Brendan Christie
Canadian upfronts: Shrewd, understated, moxie…
NewsMedia buyers weigh in on rival nets’ strategies
A more civilized affair
Media / TelevisionWith average increases pegged at 3% to 5%, buyers are launching into the upfront expecting a little less hype
Is soft drink innovation getting out of hand?
NewsNew spin-offs promise to give Pepsi and Coke a summer lift – but too many SKUs can be a bad thing
Coke, Pepsi spin off low-carb brands
NewsWith the hoopla about carbs, health and wellness building, many are wondering if Canada will see the Big Two’s new health-conscious products on shelves any time soon.
Why Pepsi doesn’t mess with Quebec
NewsPepsi now boasts one of its largest relative shares, if not its largest worldwide, in the Quebec market. Beyond the merits of the drink itself, the manufacturer’s relationship with Quebecers has been founded on some good marketing and a nearly 20-year-old partnership with author, humourist and generally notable francophone celebrity Claude Meunier. While shares in Ontario and British Columbia compare to U.S. percentages, those in Quebec are much higher. That makes it the perfect venue to spin out all the company’s new sub-brands, right?
CHUM ate Craig: Now what?
NewsCanada’s ‘third net’ pledges to keep selling regionally while bringing A Channel ratings up to par
O.C. success spawns hot summer slate
TelevisionComing months will see new laffers, dramas and scads of reality; but rumours of double-digit increases are setting buyers on edge
Scandal tightens cash from the Hill
Magazines / Media / Newspaper / Ontario / Out-of-home / Radio / TelevisionRadio stations play musical chairs, TV avails tighter, Sun adds new lifestyle sections
Join the party
Out-of-home / QuebecQuebec festival sponsorships can help brands achieve insider status more quickly than ads alone – but they require a little style and sensitivity
U.S. mag spill is down, but are Canadian titles prepared for a rebound?
Magazines / Media / ResearchWith nations to build and Enron execs to harass, Americans haven’t had much time for light reading over the last few years and that’s been evident in their magazine ad spends.
