In this down economy, it seems like everyone needs a laugh – and that’s definitely proving true in the television viewership ratings. Over the past 10 years, dramas and reality television squeezed comedies out of the rankings, but starting in 2009 things began to change. Comedy shows now hold seven of the top 10 spots [...]

With more cable stations investing in their own original programming, USA has risen to the top with a proven formula – lighthearted dramas with interesting characters. Hits like “Burn Notice,” “White Collar” and “Royal Pains” have created a definite niche for the cable giant – which used to air “Murder She Wrote” mysteries and wrestling [...]

Television advertising spending is expected to increase for the second year in a row, bouncing back from a bleak 2009 ad buying season. In 2011, the costs of upfront advertising are expected to be higher in response to higher demand. Upfront advertising is purchased before the fall television season begins. However, one of the biggest [...]

After sinking to #3 behind Coke and Diet Coke, Pepsi’s flagship product is finally going to be fighting back with fresh advertising. The new ad campaigns, which will launch  this summer, are the most visible sign that Pepsi is going to throw weight into its flagship brand. Advertising spend for regularly Pepsi and Diet Pepsi [...]

A new form of technology is taking the concept of self-checkout one step further. The system, called Scan It, allows shoppers to scan items with a smartphone-like device and keep a running total of their purchases while they are making their way through the aisles. It is currently being used in Stop & Shop and [...]

It’s no secret that people are using the Internet more than ever these days, but it’s the type of data that they’re transferring that has Internet service providers (ISPs) and networking companies worried. By 2014, Cisco Systems estimates that Internet traffic will reach 64 exabytes a month, which is over 12 times more traffic than [...]

Basic cable channels have much more to offer the average media buyer today than in the past. The major cable networks are trying to expand their horizons and offer their targeted viewer series that the broadcast networks would not touch. This has given an edge to the cable networks that major networks are trying to [...]

Facebook is seeing unprecedented growth in a sector that many didn’t see – its games sector. Companies like Zynga are making millions creating Facebook-exclusive games such as Farmville and Mafia Wars. These cloud-based games have created a steady consumer base for the popular social networking empire. The major reason for this sudden rush in popularity [...]

The relatively new “Like” button from Facebook, allowing website owners to add a simple social networking button to their site so that visitors can share it on Facebook, has gained popularity amongst many websites. Sites ranging from news outlets to e-commerce spaces are sporting the new Like button, but some are questioning who benefits more [...]

Advertising dollars are increasingly flowing into social media campaigns with Facebook, Twitter and similar sites getting more and more attention from Madison Avenue. Companies new and old, from startups to long-established public relations firms, are vying for dominance in this new marketing arena. Many large names, such as Interpublic Group of Cos., Publicis Groupe, Meredith [...]