Chris Powell

Mindshare’s content push: MAOY 2017
The Toronto shop boosts its agility with a newly launched business unit.

OMD’s changing media role: MAOY 2017
Data, collaboration and strategy are at the forefront of the agency’s client relationships.

Touché’s data-driven transformation: MAOY 2017
The Media Agency of the Year’s new team and positioning statement reinforced its focus on data.

Media spending to rebound slightly in 2010: report
A new ZenithOptimedia report suggests an increase of 2.4% in 2010, but a return to pre-recession spending levels is not expected until 2012.

TV still tops with Canadian consumers, survey finds
The latest installment of the TV Trends and Quality Survey also indicates that there is a growing reluctance to pay more for television. Public broadcaster CBC comes out on top among individual channels, ranked as the best news and most trusted news source.

Toronto council passes new OOH bylaw and tax
Toronto city council voted in favour of a bylaw requiring any new outdoor advertising concept be submitted to city staff before approval by council, and a tax which could see the city’s OOH advertising industry pay up to $10.4 million a year. OMAC is weighing its options, including a potential lawsuit challenging the decision.

Web tops TV, radio for TO’s Chinese, South Asian communities
Study reveals web is new medium of choice for Toronto’s Chinese and South Asian population, thanks to its ability to deliver info from around the globe instantaneously.

TO city council debates billboard tax, delays vote
Council will vote on the contentious tax today after an extended debate yesterday in which councillors discussed amendments to the proposed bylaw.

Taxi Media Pub ready for ads on cabs in Montreal
The new Montreal media co hopes that ban on taxi-cab advertising will be lifted in 2010. Clear Channel will handle sales representation and ‘taxi media expertise.’

OMAC fights OOH tax with its best weapon: billboards
Taking a page from the broadcast industry, the Out-of-Home Marketing Association of Canada launches a consumer-facing campaign to protest the proposed tax on city billboards.

Media execs weigh in on fee-for-carriage
Don’t forget about consumers in battle over fee-for-carriage, execs say; research indicates any fee hike would meet ‘opposition and pushback,’ especially with new viewing options like iTunes cropping up.

Corus gives WNetwork.com sassy new look
The site makeover includes more opportunities for advertisers, including contextual embedded video, increased big-box inventory and editorial integration.

Sunlight cleans up December cover of Today’s Parent
The magazine has created a custom gatefold cover ad execution for the brand’s new laundry detergent, featuring before-and-after creative and a coupon for readers.

Notes from the Mediascape: NBC’s new Communicator
NBC.com’s swank new ad-supported social media platform Communicator blends content like The Office and Heroes with computer-to-computer voice calling and text messaging.

Diageo teams up with HNIC to face off with beer
Crown Royal hopes to score new fans with its ‘For Every King a Crown’ integrated push which teams whiskey with hockey, and ultimately, to draft beer drinkers via its hookup with HNIC.