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Articles by Rob Blake
How to plan for a World Cup with YouTube as its major player
Opinion With social video set to dominate World Cup 2026, brands must treat YouTube like a broadcaster, says the Channel Factory’s MD EMEA. Social media platforms have transformed how we watch sports. The last men’s FIFA World Cup generated an audience of 258m across social platforms. Almost three-quarters (74%) of sports fans now use social media to follow or watch sports, with 40% of football fans plugged into social media on a second screen while watching a game.
Itaú Bank’s interactive hoardings drove millions to its online marketplace
Itaú Bank transformed pitch hoarding ads into interactive touchboards for one of Brazilian football’s most-anticipated matches of 2024, driving a 400% increase in first-time users to its online marketplace. Each time the ball flew off the pitch and made contact with the ads, discount coupons would appear on the screen and reveal Black Friday offers for various products on Itaú Shop. Itaú Shop is small compared with Itaú Bank, which is the largest banking institution in Latin America.
Can a brand safety and performance mindset co-exist in 2025? - MediaCat
The media industry is at a crossroads. The challenge of delivering effective, responsible advertising gets trickier each year, spurred by regulatory shifts, changes in consumer expectations, and an increasingly fragmented industry. Media agencies and brands need to work together to prioritise safety in their advertising, making sure ads land in responsible and relevant places.
What makes a good brand mascot?
Clowns, tigers, bunnies, Barbie… brandland is full of iconic mascots. When making lists, however, it’s usually the same 10 to 20 heritage brands that come to mind — those who represent nostalgia, childhood and pre-streaming TV. That’s because it’s hard to get a brand mascot to stick. Many try and fail to connect, or completely turn people off (e.g. Burger King’s mid-2000s creepy plastic-faced King). Relatively few stand the test of time.
The rise of in-game advertising
In February I wrote about how video games succeed when they’re fun, and funny. As a follow-up to that piece, and with a focus on our July theme of ‘Fame and Attention’, I now wish to look at the heady world of in-game advertising. Because it could be seen as an exhilarating and exciting place to play right now, depending on which kind of marketer you speak to. And the reason for this is that advertisers and gaming studios seem to be getting into this area in a big way.
Q&A: How brands can tackle hate speech during a summer of sport
The summer of sports is upon us, and while this is certainly cause for excitement it’s also cause for concern. Considering the usual spike in hate speech around major sporting events, the world’s largest socially-led creative agency, We Are Social, have published their Braving the Backlash report, exploring how sports brands can best tackle rising online hate.
Tech tools for delivering impactful content at speed
In fact, according to Wyzowl it’s now used by 90% of businesses. An increased demand for our craft is great to see, but this also means we’re operating within a crowded marketplace, and the battle for consumers’ attention is higher than ever. A key way to make content count, and reach and resonate with the masses: it’s all about relevance and newsworthiness — and in an ideal world, and client approvals permitting, news-jacking.
Amplify announces its new offering, Co.Labs
On 21 May, the global creative agency Amplify announced the launch of Amplify Co.Labs. This new offering will harness the agency’s creators, communities and partnerships capabilities to achieve ‘authentic, strategic collaborations with co-creation at their heart’. The Co.Labs team will work as part of the global Strategy, Culture and Comms team to deliver campaigns with talent and partners (from up-and-coming cultural communities to established creators, media partners and brand collaborations).
How can we be more critical consumers with endless content?
Sometimes all this content can be overwhelming, but what are we, as consumers, to do? From seeking a balance to platform search and taking responsibility for your own consumption, our network had lots of helpful advice and suggestions. Read on… As technology advances, particularly in AI, distinguishing authentic from synthetic content becomes more challenging and, in my opinion, there is an urgent need for media literacy programs for the whole population. Equally important is algorithm awareness.
Representation in campaigns a key priority for creators
According to a new report from Amplify and SevenSix Agency, creators are frustrated with tokenism by brands, with genuine inclusion and representation in campaigns more crucial than ever. The report, ‘A New Era of Brand Partnerships: What does the new creator-brand Value Exchange Look like?‘, delves into the creator economy, which, according to Goldman Sachs, could be worth half a trillion dollars by 2027. It also reveals what creators need—and don’t need—from brand partnerships.
Kings Should Avoid a Costly Trade at the 2024 Trade Deadline Original
The 2023-24 season has seen lots of shakeups in the Western Conference standings. This is seen no better than with the horrific start the Edmonton Oilers had when they started the season as one of the worst teams in hockey. However, since December, they have been one of the best and now sit comfortably in a playoff spot. For the Los Angeles Kings, it has been the complete opposite. The Kings were once one of the best teams in hockey, starting 16-4-3.
