Ad Matters 19.01.2024

Right, let’s talk politics.

We had our own Year Ahead this week for members at the lovely Snap offices to hear from one of our favourite political commentators, Steve Richards. Too many Rock n’ Roll Politics nuggets to share here but one that stood out for me was how important our industry’s role will be in support of the next government’s industrial strategy. We need to gear up to be ready for that and deliver on our mission to make a responsible contribution to the UK.

Earlier in the week, our Communications Director, Matt Bourn, chatted with Alastair Campbell about political advertising (he’s worried it’s going to get very nasty) and was awed by Sir Ridley Scott’s message at the IPA President’s Reception – a genius film maker who has shown his talent across film and advertising for six decades now. Congrats too to our Ad Net Zero chair, Seb Munden, who was recognised by the IPA for his work to push our industry to become more sustainable (watch this space on that too).

PS: after sitting through more than 7 hours of Year Aheads about the advertising industry this month WITHOUT SEEING ONE AD, we’ve made a commitment to show ads whenever we speak. Our promise for 2024 – to champion the power of creativity, and it starts by showing the great work our industry is making.

Before the weekend arrives, here’s three ads you need to see:

• ITV marked the success of Mr Bates vs. The Post Office with a print ad called “Lights Action” supporting our sub-postmasters.
• Thinking about becoming a teacher? Check out DfE’s “Grow like only a teacher can” by Havas London.
• Our Ad in the A is by Saatchi & Saatchi from John Lewis & Partners, which tempts customers to scare off the January blues with some retail therapy  in “Succumb to the sale”.

Four must-reads for you from across the media:

• The IPA’s Bellwether report shows UK marketing budgets for 2024 have the greatest upwards revisions in more than a decade (Media Leader).
• Our UK Advertising Exports Group Chair, Julian Douglas, sets out his ambitions for UK advertising and his new role in championing our creative industries (Creative Salon).
• The ASA’s ruling on the Calvin Klein FKA Twigs campaign has prompted lots of debate – here, creatives share their thoughts about the decision (The Drum).
• Another important one from the IPA . . . Josh Krichefski calls on industry leaders to make a pledge on staff mental health (Campaign).

Three critical dates for your diary:

• Join a lively discussion in Parliament as the IPIA champions sustainable print on January 30. Secure your seat for the Debating Group here.
• Get ready for a star-studded line-up and an agenda full of industry progress, challenges and optimism at LEAD 2024. With political insights from Times Radio’s Kate McCann to our fabulous President, Alessandra Bellini, mark your calendar for February 8 and be part of the event where advertising meets politics.
• Award entries for Cannes Lions are now open until 11 April! As UK reps for Lions, we’re excited to return to Cannes and look forward to seeing everyone there. Get your passes here!

Finally, a postcard from team AA to all of you. It was special to get together as one big team in London this week to share all our exciting plans for 2024, while we prepare to move into new offices next month. Next time we’ll all be together will be at LEAD – see you there?