Ad Age Insider

On Ad Age Insider's first episode of 2026, reporters from across the Ad Age newsroom share the most and least surprising takes from their predictions reporting, and what it all means for the industry. From how changes in the media landscape might impact brands' agency rosters to how consumer crazes around protein and weight loss drugs will influence marketing trends and plenty of AI, hear how this year's trending topics will impact your work and the industry. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Media buying and strategy predictions ~100 creativity predictions ~2026 influencer marketing shifts ~AI marketing predictions for 2026 ~100 ad leaders predict 2026 marketing trends ~Food and beverage marketing trends to watch ~The future of retail in 2026 ~Enter Ad Age's 2026 Tech Power List ~Listen to the Ad Age Marketer's Brief

Senior Agency Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse breaks down ad industry instability and why agencies are undergoing heavy waves of layoffs, including from the recent Omnicom acquisition of IPG. She provides guidance on what to do when impacted by agency layoffs, how to prepare for the sparse job market and when to consider alternative job paths. Plus, the campaign Ad Age readers voted the best of 2025 versus creativity editor Tim Nudd's top picks from the year. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What to know if you've been laid off ~The latest industry employment stats ~Listen: Why the Omnicom-IPG deal matters for all advertisers ~Agency layoff warning signs ~How agencies are changing their strategies for the AI era ~How AI is changing ad jobs ~Listen: the state of entry-level ad careers

Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli go behind the scenes of Ad Age's annual Marketer of the Year list. They share tips on how brands can increase their odds for next year's competition as well as a rundown of takeaways from this year's group of brands that might be useful for your 2026 marketing strategy. Plus, a look inside the Kansas City Chiefs' play to become the top Christmas NFL team, with key strategy takeaways from CMO Lara Krug. And the latest on Warner Bros. Discovery's sale saga. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Garage Beer is Ad Age's 2025 Marketer of the Year ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast ~Vote for 2025's biggest brand fail ~Vote for the best ad campaign of 2025 ~Share your 2026 ad industry predictions with Ad Age

Agency reporters Brian Bonilla and Ewan Larkin dig into Omnicom's acquisition of IPG, and its impact for the advertising industry beyond just agency holding companies. They break down how independent agencies can win, what the deal means for the hold-co hierarchy and key factors to track as the industry's future structure takes shape. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Watch Brian and Ewan's day-one Omnicom takes on Breaking & Entering ~Everything to know about the Omnicom-IPG deal ~Inside Omnicom's new structure ~Top execs to know at new Omnicom ~Omnicom & IPG's joint Kenvue pitch ~The details on Havas and Horizon's joint venture ~Wpromote acquires Giant Spoon ~Inside Just Born's account review ~Recapping Publicis' acquisitions of Captiv8 and Influential ~Rewind: the failed Omnicom-Publicis merger

Ad Age Chief Technology Reporter Garett Sloane discusses how to separate artificial intelligence noise from real utility, the state of chatbot shopping, AI brand readiness and tools marketers are creating to better their businesses. Plus, put your tech knowledge to the test. In this week's episode, take Ad Age Insider's AI readiness quiz for marketers. Or dig deeper with additional questions here. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~All your AI Qs answered in Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook ~The state of AI commerce ~Inside Lavazza's AI persona that says no ~How Amazon is testing ads in Rufus ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age reporter Gillian Follett breaks down why brands are leaning into the limited-edition strategy, the elements of a successful product drop strategy and more holiday social media trends. Plus, what Unilever's big bet on influencer marketing means for the industry, and the details on Peeps, Mike and Ike's and Hot Tamales' new ad agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Dig deeper into Starbucks' Bearista cup strategy ~Catch up on little treat culture and the trinket craze ~Watch holiday ads from Disney, Amazon and Brach's ~Dive into Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook package ~Listen to this week's Marketer's Brief episode

Ad Age Senior Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse explains how AI is automating work typically done by entry-level talent, and how marketers and educators are responding by training students and junior staff to use the technology themselves. Plus, what early career professionals can do to increase employment prospects in a difficult job market. Plus, Omnicom and IPG's joint pitch for health care giant Kenvue acts as a test for success of the mega-merger, but it may be riddled with complications. And, why Anomaly Co-Founder Jason DeLand decided to depart the agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~ Inside Kimberly-Clark's bid to buy Kenvue for $40 billion ~ How production companies are coming to terms with AI ~ Vote for the 2025 Ad Age Marketer of the Year