Why won’t advertisers listen? Brands getting digital radio wrong
Ad revenues may be soaring, but a quick flick through the stations quickly reveals that advertisers could still be doing much more. Given the targeting options offered by the proliferation of digital radio services serving specific audiences, digital and online radio should be at the vanguard of brand-to-local omni-channel strategies. After all, there really is something for everyone on DAB radio, with stations catering to pretty much any music you can think of, by genre or decade.
Is there a problem in Adland?
In the ever-evolving landscape of Adland, a shift in consumer behaviour and expectations has become more palpable than ever since the national Covid-19 lockdowns ended in 2021. Emerging from the digital cocoon of TikTok and virtual fitness sessions, people are expecting to be better understood by the brands they engage with — a conversation that goes beyond mere transactions and makes them feel seen, heard, and understood.
The many masks of a brand
The theme of masks and the extent to which we wear them made me think immediately of the following quote from As You Like It: ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.‘ We sure do play many parts, and it would be weird not to. Try reading a bedtime story to a toddler in the same way that you pitch a new account at an ad agency.
Join Our Table launches to showcase Black British women in advertising and media
Join Our Table, a new UK initiative celebrating Black British women in advertising and media, has launched to create a platform of equity and visibility for Black women in the industry. The platform will amplify the work that Black women are doing across this industry and kicks off with the UK’s 2023 Black History theme ‘Saluting our sisters’, a celebration of sisterhood and the matriarchy.
What’s next for programmatic DOOH?
In the ever evolving landscape of digital advertising, Programmatic Digital Out-of-Home (prDOOH), a powerful tool for brands to engage with target audiences, is becoming a must-have on every media plan. Our recent State of the Nation research, sheds light on the current trends and dynamics within the prDOOH market globally.
The digital mirage
The truth and advertising have always been in a delicate balance In today’s digital age, where filters, airbrushing and Photoshop are the norm, the mantra ‘seeing is believing‘ has taken on a new dimension. And nowhere more so than with the rise of surrealist advertising, where computer-generated imagery (CGI) is not just enhancing reality, but creating it. Through social media, these ‘fake ads’ are blurring the lines between tangible and virtual.
Why media isn’t fit for purpose if you’re an SME
The marketing trade press is dominated by news of national and international advertisers. This is understandable. But don’t be fooled into thinking they represent the majority of the market. In fact, 99% of advertisers spend under £3 million (source: Nielsen, based on all advertiser 2022 spend). We have an advertising market where the biggest media owners and the largest media agencies and are now pretty much focused on the top 1% of advertisers.
It’s only a truth worth considering if it’s sexy
Advertising is a funny business. It’s an industry that’s reviled by many, for ‘forcing’ people to spend their money on things they don’t actually need. It’s an industry steeped in notoriety — the late nights, the abusive culture, the strange obsession behind awards that really don’t matter outside of our extremely insular world. But speak to people from advertising, and they talk about why what they do matters. It matters because we understand people. Because we are steeped in culture.
Italian #MeToo: the fight has begun
In critical situations, we’re programmed to switch our functions to one of these responses: fight, flight, or freeze. What’s happening in the Italian advertising industry, right now, is giving us clear examples of all of these reactions.
A 'viewpoint' on the future (from the past)
Few industries have more mythical allure than that of advertising Indeed, nobody made a TV show about the birth of the insurance industry. Many vividly picture the ‘Golden Age’ when iconic advertising was created by impeccably dressed men in smoky offices on Madison Avenue. As an industry we have reckoned with our legacy, from the objectification of women in advertising, to the ceilings the industry built for them, and others from diverse backgrounds, in the boardroom.
A promise to future creators
Congratulations, you have bravely ventured into a realm where inspiration meets frustration And if fate smiles upon you, you might have a shot at making something meaningful out of it all. Sure, we have always been aware of our role in the world — creating work with purpose and impact. But let’s not kid ourselves, even the most idealistic among us couldn’t resist the pull of award galas, highfalutin titles and lavish lunches.
A diet of small goals
‘Do I really look like that from behind?‘, I asked, upon seeing footage of me having the time of my life at my all-time favorite artist’s concert. Now all I could focus on were my back rolls. I’ve had body issues before I knew what ‘body issues’ meant Looking back, half of my concerns came from the beauty standards being shoved down our throats. A slimmer, leaner body is more desirable than a belly and a double chin.
A call for conscious advertising in the digital age
The world of online advertising has presented endless opportunities for advertisers to reach and engage with their target audiences. There is an increasing need for transparency and safety in the media ecosystem, prompting advertisers towards being more ethical and seeking out more purposeful opportunities with content providers. At its core, advertisers are striving to create an environment that is inclusive but also supports diverse creators and their audiences.
