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This section presents a listing of top advertising agencies in the U.S. by sales promotion revenue.

This article profiles automaker Toyota as the 2006 marketer of the year for "Advertising Age." Toyota experienced sales success in 2006 with hybrid cars such as the Prius and the Yaris, despite a sluggish market due to high gas prices. The company has also tried new techniques in its marketing campaigns, moving away from its more conservative advertising past. The article presents statistics related to Toyota's 2006 sales, and discusses the 2006 marketing campaign.

This article introduces a new media-mix strategy in media planning. The old way of media planning was about picking individual media. New media planning is about picking combinations of media. This increases relevant media choice from a manageable few hundred to an unruly few hundred thousand. Media consolidation has focused sellers on cross media packaging. And the Internet is certainly destined to be a big player in the media mix. Furthermore, media mix is not a selling tool, it is a buying strategy. Media mix gives advertisers a way beating the curve. Where market-driven costs per thousand reflect relatively comparable media value, spending fewer dollars in more media will produce a greater response.

The article presents information on the marketing strategy of Procter & Gamble (P&G) as of December 13, 1999. Beyond the tonnage of its ad budget, P&G has played a pivotal role in developing four generations of media carrying its ads, from radio to broadcast TV to cable to the Internet. P&G brand management system has been adopted in much of the marketing world; its desire to learn about consumers helped spawn a market research industry and invented such categories as laundry detergents and disposable diapers. The true explosion of P&G marketing didn't occur until nearly 50 years later, in 1931. A promotion director named Neil McElroy authored a three-page memo that defied P&G established one-page only memo convention. marketing functions then handled by the sales force, he argued should be assumed by a brand management team, with one manager for each brand. INSET: P&G Chiefs Pick Favorite Campaigns..

The article presents news briefs related to advertising. Sporting goods manufacturer Nike will be launching a television commercial from Wieden & Kennedy in January 1995 featuring a new cross-training shoe promoted by baseball player Ken Griffley Jr. The price of Bold power detergent will be lowered by Procter & Gamble Co. by 10% as part of its value pricing strategy. Advertising agency Lowe Direct is expected to handle the $10 million direct marketing account of Mercedes-Benz of North America.

The article discusses the views of French advertising executive and founder of advertising agency BDDP Jean-Marie Dru on disruption as a universal language of change that allows advertisers to form a common strategy. Topics covered include the reason disruption and destruction are not an either-or scenario according to Jean-Marie, examples of companies that are very disruptive but did not destroy the marketplace and Jean-Marie's views on the Internet.

The article reports on the advertising strategy to be launched by social media firm Reddit which involves posts of its online bulletin board users. Topics discussed include the way marketers can sponsor posts of Reddit users for advertising purposes, remarks from Reddit chief executive officer (CEO) Steve Huffman regarding this advertising platform, and the expected benefits of this initiative to Reddit users.

The article discusses the more creative, targeted and efficient ways to reach consumers that are expected to gain popularity among brands and marketers in 2016. Topics covered include the increasing use of the least avoidable forms of digital advertising, the growth of content marketing, and the impact of e-commerce accounts on grocery sales.

This article presents information about Procter & Gamble Co.'s U.S. publication of the beauty magazine "Rouge." Publication of "Rouge" could hurt other beauty magazine publications because Procter & Gamble is the largest advertiser in the U.S. Procter & Gamble also produces the soap opera "As the World Turns" and has other media initiatives including web sites for some of its products. INSET: Marketers as media owners.

This article presents information about new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules with regard to blog endorsements by consumers for specific products. The new rules become effective on December 1, 2009 and the FTC has provided guidelines to help product endorsers know what to say about a product without violating the rules. Endorsers are reminded that they must disclose if they have been paid to endorse a product.

The article evaluates a Super Bowl television advertisement linked to a sales promotion by the restaurant chain Denny's. The advertising promoted a giveaway in which Denny's offered a free breakfast to customers at its restaurants for an 8-hour period on February 3, 2009, two days after the game. Denny's executives estimate some 2 million persons appeared for the free meals. The advertising cost $5 million.

The article looks at the marketing of products to African Americans, noting that the $913 billion market is often overlooked by advertisers. The author notes that Hispanics surpassed African-Americans as the premier minority market, which detracted attention from the niche. Market segments which perform well with African-American consumers are discussed.

