THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

CANNES LIONS: A RECORD NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT AGENCIES JOINED THE JURY

Cannes Lions has announced the jury for this year’s festival. The jury will select world-class creative work, which will then be judged, awarded and celebrated during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, taking place from 22 to 26 June 2026. This year’s global line-up brings together a diverse group of experts representing the full… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

PRIMA’S NEW ADVERTISING FORMAT, PAUSE AD, PROMISES 100% VISIBILITY

The advert is only displayed to the viewer when they actively interact with the remote control and pause the content they are watching. The Prima Group is introducing Pause Ad, an advertising format for Smart TVs designed to combine 100% visibility with a non-intrusive user experience. According to the group, the main advantage of the… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

NEM DUBROVNIK REVEALS 2026 AGENDA

NEM Dubrovnik has unveiled the full agenda for its 2026 edition, which will bring together more than 300 companies, over 200 buyers and more than 150 exhibitors. The event, taking place in Dubrovnik, will feature over 80 speakers and a market area that has grown by 50% compared with last year. This year’s programme will… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ESG ADS ATTRACT LESS ATTENTION, BUT BOOST INTEREST IN THE TOPIC

Although ESG adverts are, on average, less effective at capturing attention than standard campaigns, they can significantly boost interest in the topic being communicated, according to new research by Ipsos. The data also confirms growing consumer scepticism towards sustainability claims and a shift in how people define ‘green’ products. ESG campaigns – that is, advertising… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

FLEMEDIA LAUNCHES THE 21ST EDITION OF THE FLE MEDIA AWARDS

The FLE Media Awards competition is entering its 21st year. Flemedia has opened entries for Czech and Slovak campaigns, which creators and clients can submit until the end of June. Flemedia is launching the 21st edition of the FLE Media Awards (FLEMA), which recognises innovative use of media and a creative approach to media campaign… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ADC CZECH AWARDS: GRAND PRIX FOR KITKAT PHONE BREAK CAMPAIGN

The Grand Prix at this year’s ADC Czech Creative Awards  went to the “KitKat Phone Break” campaign by VML Prague. The winners of this year’s 33rd ADC Czech Creative Awards have been announced. A total of 76 prizes were awarded. The Grand Prix was awarded to the “KitKat Phone Break”campaign by VML Prague. The Czech… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MARKET GREW BY TEN PERCENT LAST YEAR. THIS YEAR, IT IS MORE CAUTIOUS

Growth in the Czech marketing communications market in 2025 was driven not only by media channels but also, to a significant extent, by non-media channels, according to an expert report by the AKA. The Czech advertising and marketing market is regaining momentum following a period of weakness. This is according to the 2025 Advertising Report… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS RISE OF DUAL-SCREEN BEHAVIOR DURING TV VIEWING

tvScientific released its “2026 Consumer Trends Report,” positioning television as a full-funnel channel that drives discovery, trust and purchase behavior across a multiscreen environment. The report, based on a survey of more than 600 U.S. consumers across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers, examined how streaming, device usage and cross-channel engagement are reshaping… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

A BIG-SCREEN STUDY FINDS STRONGER ATTENTION ON TV4 PLAY THAN ON YOUTUBE

TV4 just launched its third attention study, comparing the viewing experience on its streaming service (TV4 Play) with YouTube’s big screen experience at home. It confirms once again the assumption that the streaming environment provided by a qualitative TV network (BVOD) delivers a much bigger attention than UGC platforms, such as YouTube. An at-home test… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE ADC CZECH CREATIVE AWARDS COMPETITION HAS ANNOUNCED ITS FINALISTS

Out of 257 entries, 120 have made it onto the shortlist for this year’s ADC Czech Creative Awards. The 33rd edition of the ADC Czech Creative Awards has published its shortlist. Following three days of judging by the core juries, 120 entries were selected from the 257 submitted. The complete overview can be viewed in… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ADVANCED TV STUDY 2026: CONNECTED TV BECOMES PRIMARY VIEWING ENVIRONMENT

Connected TV (CTV) usage continues to diversify across households in Germany and Austria, strengthening its value for advertisers through more targeted and attentive audiences, according to the Advanced TV Study 2026 by Azerion Austria and Goldvertise Media. Based on a survey of 2,500 respondents aged 16-69 conducted in January 2026, the study shows that CTV is now… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

CANNES LIONS ANNOUNCES ITS 2026 PROGRAMME

Oprah Winfrey is honoured as the 2026 Cannes LionHeart. A global line-up of creative legends, innovators and cultural voices will take to the stage including Stella McCartney, Patagonia and Google DeepMind. Cannes Lions has announced its 2026 programme, which will bring together a diverse community of global creative leaders and changemakers across five days this… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE FIRST BANS ON ADVERTISING FOR ‘LESS HEALTHY’ FOODS. WHAT DID THEY COVER?

