May 8, 2025 | SIGN UP

Kristina Monllos

Kristina Monllos
SENIOR MARKETING EDITOR

Uncertainty is the word of the moment. That’s the word you’ll hear in earnings reports right now from holding companies and major marketers alike. It’s also what you’ll hear from ad buyers, CMOs, agency execs and consultants when you ask them for a pulse check on the industry.

The problem, of course, is that no one has a clear picture of what’s to come. Going forward, for now, is all about managing uncertainty and the potential risks that come with that environment. That’s why marketers are stuck in a phase of scenario planning and pressing pause on anything more long-term. How that uncertainty will play out in upfront negotiations, well, that’s something to watch.

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NAVIGATING ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

Quotes from the quarter: What CEOs and CFOs are saying about the state of ad spend

The longer this earnings season drags on, the clearer it becomes: the ad slowdown might be steeper than anyone first thought. It’s not the tariffs themselves spooking advertisers – its the fog of uncertainty they create. And nothing makes a CMO freeze faster than not knowing what’s possibly around the corner.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Marketing Briefing: Check in with marketers after the first 100 days of President Trump’s policies

If you were to sum up the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency — a milestone we just passed on April 30 — with one word you’d likely use “uncertain” to do so. And for marketers, well, uncertainty is toxic.

SPONSORED BY PERION

How Dior leveraged contextual intelligence for precise timing and targeting

For marketers, the challenge — and opportunity — lies in understanding when and where to engage audiences. For instance, Dior leveraged programmatic OOH to target peak commuting times and high-traffic weekends in strategic locations to boost product awareness ahead of a critical sales period.

BRANDS IN CULTURE

Travel and tourism marketers are ‘keeping a pulse’ on declining visits, and tweaking messaging in a chaotic climate

With an ongoing global trade war and stricter border enforcement, the travel and tourism industry in the U.S. is starting to see a dip in visitors. During the month of March, international visits to the U.S. declined 14% year over year, according to the U.S. Travel Association .

SPONSORED BY PATHLABS

How agencies are expanding digital offerings while increasing profits and scalability

Digital media offerings are a must to keep brand clients from moving on to a competing agency. Smaller agencies often struggle with bandwidth but wish to remain independent while they grow. By leveraging a partner that sits between an in-house team and an outsourced one, agencies remain independent while lowering overhead costs and driving efficiency.

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EQUALITY & OPPORTUNITY

Why the 4A’s is broadening two of its diversity initiatives to be ‘more inclusive’

The 4A’s has overhauled the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and Vanguard — two of the marketing industry’s cornerstone diversity initiatives, revamping the curriculum for both and expanding access to applicants.

CONTENT & COMMERCE

Q&A: Uber Ads hits $1.5 billion run rate as it hires first head of measurement

Uber’s ads business now has an annual run rate of $1.5 billion — up 60% from its where it was a year ago. To bolster its case with advertisers, Uber Advertising has brought on its first head of measurement science, Edwin Wong, to fine-tune performance and help unlock even more ad dollars.

SPONSORED BY WARNER BROS DISCOVERY

How shoppable ads are changing the tactics for streaming TV

In this survey-driven report, Digiday and Warner Bros. Discovery polled 90 agencies, brands, retailers and marketers to explore how shoppable advertising is reshaping their approach to contextual commerce on CTV.

Other things to know

Greater Good Awards: Showcase how your organization is making a difference

From focusing on racial equality to local community betterment, the Greater Good Awards showcase the impactful work of companies committed to generating a positive impact. Enter by tomorrow, May 9, to take ad