Advertising Age - GoodWorks

TV Nets At Upfront Pitch Shows' Social-Media Traction
Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00

In nearly every upfront presentation, the TV networks took pains to stress their expertise in connecting advertisers to consumers, not only with splashy TV programs but also via social media.

Days After Quitting Facebook Ads, GM Swears Off the Super Bowl
Fri, 18 May 2012 16:14:01

Is General Motors making a point or acting under new pressures?

Mediabrands Spinoff Network Will Be Called BPN
Fri, 18 May 2012 11:51:02

Plans for a third agency network at Mediabrands are finally firming up. The new unit will sit under the Orion Trading Unit and handle conflict business.

Amazon to Sell Ads on Kindle Fire Welcome Screen -- If You Have $600K
Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:02

The Kindle Fire is Amazon.com's best-selling product, the company said in its first-quarter-earnings release. And it's being treated that way by the Amazon ad sales team.

Why Low Ratings Won't Stop AMC From Showing Every Episode of 'The Pitch'
Thu, 17 May 2012 11:29:02

Poor viewership has sparked coverage calling the show a "disaster" perhaps headed for a "premature end." But don't expect AMC to pull it early.

Are Consumers Ready for Mobile Grocery Shopping?
Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00

More mobile apps are popping up as tools for shoppers to find manufacturer deals and make lists as they trawl the supermarket aisles.

Google+ a Ghost Town as Brands Decamp for Pinterest
Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00

While the broad consensus among digital marketers is that Google+ is an empty city where the masses go to set up a profile but then seldom return, Google is continuing to double down on the investment.

To Deliver For Wall Street, Facebook Must Convince Madison Avenue
Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00

The social network went public with huge buzz, but it's closing stock price and GM's statement that it was pulling its ads, raised a question for investors and for advertisers: Just what should they expect from Facebook?

Facebook's $38 IPO at End of First Day of Trading Worth ... $38
Fri, 18 May 2012 16:37:02

Facebook hovered near the initial public offering price in its trading debut, following a record IPO.

A Look Back at Donna Summer's Long Commercial Career
Thu, 17 May 2012 14:44:02

The dance-music diva's megahits did more than flood dance floors and top the charts; Ms. Summer's songs were used in plenty of commercials, well after disco's peak in the 1970s and 1980s.

People on the Move: Gill Duff Named President-CEO of BBDO, Atlanta
Wed, 16 May 2012 13:46:00

Also on the move this week are David White, Kimberly Lau, Deborah J. Mignucci, Michael Alex and the management team at Chick-fil-A.

Mark Modesto Joins Ryan Partnership as CEO
Tue, 15 May 2012 15:09:02

He's leaving Marc USA to join the shopper-marketing agency. John Immesoete is also leaving Marc to join Ryan as chief creative officer.

People on the Move: Skechers' Leonard Armato to Head Up Leverage Agency
Wed, 09 May 2012 17:05:44

The sports and entertainment-marketing firm has tapped the Skechers CMO to open and oversee a Los Angeles office.

Arnold Taps Aaron Griffiths as Co-Chief Creative Officer in New York
Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:00

In wake of steady growth, the agency has chosen the former TBWA/Chiat/Day creative director to partner with current chief creative John Staffen.

Sprite Taps Johannes Leonardo for Global Duties
Fri, 18 May 2012 07:39:02

Coca-Cola continues to adjust the agencies working on its Sprite brand, selecting Johannes Leonardo to lead Sprite creative globally.

Samsung Must Make Do After U.K. Olympic Torch Relay Is Downsized
Thu, 17 May 2012 21:58:42
After the torch relay for the 2008 Summer Olympics was marred by protests, the 2012 version has been scaled back -- and that's disappointing to the sponsor.

Starbucks Promotes Young-Scrivner to President of Canada
Thu, 17 May 2012 09:44:02

Starbucks upped Global CMO Annie Young-Scrivner to president of Canada, its second-largest market after the U.S.

Siri, Why Don't You Speak Spanish?
Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00

With the voice-activated assistant its big selling point, the iPhone 4S has flown off the shelves, despite putting off the U.S. ethnic group most gaga for smartphones: Hispanics.