Ad Age Editor-at-Large Jack Neff explains why pharma ads can't be banned, and how the Trump administration is cracking down on marketers. Plus, what stricter regulation would mean for creatives and how a ban would impact media channels including linear TV and social media. And, inside the financial crisis at experiential agency Verb. Read more on how the surging shop grew too fast. Also, the NFL's CMO stood up to criticism of Bad Bunny's 2026 halftime show. See his callout on critics. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~The state of the pharmaceutical ad crackdown ~Listen to the data on U.S. Hispanic consumer trends ~Listen to Blumhouse's CMO talk horror marketing

Ad Age creativity editor Tim Nudd crowns the top spooky season marketing campaigns in the first-ever Halloween Marketing Awards. He also digs into the trends behind October's best work, including why brands are bringing energy previously reserved for April Fools' Day to the season of the witch. Plus, Ad Legends is a new agency offering brands access to AI replicas of industry legends. The offering is meant to allow marketers access top-tier creative ideas without having to hire an agency. It also offers agencies the ability to replicate their own talent for internal use. Read more about the 2025 Halloween Marketing Awards winners: ~Six Flags, "Come Out and Play" ~Disney+, "EDGEOFYØR Seat" ~Capri Sun, "Trick & Treat Pouches" ~Skittles, "Ghost Roommate" ~Gushers, "Fruithead" Dig deeper into additional stories mentioned in this week's episode: ~Burger King's 2017 "Scary Clown Night" ~Columbia Sportswear's Grim Reaper social takeover and Mini's Waymo disguise ~Yahoo's terrifying "Reply All" short ~Skittles' ghoulish TikTok series ~Airheads' unsettling robot trick-or-treater ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook conference ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age marketing reporter Erika Wheless describes the growth of AI-generated bot networks that fuel large percentages of current brand controversies. In the episode, Wheless breaks down how to identify fake social media accounts, tools brands can use to measure bot impact and how to prepare for potential fake outrage. Plus, Ad Age's 2025 Brand Report breaks down the numbers behind the world's largest advertisers. And TikTok is making aggressive pushes to up ad commitments, despite uncertainty over the platform's future with the Trump administration's planned spin-off. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside the social media bot crisis ~Listen to marketing takeaways from American Eagle and Cracker Barrel's recent controversies ~What Elf Cosmetics got wrong with its comedian collab ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook conference ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age senior marketing reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli breaks down takeaways from the controversy surrounding the NFL's Bad Bunny pick for 2026's Super Bowl Halftime Show. Listen to hear data on U.S. Hispanic spending, best practices for building loyalty with multicultural audiences and how brands can prepare for political pushback. Plus, Domino's debuted new branding for the first time in 13 years, including a jingle by Shaboozey. And Hennessy launched a new partnership with LeBron James that took a risk with the athlete's fans. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~How to build loyalty with Hispanic consumers ~Papa Johns seeks a new creative agency ~Read Ad Age's coverage of Advertising Week New York ~Submit entries for Ad Age's 2026 A-List and Creativity Awards ~Buy tickets for the Ad Age AI Marketing Playbook ~Listen to Meta's CMO on Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age reporters go deep on the future of marketing agencies, from consolidation to AI in-housing. Listen to hear more on the potential demise of mid-size agencies, resurgence of social media agencies of record and transformation of capabilities, plus what industry leaders need to know to start strategizing now. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~2030 readiness checklist ~How to incorporate AI into your work ~The future of social media and influencer ~How AI is changing the RFP process

Ad Age reporters break down the transformation of consumer behavior that will impact marketing strategies over the next five years, and how brands can begin preparing now. From changing demographics to revamped loyalty programs and the role of the Super Bowl in 2030, listen for insights into how consumers will interact with brands in 2030. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~The CMO job in 2030 ~Loyalty and shopping in 2030 ~How AI is changing the RFP process ~Will the Super Bowl still matter in 2030? ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~The future of social media and influencer

