LinkedIn has moved its global media business to Publicis Media, which will now handle the social network’s global media planning and buying.
Publicis has confirmed to MiC that the win includes Canada, and the business will go to Toronto-based Spark Foundry. The move replaces Dentsu, which was in charge of LinkedIn’s media strategy in major regions, including the U.S.
According to global research firm COMvergence, LinkedIn’s global (net) media spend in 2024 was US$220 million. The social network also recently hired R/GA as global strategic creative agency for its ad platform, LinkedIn Ads.
In RECMA’s latest Canadian Qualitative Evaluation, Publicis Media led the New Business race at the agency group level in 2024. Spark Foundry was also in the top five agencies of the RECMA New Business Balance thanks to its win of Molson Coors and Kimberly-Clark.
Abcon Media becomes media sales partner for Greater Sudbury Airport
Abcon Media has been awarded the advertising concession for Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB), making it the airport’s exclusive media sales partner.
As part of the partnership, Abcon will offer a range of DOOH products, including 4K digital displays, indoor and outdoor glass wraps, static backlighting and large-format signage. Additionally, the partnership will include customized experiential advertising and sponsorship opportunities for brands.
Tom Novosel, VP of Abcon Media, said the Greater Sudbury Airport is one of Northern Ontario’s most important transportation hubs. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce a wide range of innovative and impactful advertising solutions for brands targeting this key market,” he said. “With a mix of business, mining, government, education and healthcare professionals passing through the airport, we are confident that our advertising opportunities will deliver substantial value to our clients.”
Located in Greater Sudbury, the YSB caters to a diverse audience, with 70% of passengers being frequent business travelers, according to Abcon.
The airport becomes the latest addition to Abcon’s portfolio of OOH advertising properties, which also features North Bay Airport, 85 major hospitals and medical buildings and more than 4,000 touchscreens at golf courses across Canada.
Pluto TV adds FAST Just for Laughs channel to its offering
Pluto TV, Paramount’s ad-supported streaming service, has partnered with Just For Entertainment Distribution to launch the Just For Laughs FAST channel in multiple international markets, including Canada, Latin America, Brazil, France, Italy and the Nordic countries.
The channel, a modern take on the classic Candid Camera concept, will feature a diverse range of content from the popular dialogue-free series, which uses Quebec City as the setting to play an array of pranks on unsuspecting locals.
Just For Laughs joins Pluto TV’s Canadian offering, which include a range of FAST channels covering genres such as crime, drama, comedy and science fiction. The service also features channels focused on lifestyle, children’s content, French-language programming, sports, anime and music. Additionally, it provides access to 15 live local news channels from across Canada, in partnership with the CBC.
Late last year, the streamer also announced it was partnering with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution to expand its content offering in Canada and the U.K. with a range of comedies, dramas, action and fan favorites. In Canada, the new content included all seasons of Will & Grace on its More Pluto TV Comedy channel, alongside other comedies such as Becker, Wings and Dear John.
-with files from Patti Summerfield