The article reports that so-called "comparison" advertising, in which corporate marketers directly attack their rivals in the manner of political advertising, is increasing. This once taboo practice has been initiated by such well-known companies as Microsoft and Apple. Time Warner Cable is the latest company to present such advertising aimed at rival Verizon's Fios telecommunication service.

The article reports on a shift in marketing tactics by toilet paper manufacturers toward more direct and revealing imagery and language. The author states as a result of this shift sales by the Proctor & Gamble brand Charmin have risen almost 10 percent. The author also states that the advertising company Publicis Worldwide has produced television advertising for Charmin.

The article explains the reasoning behind National Broadcasting Company's (NBC) decision to return large amounts of cash to advertisers. The author explains that the returned money represents "make-good" advertising dollars sold for the season. The advertising time left open by the returned money allows for sale of "scatter" advertising, which is valued higher as it is targeted to the time frame in which it will appear. Broadcast television's strength in the advertising industry is noted.

The author focuses on Starbuck's decision to launch their first national television campaign in 2007. While the brand boasted it would never advertise its product, Starbucks now claims the campaign is necessary for long-term growth. Attention is given to why the author believes Starbucks decided to engage in television marketing and go mainstream commercial. The author attributes the decision to a decrease in store visits as a result of increased competition, and an increase in product prices.

The article focuses on the internet search engine Google and its decision to enter the world of marketing. The company has hired Andy Berndt, formerly the co-president of advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, to handle its advertising. Prior to this 2007 decision, Google had not participated in traditional marketing strategies, the article says. Google will not be launching its own advertising agency as a result of Berndt's hire.

The article looks at advertising and marketing targeted at women from the baby-boomer generation. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is developing a magazine aimed towards middle-aged women. The author points out that magazines catering to people's lifestyles and interests sell better than those that strictly cater to their age demographics.

The article focuses on a 0.3% drop in U.S. measured advertising spending which was seen in the first quarter of 2007. A discussion of the factors that led to the decrease, including an increase in digital marketing, direct marketing, and customer relationship management, is presented. Arguments are presented which suggest that advertising has fallen because the alternative marketing strategies offer more measurable results.

The article discusses the article "The Chaos Scenario," by Bob Garfield, that appeared in the April 4, 2005 issue of "Advertising Age." In his article, Garfield described the collapse of the current advertising model, due to user-generated advertisements and eBay style auctions. The article offers what the author calls "reality checks" for the media metrics used today. INSET: Catching up on "The Chaos Scenario".

The article deals with the advertising strategy of Pam Levine and Tony Sella, co-presidents of marketing at New Corporation's 20th Century Fox. For the film "Walk the Line," the two crafted distinct messages to play up the qualities that would appeal to certain target demographics. Levine and Sella become the formidable Hollywood team whose successes in 2005 helped make Fox the second-highest grossing studio in domestic ticket sales.

This article focuses on the efforts of Kia to improve its performance in November 2005. The company decided to launch J. D. Power & Associates awards in separate television advertisement from advertising agency David & Goliath. In connection to this, the firm also develop initiatives to differentiate itself from Hyundai by portraying the companies as having different driving dynamics.

This article presents an update on the merger between retailers Sears and Kmart and their brand marketing strategy as of November 2005. Instead of sharing brands this holiday season, Sears is telling shoppers to 'wish big' and highlighting its proprietary brands as it harks back to its iconic Wish Book in spots from WPP Group's Y&R that are already on the air. Kmart breaks its effort, composed entirely of 15-second spots, from Grey Worldwide.

Provides information on the marketing strategy of McDonald's. Uniqueness of the McDonald's hamburger; Effectiveness national advertising on the promotion of the brand; Information on the advertising spending of McDonald's.

Reports on the employee-discount marketing strategy of automobile manufacturers General Motors (GM), Ford and Chrysler. Effect of the strategy on sales of the companies; Decline in the profits of dealers; Advertisement for GM cars.

Reports on the risk facing Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. (A-B) for its move to assail Miller Brewing Co. and Coors Brewing Co. in May 2005. Employment by Miller and Coors of Americans; Unwillingness of a wholesaler to distribute Miller- and Coors-bashing materials; Information on an advertisement ran by A-B during a Super Bowl event.

