Media Industry

Commission in the Media Industry

The media industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the shift from traditional to digital media. The industry generates over $4.5 billion annually, and commission remains a significant part of compensation for those selling ad space, sponsorships, and media solutions.

Commission models in the media industry vary significantly between traditional media (newspapers, TV, radio) and digital platforms, as well as between B2B and B2C sales.

Typical Commission Models

OTE for Media Sales

On-Target Earnings in the media industry varies by medium and segment:

• Sales Director: $130,000-200,000 annually
• Senior Account Manager: $95,000-140,000 annually
• Digital Sales Manager: $80,000-115,000 annually
• Account Manager: $65,000-95,000 annually
• Inside Sales: $50,000-70,000 annually

Digital vs. Traditional

There are significant differences in commission between digital and traditional media:

• Digital: Often based on monthly MRR or quarterly bookings
• Print: Commission on single insertions or annual contracts
• Programmatic: Lower margins require volume-based commission
• Native/Content: Higher commission due to greater involvement and value

Special Elements

The media industry has several unique commission aspects:

• Agency commission: Media agency discounts can affect salesperson commission
• Bundle packages: Bonuses for selling cross-platform solutions
• Seasonal fluctuations: Q4 and major events drive higher booking volume
• Inventory management: Commission can be varied based on demand

Many media companies use tiered commission to promote sales of premium placements.

FAQ About Media Commission

How do discounts affect my commission?

Most companies calculate commission on net price after discounts. Some have minimum thresholds to avoid overly aggressive discounting.

Do I earn commission on automated bookings?

It varies. Programmatic ad sales typically have lower or no commission, while directly sold inventory provides full commission.

What happens to commission on cancellation?

Clawback is common on cancellations before campaign start. After start, commission is reduced proportionally to the delivered portion.