Stricter rules on advertising less healthy foods came into force in the UK in 2026. The regulator’s initial decisions suggest that the key factor is the identifiability of specific products. Since the start of 2026, the UK has tightened regulations on advertising for foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS). The first decisions by… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE CZECHS HAVE FIVE NOMINATIONS AT THE SABRE AWARDS

The ‘Little Superheroes’ campaign by the organisation Pod svícnem has three nominations in the SABRE Awards finals, whilst Grayling has two. The international SABRE Awards competition has published this year’s shortlist. Czech entries have a total of five nominations – three were secured by the ‘Little Superheroes’ campaign by the non-profit organisation Pod svícnem, on… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY IS COMING TO CINEMAS: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY ALSO APPEARS IN TV ADVERTISING

It does not always have to be a furious mummy rising from a sarcophagus or a swarm of flesh-eating scarabs. Sometimes a hint of an ancient mystery is enough — a curse hidden in the sand, and the silhouette of a pyramid or a sphinx on the horizon. The symbolism of ancient Egypt has attracted… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY USA: TOP REASON FOR SUBSCRIBING TO PAY TV IS LIVE NEWS AND TV

Parks Associates reports that 33% of subs said they liked the idea of having their content aggregated into one place. As cord cutting continues and pay TV operators look to find ways to hang onto existing subscribers, Parks Associates has released a new survey that highlights the top reasons for keeping a pay TV service.… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

CAN AI DRIVE BRAND STRATEGY? AND WHY IS CREATIVITY DISAPPEARING FROM CREATIVE WORK?

Whilst artificial intelligence can outperform humans in operational tasks, it still has its limitations when it comes to strategic brand management. Its solutions lead to the mediocrity and indistinguishability that characterise contemporary advertising, according to speakers at the Brandstorming conference. Artificial intelligence can now outperform humans in execution and operational tasks, but its capacity for… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

RIVAL BROADCASTERS PRIMA AND NOVA HAVE JOINED FORCES TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ONLINE HATES

Rival broadcaster Prima has joined TV Nova’s campaign to combat hate speech on social media. Rival broadcasters Prima and Nova have jointly spoken out against the hate directed at their presenters and actors in recent years. Alongside the criticism that is a natural part of their work, these TV personalities are subjected to words full… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

FAST AND THE NEW LINEAR TV: HOW FREE STREAMING CHANNELS ARE REWRITING THE RULES OF TELEVISION

Imagine a television channel that needs no cable operator, charges no subscription fee, and yet still generates billions of dollars in advertising revenue. That is precisely how FAST, or Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV, works. It is one of the fastest-growing segments of the media industry and, at the same time, one of the most interesting… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THINKBOX: TV ADVERTISING IS THE MOST TRUSTED MEDIUM

One factor is becoming a clear differentiator in advertising: trust. As uncertainty grows and consumer confidence declines, it’s playing an increasingly critical role in shaping brand preference and driving profitability. This month’s chart of the month highlights data presented at LEAD 2026 from the 2025 Credos Trust Tracker revealing a key trend: trust in advertising… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ADVERTISERS MUST ALSO FOCUS ON CONNECTED TV

Smart TV is experiencing growth in the Czech Republic, with a million new viewers added between 2020 and 2022 alone, says Vojtěch Lambert, head of the LCG New Media agency. Digital agency LCG New Media highlights the growing importance of Connected TV, which is establishing itself as a channel for modern advertising. Given its high… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

GEN ALPHA DRIVES SHIFT TOWARD AI-POWERED ENTERTAINMENT DISCOVERY

Gracenote has released a new report examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way audiences search for and discover entertainment content, with younger viewers leading the adoption of chatbot-driven tools. The report, titled “TV Search and Discovery in the AI Era,” found that 66% of respondents reported increased chatbot use over the past 12 to… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TV NOVA HAS LAUNCHED AN ANTI-HATE CAMPAIGN, ENLISTING THE HELP OF WELL-KNOWN FIGURES

The campaign emphasises that the line between criticism and abuse is crucial, and that anonymity on social media does not mean impunity. The TV Nova group has launched a new wave of its“Hate is not an opinion”campaign, which draws attention to the growing problem of hate speech on social media and its impact on mental… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

POKÉMON CELEBRATES AN ANNIVERSARY AND CONQUERS THE GLOBE: THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISE TURNS 30

The Pokémon franchise has entered its thirtieth year, and the anniversary celebrations are nothing short of grand. They include new products, collaborations with fashion brands, special themed stores, exhibitions, and limited-edition collectables. Some items sell out within seconds, confirming that interest in the brand remains exceptionally strong. Advertising is now often targeted at millennials—those who… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

SPRING HOLIDAYS IN CZECH ADVERTISEMENTS: TRADITIONS, BUNNIES AND CELEBRITIES

Easter advertising in the Czech Republic relies primarily on humour, traditional symbols (bunnies, eggs) and specific promotional offers from retail chains. A recurring theme in Easter marketing in the Czech Republic is also “enjoying the holidays without stress”, with a nod to tradition. This is clearly evident, for example, in this year’s Košík campaign, which… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

