Business

The Great Unbundling – 2025 is the year advertising technology resolves conflicts of interest

For more than a decade, the advertising industry has been defined by a structural tension: Platforms providing buy-side technology have also been deeply entrenched in selling media inventory. Companies like Google leveraged their scale, deep pockets, and technological resources to dominate both sides of the coin. Any capitalist with such advantages would have done the same.

The Artificial Intelligence learning curve. Part 2

By Gonzalo López Martí - Creative Director

• There is a saying in the videogame industry: a successful game must be easy and intuitive so everyone can learn to dabble in it at a glance, yet difficult enough that it takes a very long time to become an expert.
• This logic will most possibly apply to AI.

Yep. We’re Under Attack

Florida is suing Target, claiming the company misled investors by not disclosing the financial risks of its DEI efforts. The lawsuit argues that Target’s Pride merchandise and diversity initiatives triggered a consumer backlash, tanked sales, and wiped out billions in market value. The state, which manages public pension funds invested in Target, says shareholders paid the price for the company’s “ideological” decisions.  By David R. Morse

Writer & Producer Roberto Orcí passes ……

The writer and producer of many Hollywood movies passes. He is the son of advertising agency executive Roberto Orcí.

Five Trends Shaping Media in 2025

Welcome to the media jungle. It’s gnarlier than ever. New platforms and devices create twists and turns. Ever-evolving consumers roam freely, demanding personalized experiences and diverse content. Traditional advertising models struggle to keep pace. Yet, amid these struggles lie exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. To survive in this environment, we all need to adapt and innovate. Let’s take a closer look at five trends that will make the journey in 2025 exciting — and risky unless you’re prepared with the right strategy. In future articles, we will dive into these trends even more.

Raúl Brindis’ Return to Houston Radio Rocked by Tower Attack

In December, Spanish Broadcast System launched La Ley 92.1 (KROI) in Houston, following its $7.5 million acquisition of the station from Urban One. Now the station is claiming its tower was intentionally sabotaged in an attack one day before the debut of morning host Raúl Brindis.

Roberto Ramos joins CULTURE+ as Group President & Chief Brand Transformation Officer

Roberto Ramos has joined Culture+ Group as our new President, Chief Brand Officer, and Partner. Roberto is an industry innovator known for challenging the status quo and driving transformative growth for some of the world’s leading brands.

The best clients ask agencies the best questions

Ask Agencies the Best Questions - Great clients get great work.

5 Years Later: America Looks Back at the Impact of COVID-19 [REPORT]

The most significant pandemic of our lifetime arrived as the United States was experiencing three major societal trends: a growing divide between partisans of the left and right, decreasing trust in many institutions, and a massive splintering of the information environment.

Slower Retail Sales in January, But the Economy is Still Expanding

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows retail sales slowed in January following a strong holiday season but still rose year over year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

A special Cupid for Valentine’s Day 2025.

Today we celebrate love and affection. Aside from its romantic undertones, Valentine’s Day — especially in our Latin countries — goes beyond the symbolic red roses to remind us of the incalculable value of friendship and family. To send a BIG HUG to our faithful readers, we’ve gotten a hold of a most enjoyable and fun-filled dialogue between a couple of emblematic ad people who candidly let us peek into their lives. Here, Hall-of-Famer Daisy Expósito-Ulla and her life-and-business partner, award-winning filmmaker Jorge Ulla, talk to the Creative Team from their agency, d expósito & Partners, revealing with humor and vitality some tips about how they met, their staying power and also share an amusing anecdote about two young creatives in need of money. Enjoy the piece. HispanicAd wishes a Happy Valentine’s Day to all our clients — ad and media agencies, TV and Radio stations and networks, Digital, P.R. and Research companies, and trade associations.

Roberto Madan, a champion for Latinos at McDonald’s, passes at 100

Roberto Madan, a Cuban-American businessman who built a chain of McDonald’s restaurants and helped champion opportunities for U.S. Latinos within that company, passed today at the age of 100, at his home in Edison, N.J.

The Fight for America’s Future: Why DEI and Multicultural Marketing Matter More Than Ever

The reelection of Donald Trump is not just a political shift—it’s a harsh reality check for millions of Americans who had hoped we were moving forward. For Hispanic families now facing the threat of mass deportations, for Black communities still grappling with deep and persistent inequities, and for trans and LGBTQ+ Americans bracing for another wave of attacks, this isn’t just about policies. It’s about our safety, our dignity, our futures.  By David Morse - Market Researcher, Author, Adjunct Professor

Nueva, Costa, and MLC Media Join Forces to Reshape the U.S. Latino Media Landscape

Nueva Network, Costa Media, and MLC Media have announced a strategic merger to create a powerhouse in U.S. Latino media. By aligning its premium content, radio, and digital networks, local owned-and-operated (O&O) stations, and sales and marketing expertise, the newly combined entity strengthens its position as a leader in the evolving Hispanic media landscape.

Estrella Media’s Radio Properties Sold to MediaCo in Stock Deal

In April, MediaCo Holding acquired Estrella Media’s network, content, digital, and commercial operations, with an option to purchase its stations at a later date. Less than a year later, MediaCo is exercising that option, according to a new FCC filing.

Círculo Creativo of the US Hispanic Market Launches Hall of Fame to Honor Industry Trailblazers

Círculo Creativo of the US Hispanic Market proudly announces the creation of its Hall of Fame, a prestigious new initiative designed to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that have significantly shaped the landscape of creativity and innovation within the Hispanic advertising and marketing industry. The Hall of Fame’s inaugural class includes an admired group of leaders whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry.

The Fall of DEI in Corporate America: How Culture Can Take the Lead

As professionals in the Hispanic market industry, we believe it’s important to share our perspective on this critical issue and provide practical recommendations to clients and the industry as a whole.  By Aldo Quevedo, CEO, BeautifulBeast

Healthcare elsewhere: the rise of medical tourism

By Gonzalo López Martí - Creative Director

• Healthcare on US soil is way too expensive and bound to become more so in the future.
• It’s just a matter of supply and demand.
• Life expectancy is getting longer.

A YEAR OF GROWTH, REFLECTION, AND OPPORTUNITY

My month-long sabbatical in Madrid was a transformative experience that reignited my passion for growth. As Latin2Latin Marketing marks its 18th anniversary, this journey reinforced my vision of empowering businesses and individuals in an increasingly connected world.  By Arminda "Mindy" Figueroa / Latin2Latin

Global Ad & Marketing Spend Surged 8.7% in 2024, Fueled by Influx of Even-Year Political & Olympics Media Buys & Double-Digit Growth in 29 of 45 Digital Media Channel

Global advertising and marketing spending accelerated in 2024, rising 8.7% to $1.776 trillion, but spending is projected to decelerate in 2025, posting only a 5.3% gain, as inflation and recessionary fears reappear in many markets due to the expectation that the Trump Administration will levy higher tariffs on foreign goods, which may lead to major trading partners imposing counter tariffs on US goods. Growth in 2024 was fueled by the influx of advertising & marketing dollars from elections in 15 of the 20 largest global markets as well as worldwide coverage of the Paris Summer Olympics, according to new research released today by leading media economist PQ Media.