YouTube and CTV - the relationship all advertisers should love
By Rob Blake, UK MD at Channel Factory & Martin O’Boyle, Strategic Advisor for Channel Factory. Linear TV is no longer the standalone video content provider. Streaming services are taking big chunks of viewing time away from broadcast television, and YouTube, with its billions of hours of content, is no different.
Come back, Whipple, all is forgiven
In the pantheon of great advertising creatives, you will look hard for the name of John Chervokas. Yet he deserves a place. In 1964, a junior copywriter at Benton & Bowles in New York, he was briefed to write a campaign for P&G’s toilet tissue, Charmin, demonstrating the product’s softness.
The LA Kings are in the best organizational spot in the NHL
Every NHL team’s ultimate goal is– and should be– to win the Stanley Cup. No matter what it takes, and no matter how you reach the top, sacrifices and commitments must be made. The LA Kings have achieved the greatest trophy in all of the pro sports, the Stanley Cup, twice in their 55-year existence. Relatively, it took many, many years of agony and tormenting years to win, but Kings fans were rewarded with two cups in three years in 2012 and 2014.
The role of advertising and keeping kids safe on YouTube
The draft of the Government’s Online Safety Bill already receiving criticism for not being robust enough to keep children safe from illegal or harmful content. Coupled with the huge increase in internet and social media use among children, it is imperative that invasive action is taken to keep inappropriate content away from young viewers. Even more so in this increasingly connected digital world. CTV platforms have come under fire for inappropriate content in the past.
Kings News & Rumors: Bergevin Hired, Blake's New Contract, & More
In this edition of Los Angeles Kings News & Rumors, I’ll be discussing the recent hiring of Marc Bergevin, Rob Blake’s new multi-year contract, the Kings as possible buyers at this season’s trade deadline, a few pieces of COVID news, and an update on a few prospects.
Elevate your 2021 Christmas marketing strategies with these four trends
As we head into the Christmas shopping season, brands and agencies are looking to create strategies to reach consumers, generate awareness, and beat out the competition. While this task may seem simple, the shopping ecosystem is complex and can be daunting to navigate. Some brands may assume that buyers will return to in-person shopping at brick-and-mortar with lifted COVID restrictions.
Kings Could Be in Deep Salary Cap Trouble in a Few Seasons
Heading into this offseason, the Los Angeles Kings had a lot of cap space to work with, and general manager Rob Blake was able to add players with the goal of making the playoffs this coming season. While the move made sense this year, LA has to be careful moving forward when it comes to going out on the market.
Kings sign Byfield to three-year, entry-level contract
The LA Kings have signed forward Quinton Byfield to a three-year, entry-level contract, as announced by the team earlier today. Byfield was selected second overall in last week’s NHL Draft, the Kings’ highest selection since Drew Doughty in 2008. Byfield was also the highest-selected Black player in NHL history, surpassing both Seth Jones and Evander Kane, who were each selected fourth in their respective drafts.
KINGS of the South Bay
It’s mid-September, exactly 24 days before the puck drops on the Los Angeles Kings’ 2014–2015 title-defending season. Players, coaches, announcers, staff and hundreds of die-hard fans have gathered at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo for the Kings’ annual Hockey Fest celebration. It also happens to be one of the hottest weekends of the year, and the majority of attendees are dressed in black. Welcome to hockey in LA.
A King’s Life | By Rob Blake, Anze Kopitar, Ted Irvine, Luc Robitaille and Charlie Simmer
I was in my college dorm at Bowling Green the day Wayne Gretzky got traded. It’s certainly one of those “I know where I was” moments for anyone in the hockey world. So when the King’s called me up to play the final four games of the NHL season a year and a half later, I knew I’d get to meet him. “Hey, I’m Wayne Gretzky, nice to meet you,” he said, right as I walked into the dressing room of the Forum for the first time. All I could think was: I know exactly who you are.
A King’s Life | By Rob Blake, Anze Kopitar, Ted Irvine, Luc Robitaille and Charlie Simmer
I was in my college dorm at Bowling Green the day Wayne Gretzky got traded. It’s certainly one of those “I know where I was� moments for anyone in the hockey world. So when the King’s called me up to play the final four games of the NHL season a year and a half later, I knew I’d get to meet him. “Hey, I’m Wayne Gretzky, nice to meet you,� he said, right as I walked into the dressing room of the Forum for the first time. All I could think was: I know exactly who you are.
Thursday 21st April 2016: Ubuntu 16.04 Launch Party
Join us to celebrate the launch of Ubuntu 16.04, codename Xenial Xerus. Ubuntu is a very popular flavour of the GNU/Linux operating system and this latest release is what’s known as an ‘LTS’ or ‘Long Term Support’ release. This means that Canonical, the company who sponsor Ubuntu development, will provide support and patches for this version for a period of 5 years from launch.
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