BERNARD, ROHLÍK OR BOUČEK, KOTEK AND PRACHAŘ HAVE THEIR APRIL FOOLS’ JOKES

Onthe first day of April, some companies have once again come up with special pranks. This year, for example, they’re promoting beer with gherkin brine, parking combat boots and testicle ointment. Some companies still uphold the tradition of April Fools’ Day pranks on 1 April. However, it’s not just individuals who try to trick one… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY AS WE KNOW IT WON’T SURVIVE THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

According to the Contagious Radar report, the current model of the advertising industry will not stand the test of time in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. Two-thirds of marketers and creatives believe that the current model of the advertising industry has a maximum lifespan of just five years. More than a quarter of… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

O2 BRINGS EUROTEL’S LEGENDARY ADVERTISEMENT BACK TO LIFE WITH THE HELP OF AI

To mark its 20th anniversary on the Czech market, O2 is reviving an old Eurotel advert with the help of AI. The new campaign combines nostalgia with modern technological possibilities. The operator O2 Czech Republic is bringing back the iconic advert from the modern era of Czech advertising,“More from Life”. Created for Eurotel in the… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

AD EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT: LESSONS FROM THE FINNISH MARKET

Finland’s commercial TV broadcasters spent the past year developing a carbon emissions measurement framework for linear TV advertising, starting with no local methodology and ending with a validated model owned by an industry body. For markets facing the same challenge, the experience offers a useful reference point. Start narrow, then scale The project focused exclusively… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ADC CZECH AWARDS PUBLISHES A GALLERY OF ENTRIES

The ADC Czech Creative Awards competition has made the gallery of all 257 entries available. All 257 entries submitted tothis year’s ADC Czech Creative Awards 2026 competition can be viewed in the gallery on the adcawards.cz website. The winners will be announced on 29 April at the Nová spirála in Prague. Among the most active… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

OMNICONNECT: WITHOUT THE RIGHT METRICS, YOU CAN’T MANAGE MARKETING TODAY

This year’s OmniConnect conference demonstrated that well-defined metrics are key to marketing management, brand growth and return on investment. Alongside global insights, local case studies were also presented, confirming the growing role of data, AI and attention management in modern communication. This year’s OmniConnect conference, the fourth in the series, was themed‘Measure to manage’and focused… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ATTENTION IS NOT THE GOAL; IT IS A BRIDGE TO CAMPAIGN EFFECTIVENESS

Advertising needs to return to a focus on effectiveness rather than chasing cheap impressions and clicks. Attention can play a key role as a bridge between reach and results. However, using it effectively lies in planning, not optimisation. This was highlighted by Malcolm Devoy of PHD at the OmniConnect conference. One of the main themes… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY: EUROPE REMAINS LOYAL TO TELEVISION, WITH VIDEO VIEWING DOMINATED BY THE BIG SCREEN IN THE LIVING ROOM

RTL AdAlliance has published the fifth edition of its annual Living Room Study, which this year covers an even broader audience, thanks to newly added markets such as China and Hungary. The study clearly shows that television continues to play a key role in Europe even in the age of streaming services — it remains… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ALDI HAS WON OVER YOUNG CUSTOMERS. THE TV BRAND HAS BECOME A ‘VIRAL’ HIT ONLINE

Aldi has changed its approach to marketing, moving away from traditional media in favour of entertaining and unexpected content on social media. Thanks to this strategy, it has managed to reach the hard-to-reach group of young, childless customers, increase engagement and significantly boost business results, Darren Hawkins explained at OmniConnect. The British chain Aldi has… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

CZECHS AND ADVERTISING – A LONG-TERM STUDY OF THE CZECH PUBLIC’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS ADVERTISING

The findings of the “Czechs and Advertising 2026” survey were presented at a gathering of nearly 50 experts on 26 February 2026 at Scéna 5, the ČMS headquarters on Novotného lávka, Prague 1 – Old Town. The event was opened by Tomáš David, Vice-President of ČMS. The research findings were presented by the distinguished Czech… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

AGAINST ALL ODDS: LINEAR TV’S SURPRISING RESILIENCE

For years, we’ve been told that linear television is declining. Streaming services would render traditional broadcasting obsolete, the story went, as viewers abandoned scheduled programming for the freedom of on demand content. Yet globally, millions of people are still tuning in to broadcast live TV, and in impressive numbers. Despite the decline in overall viewing… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY USA: STREAMERS STRUGGLE TO DIFFERENTIATE THEMSELVES WITH ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

YouTube is gaining ground with audiences as a `TV network’ rather than simply being a creator platform, according to Hub As streaming services struggle to gain market share in a consolidating industry and continue to face high levels of subscribers churning in and out of their services, a new survey from Hub Entertainment Research indicates… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