Reports on the move of Google, an Internet search company, to start testing radio and print advertisement. Aim of the company to capture the local-classified market in the U.S.; Marketing strategy of the company; Advertising agency tapped by the company to create its advertisement.

Looks at developments in advertising and popular culture in the U.S. during the 1990s. Population and employment; Economic and political conditions; Establishment of alternative marketing techniques; Top five marketers of the 20th century; Emergence of World Wide Web and the Internet; Popular fashion brands, radio talk show hosts, authors and singers.

Criticizes the advertising theme of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. titled Moving Forward created by the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi. Concept behind the advertising theme; Role of the tag line in the increased unit sales of the company in 2004; Challenges in the advertising strategy of the company.

Deals with the move of Masterfoods USA to take its spokescharacter for its M&M chocolate product to the red carpet of the Oscars. Information on the partnership deal forged by Masterfoods with television network ABC; Details on the marketing strategy of Masterfoods; Motion pictures where Masterfoods will take its M&M spokescharater.

Presents information on the challenges facing TiVo Inc. in 2005. Refusal of TiVo to cut deals with the cable industry; Advertisment themes of TiVo; Changes in the marketing of TiVo.

Describes the optimism of chief marketing officers despite pressures as of December 2004. Effort of chief marketing officers to meet short-term goals; Result of a survey on the perspective of marketers on their impact within their organizations; Types of media used by marketers to reach the consumers; Effect of media fragmentation to marketers.

Focuses on the shift of control in advertising from the marketers to the consumers, according to the consensus reached by participants during the Association of National Advertisers annual meeting in October 2004. Statement issued by Yahoo director and CEO Terry Semel; Need for marketers to adapt their marketing strategies to the preferences of the consumer.

Reports on the launch of the 2005 Super Duty pickup truck by Ford Motor Co. Value of the integrated-marketing effort for Super Duty; Competitors of Super Duty; Marketing strategy for Super Duty.

Reports on the latest marketing strategies of several companies in the U.S. in 2004. Plans of Nike to market basketball player Kobey Bryant's jersey and other apparel; Information on the advertisement of iPod products from Hewlett-Packard; Companies that will sponsor The Masters golf tournament in 2005.

Reports on the use of technical terminology for the promotion of consumer electronic products in the U.S. Reason for the technical approach of consumer electronics in advertising; Challenges faced by engineering-driven companies in promoting their products; Advantages of customer confusion for retailers.

Presents news briefs on the advertising industry in the U.S. as of August 2004. Marketing strategy of Sony Electronics for its Apple's iPod walkman; Increase in the share of financier Vincent Bollore in advertising firm Havas; Complaints received by General Mills regarding its Crispy Glazed Pop Secret popcorn.

Reports on the decision of Unilever and Procter & Gamble Co. to assign its advertising projects to different advertising agencies, changing its concept of single global agency network. Appointment of Bartle Bogle to handle a U.S. assignment for Unilever; Diversification strategy of Procter & Gamble for its advertising account; Remarks from Jim Stengel, chief marketing officer of Procter & Gamble, on the marketing strategy of the company.

Reports on the impact of the remarks made by Procter & Gamble Co. global marketing officer Jim Stengel on the reaction of the U.S. advertising industry to change. Dissatisfaction towards traditional marketing; Issues that have been affecting the industry; Plan to categorize media planning as a step in marketing plans.

The article reports that U.S.-based Miller Brewing Co. is asking advertising agencies to pitch ideas across all the brands that comprise its $250 million account. A brief circulating amongs its agencies asks help in understanding "the strategic relevance of the entire Miller portfolio. Miller is willing to allow its agencies to pitch in on brands they are not officially assigned.

This article reports on the first annual Gone From Home presentations of Clear Channel Worldwide to be held on May 12, 2003 in New York. The country's largest radio station operator wants to cut up-front deals across its four Gone From Home divisions: the radio division; the live division, which includes music, theatricals, and motor sports; the outdoor division; and the interactive division. Clear Channel already captures 20 percent of all radio advertising dollars and is now gunning for a share of advertisers' television and print budgets. Executives from six broadcast television networks either declined comment or were not available for comment. The event will take place at the Clear Channel-owned Ford Theater in Times Square, and Lori Wellinghoff, senior vice-president of Clear Channel Advantage, is expecting around 1,600 attendees. She also said that network up fronts tend to be packed with a lot of buyers and planners. Radio personality Rick Dees will emcee. Appearances will also be made by the cast of The Producers and Rush Limbaugh, among others. What could work in Clear Channel's favor is the projection of a torrid $9 billion television up front and currently tight television marketplace.

