & proactivity, value proposition, data & insights, innovation and effectiveness. QMS also took out the Effectiveness category.
The awards, held at Sydney’s Events by Alpha Grand Room on November 20, acknowledged the 45 media companies from across Australia that have played a critical role in supporting the IMAA and its member agencies over the past 12 months.
Close to 200 independent media agency leaders and media partners attended last night’s event, which culminated with a DJ-hosted after-party, sponsored by CRA.
The full list of the 2025 IMAA Awards for Media Partners’ winners are:
- Partner of the Year: QMS
Partner of the Year Awards by Channel:
- TV: Nine
- Out-Of-Home: oOh!
- Audio: Nova Entertainment
- Publishing & News: News Australia
- Digital: News Australia
Partner of the Year Awards by Category:
- Service & Relationships: SCA
- Ideas & Proactivity: Nova Entertainment and Val Morgan Cinema (equal winners)
- Value Proposition: GoTransit Media Group
- Data & Insights: ATN
- Innovation: Vistar Media
- Effectiveness: QMS
This year’s awards were judged by representatives from 168 independent media agencies.
The results were underpinned by the IMAA’s annual Pulse Survey, which asked more than 800 people from member agencies for feedback on media organisations across service, proactivity, value proposition, data and insights, innovation and effectiveness.
“Our media partners have been the backbone of our organisation since its inception, proudly supporting our efforts to celebrate and advocate for the national independent media agency sector,” said IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan.
“I’d like to warmly congratulate all our media partner winners for 2025. These awards have become an important part of the indie calendar, providing an opportunity to acknowledge our media partners and the value they provide our members. This year, more than ever, we’ve been overwhelmed with the support of our media partners, and their contributions to our professional development and education initiatives, and in providing services to our members.
“Our strong media partnerships are indicative of the collective might and importance of the indie agency sector. It’s through these relationships that we’ve been able to foster innovation and growth within the industry. Our media partners have not just backed and contributed our work, but have been in an active, collaborative voice in promoting our efforts. We’re looking forward to deepening our partnerships in 2026.”