Ad Age reporters dig into the evolution of skills needed to climb the ad industry ladder amid industry transformation. From the new responsibilities CMOs will take on as AI automates other C-suite roles to how entry-level marketers should differentiate their expertise, listen to hear insights that will inform your career path strategy. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Through Sept. 26, get the best deal yet on an Ad Age All Access subscription. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~The CMO job in 2030 ~The evolution of entry-level skillsets ~How to incorporate AI into your work ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~2030 readiness checklist ~The future of creativity

Ad Age reporters discuss AI, and the industry transformation being caused by emerging technology. From influencer clones and shopping agents to contract terms and ad tech tools, listen to hear how marketers can strategize for the industry's AI future. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Through September 26, get the best deal yet on an Ad Age All Access subscription. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~How AI will impact creativity ~Building a 2030-ready tech stack ~The changing role of agencies in the AI future ~5 things to do to get ready for 2030 ~The future of social media and influencer ~How shopping will be different in 2030

Ad Age reporters discuss AI, and the industry transformation being caused by emerging technology. From influencer clones and shopping agents to contract terms and ad tech tools, listen to hear how marketers can strategize for the industry's AI future. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Through September 26, get the best deal yet on an Ad Age All Access subscription. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~How AI will impact creativity ~Building a 2030-ready tech stack ~The changing role of agencies in the AI future ~5 things to do to get ready for 2030 ~The future of social media and influencer ~How shopping will be different in 2030

Ad Age technology reporter Asa Hiken breaks down the state of AI search advertising, what ads on ChatGPT may look like, how much they'll cost and the different approaches companies including OpenAI, Google, Meta and Perplexity are taking. Plus, how marketers can strategize for consumers' changing AI habits. YouTube announced new ad tools that will give creators more power to curate sponsorships across their content libraries. Read how YouTubers are becoming more like traditional media networks. And a tax change set for 2026 threatens the future of free agency food. Get the info on how lunches might become the next differentiator for recruiting talent. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Everything to know about AI search ads ~Inside Perplexity's ad test ~Answer engine optimization tips ~Listen to Grillo's CMO on the importance of experiential activations

Ad Age agency reporter Ewan Larkin demystifies the changing power dynamics at agency holding companies such as WPP, Publicis and Omnicom. Global account leads are becoming more important to agency growth, changing the position of regional and agency brand CEOs. Plus, Netflix announced it would make ad inventory available through Amazon's DSP. The partnership is a milestone in both companies' ad journeys—read more on the implications. And Goodby Silverstein & Partners named Sarah Thompson as its first-ever CEO. Go inside the reasons why. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~The meaning of agency holding companies' changing power dynamics ~Dentsu's strategy to stand out amid industry M&A ~Behind the scenes of the updated "How Many Licks" campaign ~Listen to Little Caesar's CMO talk sports marketing strategy

Ad Age senior agency reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse goes inside the growing trend of brand-agency marriage counseling. Rather than jumping straight into a costly and time-intensive agency review, consultancies are increasingly suggesting services that evaluate the existing relationship, and potentially improve both the agency and brand's practices. Plus, Group Black is changing its name to Portrait Media Group. In an exclusive interview with Ad Age, co-founder Bonin Bough explained the reason as well as the company's future path. And one change for future CMOs is the rise of test-running roles before committing full-time. Read more on how to get noticed for interim marketing positions. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside brand-agency marriage counselling ~The stats on client-agency tenure ~Google won't be forced to sell Chrome ~What Kraft Heinz's reorganization means for its future ~Keep up with the latest account reviews ~Buy tickets to Ad Age's Business of Brands conference ~Listen to Manscaped's CMO talk unconventional media strategies

Ad Age reporters Erika Wheless and Gillian Follett break down the brand lessons from the recent Cracker Barrel and American Eagle dramas: How can marketers better prepare for social pushback, what to know about official brand responses and how the brand-consumer relationship is changing on social media. Plus, AI ad networks are beginning to emerge, which place paid content in chatbots such as ChatGPT. Dig into the debate between maintaining chat quality and monetizing the technology. And Svedka has resurrected its Fembot character in a plea for people to put down their phones and go out with friends. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~The latest on the Cracker Barrel rebrand saga ~Refresh yourself on American Eagle's Sydney Sweeney campaign backlash ~Inside E.l.f. Cosmetics' Matt Rife social campaign ~Keep up with the latest account reviews ~Buy tickets to Ad Age's Business of Brands conference ~Listen to Hinge's CMO talk connecting with Gen Z

