Have We Really Left The Mad Men Era? AdWeek Questions Adland
Facing accusations that he made frequent jokes about rape, Jews and African Americans, JWT’s global CEO resigned this week, marking an abrupt reversal by his company—and sparking an industrywide moment of reflection.
The allegations that Gustavo Martinez often mocked women and minorities left many wondering if Mad Men’s portrayal of leering, intolerant ad executives in the 1960s truly was an artifact of a bygone era or a lingering reality hidden under a veneer of diversity and inclusion.
To be clear, the case against Martinez and his agency is far from over. Erin Johnson, JWT’s chief communications officer, continues to press her lawsuit against Martinez, whom she claims retaliated against her after she complained that he made light of rape and expressed a dislike for minorities. Johnson is on paid leave as her lawsuit works its way through the legal process.
Martinez has not publicly admitted any wrongdoing, nor has JWT or its parent company WPP discussed which, if any, of Johnson’s allegations were found to be true. But a week after he denied the accusations and WPP announced that its internal investigation found no evidence of discrimination, the holding company announced Martinez was resigning “by mutual agreement” and would immediately be replaced by chief client officer Tamara Ingram.
Read the full article on AdWeek here.
Latest News
Today’s The Day! Announcing The Winners From The 2021 Snapchat Young Lions Competition
Here we have it: all the winners for this year’s 2021 Snapchat Young Lions Competition. The Misfits Media Company, proud official representatives of the Cannes Lions Festival in Australia, is delighted to share the winners for this prestigious award. After presenting their second-round pitches, all the shortlisted candidates were evaluated by 50 esteemed industry judges. […]
IAB’s MeasureUp To Return In 2021
IAB Australia has announced that the MeasureUp conference will return for its fifth year on 27th October and is seeking submissions for smart and engaging speakers, sessions or workshops from Australia’s media and marketing industry. As investment in digital advertising continues to outpace the rest of the media sector representing two-thirds of the paid advertising market, […]
iProspect Revamps Sydney Leadership Team
Oliver Rapson, CEO iProspect Australia, announces today the appointment of three new executives and a promotion from within.
Google Maps Out Return To Office
It appears free breakfast, lunch & dinner, slippery dips, bean bags & escape pods not enough to lure Google staff back.
All The Goss On ARN And SCA’s Quarterly Results
B&T's industry leading financial reporter has downloaded ARN's & SCA's numbers off the ASX & cut n pasted them here.
Go Transit Expands In Sydney As OOH Demand Increases
Judging by Gladys' press conference this morning, news that Sydney OOH demand is on the rise may be a tad premature.
Admix In-Play Advertising To Be Verified For The First Time By IAS
In-Play advertising platform Admix has announced a new partnership with Integral Ad Science (IAS). This integration with IAS makes Admix the only In-Play advertising company to offer ad inventory that is measured and verified by a trusted, independent partner. This ground-breaking news means that the quality of Admix’ In-Play advertising is independently assessed and verified […]
For Mother’s Day, NIVEA And Publicis Celebrate The Mums Who Welcomed Their Kids Back Home
Nothing says "Mum, those crow's feet desperately need working on" quite like a gift from the Nivea moisturiser range.
How to Operate at Scale – Without Missing the Human Touch
This columnist says you need to stand out where ever you show up. High vis or poor personal hygiene not among ideas.
ADMA Launches Cookie Masterclass
ADMA has launched a cookie masterclass that B&T understands isn't modelled on Sydney Fish Markets Cooking School.
Tourism Australia Urges Aussies To Take An Epic Holiday In New $9m Campaign Via M&C Saatchi
Tourism Australia urges Aussies to take an epic holiday. So that apparently rules out Adelaide and Launceston.
Tinder Launches Season Two Of Branded Content Series ‘Love Songs’
On the downside, COVID's put the kybosh on Tinder dates. That's also an upside if you've ever been on a Tinder date.
“Mr Trump Created An Environment Where A Serious Risk Of Violence Was Possible”: Facebook Upholds Donald Trump Ban
In bad news for the sale of tear gas, water canons & truncheons, Facebook's blocked the former leader of the free world.
Jockey Announces Ambassadors For Australian Olympic And Paralympic Games
Want to spend a motza on a brand sponsorship no one even gets to see? Feel sorry for this underpants CMO.
Men’s Health Organisation Movember Encourages Men To Catch-Up In MAYEIGHT Campaign
Movember encouraging blokes to reconnect on May the 8th. Just lay off the gin and wondering where your life went.
Fashion Photographer Scott Ehler Collaborates With The Children’s Tumour Foundation Australia In New Campaign
The Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF) has teamed up with international fashion photographer and industry veteran Scott Ehler, to develop a striking campaign that aims to shine a light on a lifelong, genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis (NF). Progressive and unpredictable, NF causes tumours to form on nerves in the body, including the brain and spine. In […]
Wallabies Find A New Sponsor In The Form Of eToro
Wallabies unveils new sponsor, as both Kev's Mower Repairs at Greenacre and Miranda's Erotic Massage pull the pin.
Dairy Australia Partners With Airbnb In First initiative From Newly Appointed PR, Haystac dentsu
Dairy Australia announces partnership with Airbnb in worrying news for lactose intolerant holidaymakers.
Kathmandu Relaunches Brand For First Time In 30 Years Via Special Group
If you'd seen the hill B&T has to climb to our local, it's very surprising we don't wear more Kathmandu.
Sitecore Acquires Moosend
Sitecore has acquired Moosend. B&T unsure who ended up with the front part.
George Clooney Shows The Love For Brad Pitt In Wonderfully Whacky Ad For Charity Organisation
This ad will be the best four-minutes of your day. Unless you got sex this morning, that will be the best four minutes.
Wednesday TV Wrap: Nine News And Seven News In Ratings Stand-Off
COVID outbreaks continuing to prove a boon for nightly news programs. Less so for packed trains and swingers parties.
electriclimefilms And Riot Games Launch League of Legends: Wild Rift With New Campaign
The lively spot takes its inspiration from the neighbourhood streets of the Middle East and asks the audience: “who would you call when challenged to a Wild Rift tournament?”
WPP & Microsoft Partner With Cloud Platform That Allows Content To Be Made Anywhere In The World
Software lets creative teams make content from anywhere! So expect the next Coles "prices are down" ad to be in Hindi.
Ita Buttrose Raises Concerns Over ABC Board Selection
If there are two people you don't want to f@ck off in this industry it's Ita and Ita's nephew.
Francis Coady Named Havas’ Group CMO
Francis Coady named Havas' Group CMO. Allegedly softening his stance surrounding the whole "Frank in the office" thing.
Ads Going Unnoticed: 82% Of Australian Shoppers Ignore Targeted Ads
Study finds 82% of Aussie shoppers ignore targeted ads. On the upside, some 18% are buying extra shit they didn't need.
Why Prioritising Mail Is Key To Reaching Your Customers
There are few thrills quite like getting a crisp 50 in a birthday card in the mail. The gas bill less thrilling.
Menulog Transforms Cadillac Lowrider Into The Ultimate Macca’s Delivery Whip
Nothing says stinging hangover on Sunday morning like Menulog, Macca's & not giving a stuff about the $20 delivery fee.
Adland Veteran Vijay Solanki Launches Parenting App ParentalEQ
Here's a great initiative from a good friend of B&T's, Vijay Solanki. Who did pull a few favours to get this up.
In light of the allegations last week against JWT's now ex global CEO, this article from AdWeek questions whether we've actually gotten past the days of Mad Men. The authors speak to a number of agency leaders about what this means for the industry, not just JWT. It's a good read and gets you thinking.