HBBTV PUBLISHES FULL VIDEO RECORDINGS FROM HBBTV SYMPOSIUM AND AWARDS 2025

The HbbTV Association has published video recordings of all 20 conference sessions from the HbbTV Symposium and Awards 2025, offering the industry comprehensive insight into the key discussions and developments shaping connected television. The recordings are now available on the Association’s channel on YouTube. Held in Istanbul, the 2025 edition of the HbbTV Symposium and… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY USA: YOUNGER CONSUMERS MORE WILLING TO LET AI CONTROL SUBSCRIPTIONS

A new report from Bango found that younger consumers are significantly more willing than the general population to let artificial intelligence manage their subscriptions, signaling a shift in how digital services may be accessed and bundled. The study reported that 40% of Gen Z respondents in the United States would allow AI to automatically subscribe,… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

WATER: THE ESSENCE OF LIFE AND A REWARDING THEME FOR TV ADVERTISING

How many times a day do we turn on the tap without paying much attention to the water flowing from it… Water is something we take completely for granted. Yet all it takes is slowing down a little and realising just how essential it is to our lives. And that is precisely what World Water… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

AI TRENDS IN ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND THE MEDIA IN 2026

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way people discover brands, marketing is becoming system-driven, and creativity is emerging as the key driver of growth, according to a new report by EACA and Advertising Week entitled “AI Forecasts & Predictions for 2026”. The report“AI Forecasts & Predictions for 2026”, on which Rob Hill, CEO of the agency… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

BEYOND THE MYTHS: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF STREAMING TV IN THE RAPIDLY EVOLVING TV LANDSCAPE

The advertising world is at an inflection point. Over the past few years, consumers have shifted to streaming media in record numbers, reshaping how they discover, engage with, and ultimately buy from brands. In June, Nielsen reported a significant shift in TV viewing habits. Streaming platforms saw a 71% growth in viewership over the past… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT CASTS SHADOW OF GLOBAL AD OUTLOOK

The ad spending numbers for 2026 looked good until the war in the Middle East made them provisional. Not because they were optimistic or vacuous about ad spending this year but because they were built on assumptions about a world that existed two weeks ago – one where the biggest variables were tariffs, AI and… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

98TH OSCARS DOWN NEARLY 2 MILLION VIEWERS, REACHING 17.86 MILLION

Unfortunately, even a performance of the KPop Demon Hunters song “Golden” couldn’t make Oscars ratings go up, up, up. Today, according to Nielsen national live+same day big data plus panel program ratings, the 98th Oscars took a significant dip, dropping to 17.86 million viewers. The show, which aired on ABC and streamed live on Hulu,… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

BLACKPINK, BTS AND THE ART OF SELLING ANYTHING. HOW IDOLS BECAME A GLOBAL ADVERTISING PHENOMENON

BLACKPINK released their new EP Deadline on 27 February 2026. It is their first group project since the 2022 album Born Pink and also the first outcome of renewed group activity following a four year solo hiatus. The comeback of a group that ranks among the most commercially leveraged acts in the history of K… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

7 CINEMATIC ADS FROM THE 2026 OSCARS

ADWEEK rounds up the best spots from Hollywood’s big night, from Burger King’s reintroduction to Coinbase’s gamified ad. The Oscars may be Hollywood’s biggest night, but sometimes the ad breaks earn their own standing ovation. The commercials that ran during the 98th Academy Awards leaned into the ceremony’s themes of aspiration and transformation, with brands… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

LEONARDO DICAPRIO IS FILMING IN PRAGUE. THE FILM IDOL BEGAN HIS CAREER IN TV ADVERTISING

A global star has arrived in the Czech Republic! Leonardo DiCaprio, one of today’s biggest Hollywood stars, is here because of a new film by Martin Scorsese, which has been filming in Prague and its surroundings since the end of February. Fans of the Titanic hero have a chance to catch a glimpse of the… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TO GAIN AI VISIBILITY, BROADCASTERS MUST TRAIN THE LLMS

The window to shape AI SEO for broadcast is now. If an advertiser asked an AI system to build a media plan today, broadcast television would rarely make the recommendation. That’s not because TV is ineffective, but because AI systems cannot see it. In a previous column, I shared my concern about the visibility of… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

66.7% OF AD-SUPPORTED TV VIEWING BY 18 TO 49 YEAR OLDS GOES TO STREAMERS

New Nielsen guide says sports account for 29.2% of ad-supported viewing by 25–54-year olds. With the annual upfront ad market approaching, Nielsen has come out with a new data point that will drive senior sellers of traditional network advertising in search of another martini. In its 2026 Upfront Planning Guide, Nielsen says that streaming now… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THINKBOX: TOTAL TV IS FUNDAMENTAL FOR GETTING ADS SEEN

The time people spend watching different video content is useful to know. But the most important analysis for advertisers is the time spent watching the advertising. In 2025, total video advertising time in the UK reached nearly 17 minutes per person. Total TV (incl. Linear, BVOD, SVOD) accounted for 85% of this. For younger audiences TV was… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

