Ad Matters 20.12.2024

How do you sum it up in a few lines?

Change. More of the same. And even more of the new.

The great philosopher, Ferris Bueller, said it’s important once in a while to stand still, but when you do, your head might spin, especially when you think about everything that’s happened these past 12 months.

I’ve been told one job with writing is to put your foot on the ball, look up and describe where everyone is on the pitch at a moment in time. Our Annual Review does exactly that, highlighting key achievements across the different workstreams we run on behalf of our members.

We’d love to hear your feedback on this and also your thoughts for the new year as we work to showcase the very best of responsible advertising and its contribution to the UK.

Here’s to a trusted, inclusive, and sustainable 2025.

Our must-reads:

• Thought leaders from across the industry, including our Policy and Government Affairs Director, Lisa Hayley-Jones Jones, talk about how 2024’s unprecedented year of voting has changed the communications landscape. (LBB)
• A 130-year history of Christmas marketing, told through five ads and noting the foundations of the AA almost a century ago as aiming to build trust in advertising. (Marketing Week)
• Media Leader editor Omar Oakes signs off his final column reflecting on 2024 as a year of disruption, inclusion, courage and excellence. (The Media Leader)
• Last big media move of the year. Google promotes Debbie Weinstein to EMEA President to replace Matt Brittin. (Campaign)
• Great article about nostalgia in ads, with some very insightful commentary and lots of ads to watch. (LBB)

Our pick of the ads:

• Our Ad in the A… Rightmove with Neverland are launching ‘If they can find it, so can you’ on Christmas Day to show that anyone can find a home that fits their unique needs.
• Transport for London and VCCP London have launched ‘London Overground Naming’ to introduce six newly named London Overground lines.
• Channel 4 and Which? have launched ‘Festive’ to help shoppers navigate Christmas gift-buying challenges.
• Wickes and St Luke’s have launched a new brand platform, ‘Feel as proud as a peacock’ highlighting the pride that comes with home improvements.

Dates for your diary:

• LEAD 2025 is going to be all about growth and value! The deadline to purchase our early bird tickets is 4pm today. Book your tickets here.
• Would you like to learn more about the Media Business Course, now in its 61st year? We are holding our MBC Showcase on the afternoon of 14 January at Havas Village, where you will discover first hand from MBC alumni and speakers how the course can transform your/your talent’s potential. Book here.

And finally, on behalf of all of us here at the AA, thank you so much for reading Ad Matters this year and for the many different contributions to this newsletter that I know readers have been involved in. From making great advertising campaigns happen, to all the brilliant news, research, events and awards that make our industry such a vibrant and exciting one to be a part of.

We wish you a fabulous festive break and all the very best of success in 2025!