Ad Age Creativity Editor Tim Nudd reveals the creativity trends of 2025 so far, including the impact of AI on brand marketing, the resurgence of experiential activations and the secret to an effective modern Super Bowl campaign. Plus, data reveals the impact of AI search on brand's website visits—some categories are seeing a lift while others are staying flat. Dig deeper into the differentiators. And E.l.f. Cosmetics finds itself the latest subject of consumer scrutiny after partnering with controversial comedian Matt Rife. Find out where experts are saying the brand went wrong. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Tim's list of the top ads of 2025 so far ~Coca-Cola's AI-generated holiday campaign ~Google's not-so-good Olympics AI ad ~Walton Goggins' Doritos porn spoof ~Apply to join Ad Age's Small Agency Network ~Keep track of agency account reviews here

Ad Age Insider is the weekly podcast for breaking down marketing, advertising and media's biggest stories and trends. Host Parker Herren goes behind the biggest headlines, emerging innovations and brand campaigns—from the rise of AI and streaming ads to the future of ad creativity—with the Ad Age reporters who cover it all.

The 80s pop star takes a break from shooting a Frito-Lay commercial to discuss the music industry, becoming a meme, and what he's been up to during the pandemic.

Ben Howe of Howe Creative, one of The Lincoln Project's key video collaborators, on the making of 'Mourning in America'—and what it takes to go viral

On this week's episode of Ad Lib, E.J. Schultz is joined by Harvey Purchese, senior VP of marketing at liquor marketer William Grant & Sons. We get behind Hendrick's quirky ad approach, which has included stunts like the "Hendrick's High Wheel," a decidedly old-fashioned exercise bike. It's part of the brand's Luddite marketing shtick, which has included the Horatio, a "somewhat smart" speaker and the Hendrick's Streaming Service, which consists of videos of actual streams—yes, running water.

In this week's episode Ad Age's Jeanine Poggi is joined by Katie Shill, senior director of brand marketing at Calm. The meditation app won election night with its sponsorship of CNN's "Key Race" alerts, encouraging viewers to take a break and find a moment of calm. Shill discusses how the sponsorship came together, results of the buy and how the meditation company plans to sustain the momentum moving into 2021.

On this week's episode of Ad Age Ad Lib, senior editor Jeanine Poggi speaks with Brandon Snow, senior VP, chief revenue officer, esports, Activision Blizzard. Pandemic lockdowns were a boon for esports, with viewers flocking to gaming as other live sports and entertainment were shut down. Activision Blizzard was one of the benefactors of the pandemic, garnering impressive momentum around its leagues, including the inaugural season of the Call of Duty league.

On this week's episode of Ad Age Ad Lib, senior editor Jeanine Poggi speaks with Christy Tanner, executive VP and general manager of CBS News Digital, and Elaine Quijano, anchor, CBSN, about the state of the streaming news marketplace.

Senior editor Jeanine Poggi and agency reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse, speak with industry leaders Jill Kelly, U.S. chief marketing officer, GroupM, Kimberly Paige, exec VP and chief marketing officer, BET Networks, Soon Mee Kim, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer and executive VP at Omnicom Public Relations Group, and Tiffany Edwards, global head of diversity and inclusion, Droga5, on how to move multicultural marketing beyond a check box.

Lisa Mann, a former CPG marketer who recently joined an executive search firm, joins to discuss CMO hiring trends and look at how the role is changing—in some cases for the worse.

When Karuna Rawal got a call from a recruiter about a marketing gig at a startup using a microbe to make protein-packed, animal-free food, she was intrigued. The lifelong vegetarian joined the company, now called Nature's Fynd, as its chief marketing officer and first marketing hire. Now, she and her Chicago-based team are just starting to get the company's name out in the world while preparing to launch its first products next year.

Ad Age spoke with Penry Price, LinkedIn's VP of global sales, to understand how the site managed through the crises that have hit all industries. The pandemic affected digital advertising as sectors like travel pulled back on spending while other industries pulled ads temporarily to make them more appropriate for the national mood.

In a time period when there seems to be little cause for optimism, Ad Age spoke with Omnicom Media Group CEO Scott Hagedorn on where he sees bright spots starting to emerge within his agency and the industry overall.