Univision Upfront Opens With Sofia and Closes With Shakira
Tue, 15 May 2012 18:42:02

"I might work somewhere else, but this is where I live," said "Modern Family" star Sofia Vergara, who got her start on the network.

With Zoe Saldana and Victor Cruz at the Cosmo for Latinas Launch Party
Fri, 11 May 2012 11:21:01

The magazine's first cover model says she isn't trying to represent any demographic but hopes that more magazines will reach out to "the first generations of me."

Univision Lights The Upfront Fuse, Signs Early Deal With Starcom
Thu, 10 May 2012 17:46:46
Spanish-language broadcaster Univision is the first network to snag an upfront deal this year in a broad-reaching pact with Starcom.

ABC and Univision Plan English-Language News Channel for Hispanics
Mon, 07 May 2012 11:32:01

The effort, which will introduce a website this summer and TV network next year, aims to connect advertisers with a fast-growing group.

Change Gauge: 20 Big Marketing Moves From the First Half
Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00

For major companies, from retailers to restaurants, some of the best marketing talent is coming from an unlikely place -- well outside their categories.

Delete Creativity? That's Bad for Business
Wed, 16 May 2012 10:01:26

Besting the competition is the endgame of most marketing, and one of the most enduring and reliable ways of so doing is a creative idea.

AmEx Tests New Ways to Transact in Social Media
Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00

While adland has obsessed over what brands should say on these social-media outlets, AmEx's John Hayes and his team are testing ways to transact there.

ANA: Two-Thirds of Global Marketers to Change Agency Compensation
Wed, 09 May 2012 16:37:02
Compensation and performance incentives were debated at the Association of National Advertisers' Financial Management Conference.

DraftFCB Wins SeaWorld Account
Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:02

PepsiCo Taps Weber Shandwick for Diet Pepsi PR
Thu, 17 May 2012 18:43:01
"We liked the thinking and creativity and approach Weber had taken with the Pepsi Next launch so we asked them to do some thinking on Diet Pepsi," said a Pepsi spokeswoman.

Lee Doyle Joins Mindshare, Stays in Group M Family
Wed, 16 May 2012 18:41:01

Nearly eight months after stepping down as North America CEO of WPP's MEC, Lee Doyle has joined sibling agency Mindshare in the newly created role of president-client development in North America.

Who's to Blame When an Ad Incites Anger?
Wed, 09 May 2012 06:00:03

Launching a campaign is like launching a nuclear missile: both the agency and the client have to turn their key. So when a campaign goes awry, such as Ashton Kutcher's recent "brownface" Popchips ad, it's unfair for the client to implicate the agency.

Big Data Requires Complex Analysis, But Don't Be Scared Off
Tue, 08 May 2012 14:10:17

Segmentation groups customers based on characteristics. But it can get so complex that companies become paralyzed.

Macy's Brings Brazil to Customers
Tue, 08 May 2012 06:58:02

Macy's looked to its history for inspiration in its latest marketing and merchandising effort, "Brasil: A Magical Journey."

Why It's Important for Us to Strictly Police Our Own Digital Efforts
Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00

Here's why self-regulation is in the interests of advertisers and the agencies that partner with them

Female Ad Characters Are Now More Than Just Sex Objects -- Kind Of
Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00

Marketers have always used women to sell products, but spokeswomen have lately veered away from the standard model of a well-endowed blonde in a mini.

Despite the Buzz, Social-Media Users Still Not Really Interested in Your Ads
Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00

The problem with Facebook and other social media is that they were not designed to carry advertising.

These Days He's Carefree, But O. Burtch Drake Still Tells It Like It Is
Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00

Initially not a fan of holding companies, O. Burtch Drake now sees their value.

Why U.K. Authorities Didn't Pursue Inquiry Into Agencies' 'Pooled Buying'
Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00

Many global advertisers believe they aren't getting their fair share from media rebates. So why didn't they show support for a U.K. inquiry into how TV ad time is traded?

If Ideas Are Fuel for Your Business, Here's a Book to Help Fill Up Your Tank
Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00

"The Book of Doing" could unlock the sense of "spontaneity and freedom" you felt as a child, and affect your business in positive ways.

