Support our non-partisan non-profit newsroom 💜 Donate now

Viewers lament Super Bowl video lags. Can streaming really handle big scale live events?

Feb 12, 2024
According to consumer-reported incidents on the website DownDetector, issues with the Paramount+ app spiked during pre-game coverage and continued throughout the bowl. Paramount+ says that only a small number of users were affected.
These services weren’t built for livestreaming, and it can put pressure on their technical infrastructure. Above, Usher performs at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.
Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

Many Americans are snacking more, but looking for bargains in the snack aisle

Feb 9, 2024
Snacks account for more than a quarter of food and beverage spending. Returning to the office may be boosting sales.
Snacks account for more than a quarter of U.S. food and beverage spending, but PepsiCo is dealing with a bit of a sales crunch.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

In this year's Super Bowl ads, brands are mostly playing it safe

Don't expect to see much political messaging in this year's Super Bowl ads. And definitely don't expect to see much on crypto.
BMW's commercial featuring actor Christopher Walken is among the funnier ads this year.
Screenshot via YouTube

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

How the Puppy Bowl became a marketing juggernaut in its own right

Feb 10, 2023
The hotly anticipated canine sporting event, which runs counter to the Super Bowl, will return for its 19th year this Sunday.
Josh Allenhound, who comes from Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue in New York, will compete this Sunday on Team Fluff.
Elias Weiss Friedman/Animal Planet/Discovery +

What's in store with this year's Super Bowl commercials?

Feb 10, 2023
Expect brands to team up for ads, and a special surprise from Blockbuster.
Super Bowl LVII signage in Phoenix, Arizona. This year's commercials will likely make little to light reference to stressful economic conditions face by many Americans, says Ad Age editor Jeanine Poggi.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

How much did cryptocurrency companies shell out for Sunday's Super Bowl ads?

Feb 14, 2022
The most expensive 30-second spots went for $7 million, NBC says. Coinbase, FTX and Crypto.com were some of the advertisers.
Cryptocurrency companies have spent millions on advertising, including spots airing during the Super Bowl.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Are Super Bowl ads still worth the cost?

Feb 11, 2022
Advertisers have invested millions of dollars in the commercials that will air during the big game Sunday.
The Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals will compete in Sunday's Super Bowl, and advertisers will compete for viewers' attention.
Rob Carr/Getty Images

Super Bowl to highlight marriage of crypto and sports

Feb 11, 2022
Expect to see lots of commercials for a relative newcomer on the very expensive Super Bowl ad scene: crypto.
A screenshot from YouTube show's Tom Brady's commercial with FTX , a cryptocurrency exchange.
YouTube

Everything you need to know about this year’s Super Bowl ads

You won’t escape talk of NFTs, crypto or the metaverse come Sunday.
The Super Bowl is a major event for brands.
Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images