GOLDEN DRUM KICKS OFF ITS 32ND EDITION, ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL 26 AUGUST

The Golden Drum International Festival is kicking off another year. Entries can be submitted until 26 August. Golden Drum, an international creative festival, is launching its 32nd edition. Applications will be accepted until 26 August in six different sections: One-Channel Drum, Omni-Channel Drum, Craft Drum, Creative Media Excellence Drum, Creative Business Excellence Drum and a… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

OMDIA: SECOND-SCREEN VIDEO VIEWING SPREADS TO OLDER AUDIENCES

Media multitasking is no longer confined to younger viewers, with new Omdia research showing sharp growth in mobile video viewing alongside television among older age groups in the United States. According to the research, 52% of viewers aged 45-54 watched video clips on their mobile phones while watching TV in November 2025, up from 39%… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY: WOMEN’S SPORTS OUTPERFORM PRIME TIME TV

Third annual EDO report finds that women’s sports ads drove 15% more impact than the average primetime spot, led by financial service, insurance, and restaurant brands. Women’s sports advertising continues to outperform primetime TV, according to the third annual Women’s Sports TV Outcomes Report from EDO. The study found that women’s sports ads generated 15%… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

MEDIA CLUB SELLS REALITY ASIA EXPRESS AS A PREMIUM PROGRAMME

The Media Club sales agency has included the reality show Asia Express in its premium sales. This is the first format this year that Media Club is marketing in this way. The reality show Asia Express is the first format of this spring season that the advertising sales agency Media Club has included in the… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TVB: LINEAR TV STILL KING

TV, viewed on a television screen, has the highest reach and time spent of all media platforms studied, according to the advertising association. A new report from the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) casts doubt among those who think linear TV’s days are numbered. According to the association’s 2026 Media Comparisons Study, TV, viewed on a television… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TV ADVERTISING IN A TIME OF WAR

iSpot data reveals that cable news networks saw less ad time but more reach as the war with Iran kicked off. After weeks of a military build up, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated attack against Iran on February 28, 2026. The days since have seen the conflict escalate, with retaliatory missile and… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

BASIC CABLE MIGHT NOT BE AS DEAD AS IT SEEMS

TV companies are increasingly using their broadcast networks as primary promotional platforms to push viewership on their co-owned streaming services. But the same strategy is not as apparent on the same companies’ basic cable networks. If applied aggressively, the companies just might find a use for their legacy cable networks that could prove just as… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

MUSIC IS THE GATEWAY TO EMOTIONS AND INCREASES MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS – BUT BRANDS OFTEN UNDERESTIMATE ITS POWER, SAYS THE STUDY SOUND SCIENCE

Sometimes, adverts get under our skin. And then, even hours after watching them, we find ourselves humming a catchy melody or jingle that got stuck in our heads. Yet in planning advertising campaigns, music is often an “afterthought”. This was one of the reasons for the creation of the study Sound Science: How Music Is… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

BRANDS MAY ACTUALLY BENEFIT FROM ADVERTISING NEXT TO AI CONTENT, PER STUDY

Research from OM Media Trials and Zefr finds ads running next to some AI content perform well The rise of low-quality AI-generated online content, colloquially known as “AI slop,” has sparked backlash among many consumers. Some brands are virtue signalling with ad campaigns that mock AI. But the current state of AI-generated content is more… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

SURVEY: 70% OF CTV ADVERTISERS PLAN TO BOOST SPENDING IN 2026

They were planning to increase spending an average of 17% this year, according to Premion and Advertiser Perceptions. A new survey indicates that CTV advertisers are bullish on the medium in 2026, with seven in 10 CTV advertisers (70%) telling researchers that they expect to increase their CTV spending this year. The new 2026 CTV/OTT… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE RISE OF CONNECTED TV: RESHAPING ADVERTISING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

The landscape of television has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. What began as a simple broadcast medium has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem where connected TV (CTV) plays a central role. This shift not only alters how viewers consume content but also revolutionizes advertising… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY: ADVERTISERS BOOSTING SPENDING ON CONNECTED TV, NEW STUDY FINDS

Premion, Advertiser Perceptions respondents see best results when linear TV and CTV are coordinated. If the way to figure out what’s going on is to follow the money, the story in the television business continues to be the shift to streaming and connected TV. The latest example is a new survey released by Advertiser Perceptions… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

NEW SCREAM HITS THEATERS AS AUDIENCES BUZZ WITH ANTICIPATION. BRANDS TAP INTO THE POPULARITY OF HORROR IN ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS

Three years have passed since the release of Scream 6, and the seventh instalment is now racing into theatres. The trailer for the new film premiered during this year’s Super Bowl, leaving fans of the franchise eager for more. The sixth film was a major commercial success, grossing over $168 million worldwide and becoming the… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