Controversy in Outdoor Advertising Is Nothing New in Unorthodox Russia
Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:00:00

As the head of the Russian chapter of the International Advertising Association explained it, today's Russians are influenced by two great traditions: the czars of the 18th century and communism.

Social Media Is About Cultivating Community, Not Corralling Cattle
Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:52

In the Relationship Era, sales tactics may drive consumers away.

Quit Wasting Your Time and Money Trying to Produce Viral Videos
Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:11:11

Chances are you won't win the Mega Millions lottery or catch a 42-pound rainbow trout. So why plan on striking viral gold when there are better online investments to be made?

Apple, Amazon, Google or Comcast -- Who Will 'Win' TV 2.0?
Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:08:34

The future won't hinge on content; an unlimited supply is a given. It will hinge on the discovery of content.

Murdoch Reveals Bieber's Dark Secret: A Future Timeline of the Hacking Scandal
Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:20:47

The phone-hacking scandal is getting awfully convoluted, so I've taken the trouble of putting together a timeline of events so far. And also in the future.

Project Baby Slobs Shows That Sharing Works Better Than Branding
Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:00:41

Maybe brands shouldn't be tasking anyone to create branded videos contrived to catch fire online.

We're So Quick to Crown Social-Media Successes That We Forget What They're Actually Based On
Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00

While both Old Spice and "The Hunger Games" ran brilliant social-media efforts, it should be pointed out that one started out as a Super Bowl spot and the other is a best-selling book franchise.

Nothing Exciting About Burger King's Menu Expansion
Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:47:20

Following the leader is not a successful marketing strategy -- here's why.

When It Comes to Names, Corporations Just Aren't People
Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00

It's highly unlikely that a marketing campaign will change the way consumers refer to a brand. How many people call Dunkin' Donuts "DD?" or Gatorade "G"?

It's Curtains for Google! And Facebook! And Tumblr! And ...
Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00

When you're done tweeting or updating or pinning things or checking in, run for your lives, because the tech sky is falling!

Six Totally Necessary Regulations That Go Into Effect Immediately
Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00

In keeping with the spirit of this, the Regulation Issue of Advertising Age, your Media Guy proposes -- nay, mandates -- a whole slew of new laws, bylaws, bi-laws, in-laws and bi in-laws.

Believe The Hype? Four Things Social TV Can Actually Do
Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:22:16

Two recent conversations I had with high-level media executives reminded me that not everyone understands the term "social TV."

Thanks for Proving My Point, Gawker!
Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00

You may have read about my plans to form a Council on Ethical Blogging and Aggregation. Whether what you read got the details right is another thing.

Introducing the Council on Ethical Blogging and Aggregation
Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:23:01

A code of ethics for content aggregators? In today's New York Times, media columnist David Carr writes about a new group devoted to establishing and maintaining such guidelines.

Real Steel: Obama and Romney Release Dueling Videos
Tue, 15 May 2012 12:24:15

Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are fighting about steel jobs.

Obama, Romney Unlikely to Engage in Gay-Marriage Ad Battle
Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00

While pundits debate whether the president's declared support for same-sex marriage will cost him key swing states, a recent survey says that the issue is not a major concern for those voters.

Democrats Waste No Time Capitalizing on Obama's Gay-Marriage Position
Wed, 09 May 2012 16:42:22

Shortly after President Barack Obama came out in favor of same-sex marriage, the DCCC changed its website.

Romney Brand Is Tainted by Gay Aide's Resignation
Wed, 09 May 2012 10:48:31

The Romney campaign risks a significant backlash from gay and lesbian consumers.

Why Obama's 'Julia' and Republican Response Are Good Things
Mon, 07 May 2012 15:44:00

The Obama campaign's 'Julia' prompts a debate over policy and positions rather than personality, dog treatment.

The Onion: Honey Nut Cheerios Bee Given Horrifying Backstory
Mon, 14 May 2012 11:58:34

In The Onion's latest marketing story, BuzzBee is given a childhood of misery as part of a rebranding effort.

How Romantic! A Marriage Proposal Via Banner Ad
Thu, 10 May 2012 17:51:01

How an ad sales guy proposed to an agency digital media director.