Oscar Martinez, Senior Brand Director of Tecate, joins the pod to talk about the brand's marketing overhaul, which includes a move away from boxing and into music. We break down the brew's "Mexico is in US" campaign that emphasizes the brand's border-town heritage while seeking to appeal to drinkers who are unapologetically Mexican-American.

Curtis Hougland, the founder and CEO of communications and strategy shop Main Street One, explains the social and political science behind voter/consumer persuasion, and why the time is right for campaigns and brands to leverage older (55+) influencers.

4A's Executive VP of Government Relations Alison Pepper discusses how she and other industry organizations fought a 3 percent tax on advertising services and the sale of "personal information" proposed by The Washington, D.C. City Council as part of a plan to combat a growing budget deficit, and won. She says the fight isn't over though.

Pernod Ricard North America CEO Ann Mukherjee describes why the liquor marketer will resume social media spending after pausing it in July. The longtime marketer also describes what it's like moving into the CEO job, and she explains her leadership style, which involves bringing your personal experiences to the job.

Christopher Carroll, director of digital engagement and marketing for the International Olympic Committee, joins the pod to talk about how the IOC is going about plugging the Tokyo games, which were delayed by a year due to the pandemic.

Ad lawyer Linda Goldstein joins to discuss what brands need to know about sponsorship contract changes during COVID-19, new 'Made in the USA,' ad regulations and what to expect at the FTC if Democrats take over. Plus, she explains how ad lawyers can co-exist with creatives.

The author of "Black on Madison Avenue" talks about what it was like getting a job in advertising 40 years ago and how much the industry has failed to change since that time.

Former LatinWorks chief creative Sergio Alcocer joins to talk about his 3-year-old cultural marketing shop Rest of the World and give his take on how brands and agencies should respond to new calls for diversity. He weighs in on other topics, like his love of jazz music and how he would rebrand the Catholic Church.

Justin Billingsley has one hell of a Lego set. Publicis Groupe's first global chief marketing officer used the famed building blocks in an analogy during the Ad Age Ad Lib podcast to explain how the holding company's Power of One works for clients. Billingsley said that for client Mercedes-Benz the company constructed a shop, Publicis Emil, composed of 650 people in 39 countries customized specifically to the automaker's needs.

Julie Tucker, global marketing director for the Associated Press, on the news wire service's new marketing and what separates it from the 'Truth' campaign she oversaw at The New York Times. We also discuss newsroom diversity and how the AP is preparing for the 2020 election. Plus, Tucker explains why she left agency life behind.

Portland Maine's Via agency CEO talks about the moral renaissance, directing a commercial with Jim Perdue via iPhone, her Catholic school education and the disco ball in her home.

Allyson Witherspoon, VP of marketing communications and media at Nissan North America, on how the automaker responded in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak and what it is doing now to restore buyer confidence. She also weighs in on online car-buying and why she thinks it's here to stay. Plus, she shares management tips she learned while working in Japan.

Anush Prabhu, chief strategy officer at Mediacom, talks about the new—and often contrasting—behaviors that have come about since COVID, and how smart marketers should navigate them as the world opens up.

Greg Butler, chief commercial officer at Cresco Labs, explains how the cannabis firm has pivoted during COVID-19, which has forced the firm to rely more on digital and less on retail and experiential activations that had been critical components of cannabis marketing. The former Molson Coors marketer also discusses Cresco's strategy on taking a brand portfolio approach with each offering geared for a specific set of consumers.

Goodby, Silverstein & Partners' Chief Creative Officer Margaret Johnson explains how the agency has created more than 30 campaigns for 80 percent of its clients remotely--and how working from home has opened up new avenues of inspiration.

Longtime agency exec Sarah Hofstetter joins to talk about her new role as president of e-commerce analytics firm Profitero, which serves more than 4,000 clients. We discuss the coronavirus-induced e-commerce surge and whether or not it's sustainable. She also talks about her career journey and why she took this job after previous stints at 360i and Comscore. And, Sarah shares some personal tips on how to stay calm during the pandemic.

Today's podcast guest is, well, me. After three wonderful, challenging, intense, stressful and exhilarating years, I'm sad to say I'm parting ways with this iconic institution. Friday was my last day. Working with the Ad Age newsroom in both good times and weird has been an honor. In a conversation with my colleagues Judy Pollack and Alfred Maskeroni, we take a look back on my time. Thank you for listening.