This article highlights the annual American Association of Advertising Agencies' management conference held in April 2003. During the convention, advertising shops were urged to stop focusing simply on advertising and become creative business thinkers, or risk a drop in profit margins and the loss of marketers' trust. Havas President-Chief Operating Officer Bob Schmetterer delivered a speech urging to fight fear and persuade middle-management to take brave new ideas to the corporate suite. He called for a radical redefining and repositioning of the profession. The Havas chief pointed to a number of marketers, from Pepsi-Cola Co. to Procter & Gamble Co. who want to see agencies' creativity expressed in ways that go beyond the advertising campaign. Roy Spence, founder and president of GSD&M, gave other examples of creative ideas that reached beyond traditional advertising. Not everyone is entirely sure that advertising agencies are misdirected. Tom Carroll, president of the Americas at Omnicom's TBWA Worldwide, believed that any agency is a provider of business solutions. Finally, Hal Riney, retired chairman of Publicis Groupe's Publicis & Hal Riney, agreed that the advertising agency model needs some repositioning.

The article reports that messages conveyed by television advertisements in the U.S. are being re-evaluated in relation to the Iraq War in 2003. Key issues discussed include initiatives to ensure that advertising messages are not tasteless nor inappropriate to viewers and the monitoring of the war's effects on consumer behavior to determine advertising strategies.

This article reports on developments in U.S. advertising. Grey Worldwide will open an office in Seattle, Washington. California passed over a challenge from Carat USA over media buying duties for an antismoking campaign of the Department of Health Services. Hill Holliday will handle the branding and marketing strategy account of Togo's Eateries.

This article presents an update on the marketing and advertising plans of automaker Lincoln Mercury as of June 2001. Lincoln Mercury is pursuing a plan that could give one publishing company most of the automaker's estimated $50 million magazine ad budget for 2002. A winning publisher could also end up snaring a sizable chunk of advertising for sibling properties, including broadcast and online, giving a strategic advantage to giants able to package deals across media. The company and its media-planning agency, WPP Group's Media Edge, sent out requests for proposals to major publishing houses detailing its calendar 2002 print strategy, according to Deborah Wahl, Lincoln's marketing communications manager. The automaker asked for presentations from American Express Publishing, AOL Time Warner, Conde Nast Publications and Hachette Fillipachi Magazines, among others, to pitch themselves as synergistic vehicles for Lincoln Mercury lines. Although it is specifically targeting publishing groups, the company is asking for ideas that go beyond magazines and events into television.

Presents an interview with Christopher Fraleigh, executive director of corporate advertising and marketing for General Motors Corp. Marketing challenges being faced by the company; Marketing plans of Fraleigh particularly for the Cadillac product; Sentiment concerning the company's advertising agencies.

The article reports that Trans World Airlines (TWA) is cutting back on its advertising budget, in the midst of the carrier's bankruptcy proceedings. TWA has disposed of its marketing plan for 2001 and has started spending only on specific sales messages. Ad spending is estimated to be 25 percent of previous levels, where TWA spent some $30 million in the U.S. and $20 million overseas. TWA's agency D'Arcy, Masius Benton and Bowles is planning to get out of the airline business.

The article focuses on the use of electronic commerce during the 2000 holiday shopping season in the United States. It cites the emerging trends regarding discounts and advertising spending. Marketing strategies include advertising in places where physical stores are not available and informing consumers about shopping online.

The article discusses the marketing strategies and use of online and offline media advertising by Internet companies in the U.S. Key issues discussed include the reasons why dot-com companies are re-thinking their advertising campaigns to incorporate more traditional advertising and the need to coordinate advertisement content with product offerings.

The article discusses the marketing strategies of Internet companies after the bankruptcies and closures of numerous dot-com businesses. Key issues discussed include the reasons why many Internet companies cannot survive the intense competition in the sector and Internet firms' return to more frugal and old-fashioned advertising.