GLOBO CREATES HOME SCREEN PROMINENCE FOR FREE-TO-AIR TV ON SMART TVS

Globo, Brazil’s largest commercial TV group, is rolling out DTV+, a next-generation free-to-air TV standard designed for connected TVs. It brings broadcast channels into the TV operating system, with app-like navigation, login and interactive layers placed directly on top of live programming. The move fits Brazil’s viewing reality. Linear TV accounts for 57.9% of total… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE VISUAL TRANSFER EFFECT: HOW SOUND BUILDS BRANDS

In collaboration with neuro-marketing agency Unravel, Talpa Media has produced the scientific proof that audio does not just complement TV. It actively reactivates it, reconstructing visual brand memories in the consumer’s mind through sound. The findings carry significant implications for how audio is planned, sold, and valued within the wider media mix. Context Talpa Media… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TV ADS TOP THE CHARTS FOR PURCHASES, AND FOR ANNOYANCE

TV ads drive purchase behavior for 49% of consumers, making them the most effective channel, even though 36% find them disruptive, according to a January report from DISQO. Beyond the chart: TV’s effectiveness has some science behind it. Across generations, 43% of US adults say TV is the most acceptable place for advertising, according to… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

RMB TURNS QR CODE VOTING INTO A SHARED VIEWING MOMENT THAT STRENGTHS BRAND IMAGE FOR SPRITE AND DELI CHOC

Campaign objectives The chocolate snack Deli Choc and soft drink Sprite brands worked with RMB to reach younger audiences by becoming part of Belgian hip-hop show “PLAYGROUND”, supporting new rap talent through a live QR vote and cross-platform content. This helps the brands appear as enablers of the format rather than separate ads. For RMB… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

CANADIAN SUPERSTAR ANDREW PHUNG HELPS VIA RAIL CHALLENGE CAR CONVENIENCE ASSUMPTIONS WITH LONG-FORM STORYTELLING ACROSS CBC’S TV ECOSYSTEM

Campaign objectives VIA Rail, the company operating Canada’s national passenger rail service, combined a new product launch with brand building, using long-form content to tackle misconceptions that tend to block conversion in travel: comfort, ease, and whether rail feels like a realistic alternative to driving for intercity trips. The objectives behind this campaign were to… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

HOW L’ORÉAL PARIS AND RTL MADE STREET HARASSMENT HARD TO IGNORE

Context Sexual harassment in public spaces is one of the most common forms of gender-based violence in the world. Two figures frame the issue: 80% of women have experienced street harassment, but 85% of people say they lack training on how to intervene. Ad Alliance and L’Oréal created a campaign to respond to this problem… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

HOW AD ALLIANCE USED VIRTUAL SET GRAPHICS TO RESKIN THE LET’S DANCE STAGE FOR UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Context This campaign promotes a film by changing the look of a well-known TV studio during the ad break, so the show setting becomes part of the idea. Universal Pictures International Germany supported the live-action version (made with real actors) of How to Train Your Dragon, based on a well-known animated franchise. The ad special… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

CHANNEL 4 SHOWS HOW PUTTING ACCESSIBILITY FIRST BENEFITS BOTH CUSTOMERS AND COMMERCIAL WITH CURRYS’

Context Channel 4’s Diversity in Advertising Award 2025 set its brief under the theme “Inclusive by Design”. It asked brands to embed inclusive practices into the creative, rather than at the end of production. The initiative linked that ambition to airtime: £1m of advertising space across Channel 4’s portfolio sat behind the winning campaign. The… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

HOW BMW USED A COUNTDOWN TO HOLD ATTENTION FOR TWO MINUTES

The iX3 launch in Belgium used prime time to make a first impression quickly. The plan did not rely on many repeated 30-second ads. Instead, it opened with a two-minute film that ran without interruption. In this campaign, this timeframe was used as a clear countdown linked to the car’s driving range. The number on… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TURNING PEAK TV SHOW ATTENTION INTO TRUSTED CONTEXTUAL SPOTS AND FAN FOLLOW UP CONTENT

Context A plot cue inside a flagship soap can set the terms of the next ad break, because viewers stay anchored in the same scene and characters. Emmerdale’s familiarity, plus its own show social channels, gave the message a recognisable voice on TV and somewhere to continue after broadcast. In this case, the ITV campaign… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

USING ELECTION NIGHT VIEWING HABITS TO MAKE A RETAIL MESSAGE FEEL LIKE ENTERTAINMENT

This campaign connected Bauhaus’s retail messaging to a major national television event. In Finland, municipal and regional elections feature hours-long results TV programmes that track vote counting as results come in. Bauhaus (a major home improvement retailer) partnered with the biggest national broadcaster, Sanoma, to create branded entertainment within this format, using “price” as the… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

WHEN DISNEY CAME TO DANCING: A LIVE SHOW BECOMES A FAIRYTALE

Inspired by Disneyland Paris’s Disney Music Festival, where performances by Disney-movie characters fill the park with dance and live music, DPG Media’s creative team proactively conceived an unprecedented brand integration: a dedicated Disney-themed episode of Dancing With The Stars. The concept was not driven by a client brief. Knowing the client’s wishes and dreams, and… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

