Forty Years Later: Lessons from Apple's 1984 as We Reflect on the Celebrity-Driven Ads of Super Bowl 2024
Four decades ago, Apple delivered the groundbreaking "1984" commercial during the Super Bowl, setting a precedent that has yet to be matched. This ad not only revolutionized Super Bowl advertising but also redefined the potential of marketing campaigns to captivate, engage and hold the attention of a mass audience on the biggest stage possible. Its narrative depth, coupled with a daring critique of conformity, introduced a new era of storytelling in advertising, one where creativity and message outweighed the mere showcasing of a product or the dazzling display of star power. And it paid off. In 1984’s pre-Internet, pre-social media, Apple earned $5 million in free television time with post-Super Bowl news discussion across the three networks at the time. Importantly, Apple sold $155 million worth of Macintoshes in the 3 months following the Super Bowl. Apple become the new kid on the block giving IBM a run for their money.
Telemundo Urges Advertisers to "Come with Us" As They Celebrate Latinos
New York City venue The Glasshouse was the site last night of Telemundo's 2023 Upfront presentation. Sharing sneak peeks of upcoming 2023-24 content in entertainment, news, sports and beyond, Beau Ferrari, Chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, invited the attendees to "Come with Us," reminding everyone of the power and influence of the U.S. Latino audience.
Super Bowl LVII Commercials: Dunkin,' T-Mobile and PopCorners Were Tops
The line at my local Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru this morning doesn't appear to be any longer than usual. How can this be, the morning after the company's memorable commercial featuring Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez made its debut during the Super Bowl, which makes available to advertisers the largest television audience of the year? Shouldn't there be more cars than usual lining up to run on Dunkin'?
Tubi Is Pushing the Pedal on Originals -- and Ad Opportunities
A year ago, Fox's on-demand and multichannel bundle Tubi was one element -- albeit a major component -- of Fox's virtual Digital Content NewFront showcase. With usage and viewership soaring over the last year, and the introduction of original programs in various genres, Fox let Tubi go on its own NewFront journey this past Monday, inviting hundreds of advertising and media officials to a presentation inside the Glasshouse building along the West Side Highway.
It's Beautiful: More Women are Rejecting Anti-Aging and Embracing Aging
While rubbing a pricy "anti-aging" lotion on one's face is seemingly harmless, the social effects run much deeper. Beyond the fact that much anti-aging beautification is scientifically baseless, its promotion is inherently ageist as it casts getting older as a negative experience and older people in need of a reversing effect. Anti-aging turns the entirely natural development of wrinkles, gray hair, and other biological markers of age into enemies to conquer. Rather than embracing aging as a normal and positive thing (the alternative being death), in other words, we are being told to fight aging off as long as we can and, if possible, make the inconvenient truth go away.
"Live with Michael" on Instagram Live Is a Must for "American Idol" Fans Past and Present
For the majority of American Idol’s run on Fox (and ABC) piano and vocal maestro Michael Orland was content sitting behind the scenes, helping some of the show’s most memorable contestants deliver timeless performances. That all changed when, amidst the confines of the COVID-19 lockdown, Orland (pictured at top, fourth from right, with the Idols from season 16) took place front and center on camera as the genial host of Live with Michael, an Instagram Live weekly chat-fest that reunites him with a cavalcade of Idol alumni. The charm of Orland’s free-form guerilla-style show is that nothing is off-limits, and his history with the guests, delivers a natural rapport.
"Dancing with the Stars" -- A Surprising Season Unlike Any Other Draws to a Close
It's been a season unlike any of the previous 28, with a new host (Tyra Banks), strict pandemic protocols (no audiences) and an unexpected bump in the ratings (over last year). And now, after 10 weeks of fierce competition, it all comes down to tonight's finale for the four remaining contestants on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Battling it out for the coveted Mirror Ball trophy are Nev Schulman and pro Jenna Johnson, Kaitlyn Bristowe and pro Artem Chigvintsev, Justina Machado and pro Sasha Farber and Nelly and pro Daniella Karagach. (Nelly, Bristowe, Machado and Schulman are pictured above, clockwise from top left.) With just a few points separating the contenders, following last week's semi-finals, you can bet each celebrity and their pro partner will be giving it their all as each couple performs one of their favorite dances from recent weeks -- with some new twists. Also, each will perform the highly anticipated Freestyle dance that has become a highlight of the show's previous season finales.
Postgame Report for Marketers: Super Bowl Scores on Digital Streaming
No matter the final score, the Super Bowl is always TV's biggest live event. And this year's game delivered for marketers across platforms. Super Bowl spots are a high-profile — and costly — way to advertise, but the growing audience for digital video and social media are helping to extend brands' investment well behind the fourth quarter.
