When HBO Max executives said that the service’s ad-supported tier HBO Max With Ads–which debuted Wednesday–was going to include the lightest ad load in streaming video, they really weren’t kidding. Subscribers watching HBO Max original series like The Flight Attendant on Wednesday evening only saw about 18 seconds of advertising space over the course of…
How Substack’s Global Ambitions Could Revitalize Non-News Media
As much of the news media scrambles to plant newsletter outposts in cities across the country, Substack has adopted a different approach with its new program, Substack Local. As reported earlier this week, Substack will split $1 million between 12 publications scattered across the globe. Unlike its local newsletter peers, 6AM City, Axios Local, WhereBy.Us…
Costco’s Free Samples Are Returning, Even Though Samplers May Not
When Costco CFO Richard Galanti mentioned free samples will be back at the membership warehouse’s 550 U.S. locations by the end of June, there was palpable excitement online. Here’s just one example: I guess it’s over then because Costco FREE SAMPLES are back next month!!! pic.twitter.com/Q0o8w0gHWO — Margo Gray (@MargoGray48) May 28, 2021 In a…
Merrell’s Newest Campaign is Challenging You to Do Just About Anything Outdoors
After more than a year of social distancing and with summer on the way, many consumers are more than ready to enjoy some quality time outside. For performance and lifestyle brand Merrell, that means challenging the line between “indoor” and “outdoor” activities. Created in partnership with the brand’s agency of record Words From The Woods,…
Facebook Taps Marne Levine as Chief Business Officer, David Fischer’s Successor
When Facebook chief revenue officer David Fischer revealed in late March that he was leaving the company after 11 years, Facebook said his successor would hold a different title: chief business officer. On Thursday, another 11-year Facebook veteran, Marne Levine, was elevated to that role. Levine had been vice president of global partnerships, business and…
Why the Global Chip Shortage Is Hard to Overcome | WSJ
Publicis Appoints Geraldine White as US Chief Diversity Officer
Publicis Groupe is appointing Geraldine White as U.S. chief diversity officer to work alongside chief inclusion experience officer Renetta McCann in an effort to improve across all facets of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). White will focus on the Groupe’s talent and workforce, while McCann will concentrate on bringing DE&I expertise and counsel to clients….
Messenger From Facebook: How to Use the Pride Month Chat Theme
Messenger From Facebook released a new chat theme celebrating Pride Month. When this chat theme is turned on for a conversation, the messages in the conversation will be sent in a rainbow of colors. Here’s how to switch to the Pride Month chat theme in a Messenger conversation. Note: These screenshots were captured in the…
Pinterest Prepares Brands for the ‘Greenaissance’
Pinterest is going green this week with “Here Comes the ‘Greenaissance,'” new insights on Pinners’ renewed focus on calls for community action, earth-friendly products and sustainable living. A recent study by the company found that the majority of respondents started at least one new sustainability habit during the pandemic, and four out of five plan…
Spotify’s Pride Campaign Encourages Queer Musicians and Fans to Take Up the Space They Deserve
Spotify is empowering LGBTQ+ artists and fans to show up as their authentic selves in its 2021 Pride rallying cry: “Claim Your Space.” Through this global campaign commemorating Pride Month, Spotify will elevate and partner with queer artists such as Hayley Kiyoko, Fancy Hagood and Big Freedia to create several month-long activations with digital and…