WHEN A CROSS-FORMAT APPROACH MULTIPLIES IMPACT: BOL × HUIS GEMAAKT ACROSS CONTENT & CONTEXT

Description Bol is Belgium’s largest e-commerce platform, a household name for buying books, electronics, and everyday items online. But furniture and home décor? That was not what consumers associated with the brand. DPG Media set out to change this perception through a multi-format partnership with Huis Gemaakt (“Home Made”), a popular Flemish TV show where… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS AD BREAK AS PRIMETIME ENTERTAINMENT

Background In the Netherlands, Christmas commercials hold a special place in television culture. Much like the Super Bowl in the United States is known for its spectacular commercials, the Dutch festive season is the moment when brands showcase their most creative, emotional storytelling. Over the years, several Christmas campaigns have achieved iconic status, moving and… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

GIVING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES THEIR FIRST TV SPOTLIGHT

Background B Corp certification is a globally recognised standard for businesses that meet high levels of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The certification is awarded by B Lab, a non-profit organisation. In the UK, there are thousands of certified B Corps, many of them small businesses with ambitions to reach mainstream audiences at… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ELEVATOR PITCHES MADE REAL: GIVING BLACK ENTREPRENEURS A NATIONAL STAGE

Black-owned businesses in the UK face significant barriers to success. Only 0.24% of venture capital funding reaches Black founders, and one-third of Black entrepreneurs struggle to gain belief in their ventures. Channel 4, in partnership with Lloyds Bank (one of the UK’s largest retail banks), created the Black in Business initiative to address these disparities.… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

WHEN ADS DON’T STOP THE RACE: HOW BRANDS CARVE OUT A PLACE IN WINTER SPORTS STORYLINES?

Winter sports events are more than just ad space for brands – they are fully formed worlds with a distinct atmosphere, visual identity, and an audience that knows exactly why it is watching. That’s why campaigns work best when they don’t try to overpower the action but instead build on it. From the nighttime energy… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

WHEN SILENCE SPEAKS LOUDER

Code of Silence was a landmark drama for British television. The show starred Rose Ayling-Ellis, a deaf actress who became famous after winning Strictly Come Dancing, a popular British celebrity dance competition. In the drama, she plays a deaf woman whose exceptional lip-reading skills make her central to a covert police investigation. The production featured… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TURNING ONE TRAVEL OFFER INTO TWO TV STORIES FOR TWO TYPES OF FAMILIES

Attraction Tickets sells Florida attraction tickets and theme-park hotel packages to UK customers. It has served more than five million customers since 2002 and offers access to destinations including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld and Disneyland Paris. In a competitive travel market, people compare options quickly, and marketing is judged by its… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

UPGRADING A TV SPONSORSHIP WITH ADDRESSABLE IDENTS

Volvo and Sky Atlantic have partnered since 2013 through a TV sponsorship. The partnership has built long-term brand strength and has widened Volvo’s image beyond safety, with more focus on innovation, design and a progressive mindset. This partnership happens in a context where Volvo is moving to a direct-to-consumer model. That shift raised expectations for… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

BUILDING TRUST FOR PRIVATE HEALTHCARE BY PUTTING DOCTORS FIRST AND USING TV AS A TRUSTED NATIONAL STAGE

Campaign objectives To challenge the belief that only state hospitals deliver life-saving care, AKFA Medline decided to produce a doctor-led manifesto film and placed it on national TV, with IM Service handling broadcast delivery, timing, and exposure for a sensitive message. The campaign brief combined awareness with credibility: increase brand awareness, strengthen trust and loyalty,… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

RADIO ADVERTISING GREW BY TWO PER CENT IN 2025, BUT THE MARKET SLOWED DOWN

Although the overall increase in net investment in radio advertising did not keep pace with previous years, it still showed a slight increase of two per cent. The significant reduction in advertising on Czech Radio last year did not help commercial stations. Net investment in radio advertising grew by 2% last year, reaching a total… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

YOUR CITY, YOUR AD: HOW AD ALLIANCE MADE TV PERSONAL

Background Polestar, the Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer, was rapidly expanding its dealer network across the Netherlands. New showrooms were opening in cities nationwide, but there was a challenge: how do you build awareness for a showroom in one city while also maintaining broad brand visibility? As this was not a typical brand-building campaign, for which… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

DRESSING THE SCREEN: HOW ADIDAS BECAME GOLF’S NEW LOOK

Golf is a globally popular sport, but it has historically struggled to attract younger audiences. The sport’s traditional image does not always reflect the diversity and style of today’s players, which can limit its appeal to new generations. Adidas, one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, saw an opportunity to help modernise how golf is… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TURNING TRUSTED TV MOMENTS INTO BOOK SALES BY LINKING ATTENTION TO CLEAR PLACES TO BUY

Standaard Boekhandel is a Belgian book retailer. It wanted to make reading feel relevant again at a time when many people spend more time with other entertainment. The brand also wanted its bookstores to stay strong places for discovery, where people browse and find new titles, not only pick up a book they already decided… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