Brad Pitt Endorsing Chanel No. 5? Just Another Pretty Face
Wed, 09 May 2012 14:17:03

Andy Warhol put it on one of his posters, and Tilar Mazzeo wrote a book about it. Now one of Hollywood's most famous actors will be the face of it.

Branding Firm Appeals to Ellen in JC Penney Dustup
Tue, 08 May 2012 17:43:02

Hudson & Broad, which has sued JC Penney, has released a video appealing directly to spokeswoman Ellen DeGeneres.

Clients Need to Know: Are You Helping or Selling?
Thu, 17 May 2012 15:11:19

We must assure clients that we have their best interests at heart, not an agenda.

The Big Problem With 'The Pitch': It Portrays an Outdated Business Model
Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:09

"The Pitch" can be fun to watch, but it portrays an outdated business model.

When Big Ideas Come from Small Companies
Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:26

The freshest marketing ideas don't always come from big-budget marketing departments. They come from entrepreneurs who use their ingenuity to stand out.

A Wise Word for Obama and Our Profession: Transparency
Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:03:27

When political supporters and consumers are left largely in the dark, negative assumptions spread in the public.

Small Agency Awards Deadline Extended One Last Time: Entries Due May 7
Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:10:01

Ad Age has extended the deadline for entries into its Small Agency Awards competition until May 7.

May Is Time to Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage
Tue, 15 May 2012 11:38:36

What can your company do to learn more about this group's achievements and contributions?

Romney Seeks to Chip Away at Obama's Grip on Hispanic Vote
Mon, 07 May 2012 11:12:11

Republican Mitt Romney not likely to win majority of Latino vote, but modest gains could hurt Obama campaign.

Anil Dash Pops Off About Ashton Kutcher's Going 'Brownface' in Popchips Ad
Wed, 02 May 2012 19:17:01

Anil Dash ripped into Popchips after the company posted a video of Ashton Kutcher in what the tech guru called 'brownface.' But a call from the founder smoothed things over.

Stat of the Day: The Agency Report Edition
Tue, 01 May 2012 14:42:00
The DataCenter's agency report has the scoop on nearly 1,000 U.S. agencies, networks and holding companies, as well as key accounts, specialties execs, and profiles. Here are five stats from the report as a teaser.

How the U.S. Watches Cable
Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:13:41
In this week's Ad Age we looked at what Network TV shows have the most skewed audiences in the segments we've been tracking through the American Consumer Project. This map is the cable counterpart.

How Marketers Can Tap 'The Power of Habit'
Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:19:55

A Q&A with Charles Duhigg, the author of "Power of Habit." He tells AdAgeStat how marketers can take advantage of the science.

The Demographics of Health Care
Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:36:11
Certain areas are more prone to certain kinds of illnesses. But more important is what the residents there do when they get sick.

Which Markets Busted the Brackets on NCAA Ratings?
Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:30:47

Bracket mania might have swept the nation for the month of March, but as far as TV ratings go, NCAA men's basketball fever grips the smaller markets most tightly.

Doing It Wrong: 11 Boring Things GM Posted on Facebook
Fri, 18 May 2012 10:15:42

GM's Facebook page is a sterling example of a company that wants to broadcast instead of listen, ignore instead of engage.

GM Doesn't Have a Facebook Problem, It Has a Brand Loyalty Problem
Thu, 17 May 2012 11:14:05

Rather than focus on selling cars on Facebook, the brand should have looked at how to connect with its best advocates to influence purchase behavior across the social graph.

How Walmart Is Localizing Its Stores With Facebook
Thu, 17 May 2012 08:57:05

A social-local strategy lets retailers capitalize on consumer use of new media, at the store level.

Why Facebook Isn't Screwed When It Comes to Auto Marketing
Wed, 16 May 2012 11:04:34

The real questions we should be asking ourselves, before we blame Facebook for GM's marketing effectiveness, are were they doing it right and were they measuring it right?

Social Sharing Data Vampires: They Vant to Suck Your Data
Wed, 16 May 2012 09:15:13

With social sharing tools, publishers are bleeding themselves dry, giving up the very customer data that hold the promise of their continued relevance

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