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TV ads speak directly to consumers' economic anxiety

Jan 30, 2024
Advertisers are using people not having enough money for some things — college, a house — to encourage them to spend on other things — chicken wings, anybody?
A screenshot from a recent SoFi ad, where a comically large backpack represents a bride's student loan debt.
SoFi

The manufacturing sector is slowing. That could be a sign of a coming recession.

Jul 5, 2023
It's just over 10% of the U.S. economy but it has an outsized influence.
The Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index — a survey that measures manufacturing activity — fell again in June for an 8th straight month.
Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Advertisers are trying to adapt to COVID-19

Apr 3, 2020
It starts with replacing old ads that seem cringeworthy under quarantine.
Advertisers are pivoting to ads that capture the moment with a quiet, contemplative tone that's focused on family.
Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images

Why brands are chasing down an NFL quarterback for commercial deals

Jan 15, 2019
Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, Patrick Mahomes' passes are getting him paid.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs during player introductions prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. 
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Even TV networks agree there are too many commercials

Apr 30, 2018
As services like Netflix rise in popularity, our tolerance for ads is going down.
More than 80 percent of millennials binge-watch TV.
Keystone Features/Getty Images

Spending on Oscar ads is up

Mar 2, 2018
Why? Because it’s one of the few television shows advertisers are pretty sure all kinds of people will show up for. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

For public good, not for profit.

Why Pepperoni Rules Pizza Commercials

Feb 26, 2018
Pepperoni has been the main character for pizza commercial for decades. Why? Danielle Sepulveres, a freelance writer, explained in an interview with Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal “Pepperoni does look great on camera, and it does look good on commercials even if you don’t want pepperoni,” Sepulveres said. You can read Sepulvere’s article here. Click the […]

5 things you need to know about the Super Bowl economy

It's not always worth it for the host city.
Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team won Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 
Elsa/Getty Images

We're complaining about Olympics commercials. A lot.

Aug 10, 2016
NBC's broadcast of the Olympics is full of ads, but the numbers are actually down.
Fireworks explode over the Maracana Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images