DON’T SKIP THE BREAK: TURNING FRANCE 2’S AD BUMP INTO A LIFE-SAVING REMINDER

Campaign objective FranceTV Publicité (FTP) built the campaign around a single TV-native move: take the short on-air ident that usually marks the start and end of advertising on France 2 (a well known visual “bump”, where the channel’s celebrities seem to be touching the screen to ‘enter’ into the advertising break) and turn it into… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

STUDY BY BARB: LIVE TV STILL ACCOUNTS FOR 45% OF VIEWING AS STREAMING HITS 38% IN 2025

Barb has published a new report, What People Watched in 2025, arguing that UK viewing habits are better explained by adaptation than a clean break from linear television. The report spans live and on-demand viewing across broadcasters’ VOD services, subscription streamers and video-sharing platforms, bringing the different parts of the TV ecosystem into a single… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

SUPER BOWL LX ATTRACTS NEARLY 125 MILLION U.S. VIEWERS

Viewing peaked at a record 137.8 million; 128.2 million in the U.S. viewed Bad Bunny’s halftime show, which also set records on social media. NBC Sports said its Super Bowl coverage Feb. 8 set an all-time media record for peak viewing, with 137.8 million watching in the second quarter as the Seattle Seahawks led the New England… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ADFORUM: THE MOST APPRECIATED CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR IS “PRICE PACKS” BY PENNY

According to a report by AdForum, the most creative awards last year went to German retailer Penny’s “Price Packs” campaign. The “Price Packs” campaign by German retail chain Penny, which displayed the price of goods directly on the packaging of its private labels, was the most acclaimed campaign of last year. This is according to… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

VAB STUDY: SOCIAL MEDIA HAS NO CHANCE OF HELPING SMALL BRANDS BREAK THROUGH WITHOUT ADVERTISING ON STREAMING TV

Today’s VAB webinar showed that while social media is popular among advertisers, it is far from a silver bullet. It’s true that it is easy to buy, easy to measure, and allows for quick testing. But there is one major problem: new research shows that its effect on new brands is limited and absolutely insufficient… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

HOW LUNAR NEW YEAR BECAME A MARKETING MOMENT

The holiday can be a playground for cultural appreciation, but marketers should take care when showing up around significant moments, one exec told us. Calling all who celebrate Lunar New Year! Gather your family, friends, red envelopes, and…brands? The Year of the Fire Horse is officially upon us, and in honor of the holiday celebrated… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR IS UPON US. DIOR WELCOMES IT WITH A COLLECTION AND A SHORT FILM IN BAROQUE STYLE

Tuesday, 17 February marked the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Horse. Dior welcomes it with a new collection, accompanied by a new short film. The film was directed by Nina Gantz and Renée Zhan from the London-based production studio Blinkink. The stop-motion film, entitled A Ride of the Moon, was created for the… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL TO BELGIUM’S HOME BREWERS

Belgium is famous for its hundreds of beer varieties, microbreweries, and passionate home brewing community. Grimbergen, a well-respected abbey beer brand owned by Alken Maes Brewery, wanted to shift how consumers perceived them. Rather than being seen as simply a reliable beer choice, the brand wanted to build a deeper emotional connection with consumers. The… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

TV ADVERTISING WITH A TASTE OF ITALY: BRANDS LIKE FERRERO, APEROL, FIAT AND GUCCI CONQUERED THE WORLD

What is the history of Italian advertising, what makes it distinctive, and which Italian brands have conquered the world through TV ads?

ADC CZECH CREATIVE AWARDS ANNOUNCES JURIES

This year’s 33rd edition of the ADC Czech Creative Awards 2026 announces the composition of its juries. The Art Directors Club Czech Republic announces the composition of the juries for the 33rd edition of the ADC Czech Creative Awards 2026. Fifty judges from across Europe will decide on the best creative works of 2025 on… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

ADVERTISING WORTHY OF THE BIG SCREEN. SQUARESPACE TEAMS UP WITH EMMA STONE AND YORGOS LANTHIMOS IN NEW COMMERCIAL

American technology company Squarespace, which focuses on website creation, brought together Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone and acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos in its latest advert for Sunday’s Super Bowl. The result is a cinematic spot full of frustration. Emma Stone cannot register a domain with her name. This is the problem that Yorgos Lanthimos captures in… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS

FROM DOORDASH TO CLASH OF CLANS, THESE ARE THE VALENTINE’S DAY CAMPAIGNS WE’RE LOVING

From playful product truths to bromance-fueled gaming and culture-led stunts, this year’s Valentine’s Day campaigns show brands moving beyond traditional romance to celebrate connection in all its forms. Valentine’s Day marketing continues to evolve, with brands leaning into humor, cultural relevance and unexpected emotional insights to cut through the seasonal noise. This year’s standout campaigns… Continue reading THEME OF THE MONTH: TELEVISION STORY CONTINOUS