One Venerable Ad Trade Association Is Acquiring Another

The Association of National Advertisers in New York, founded in 1910, will acquire the Brand Activation Association, also based in New York.



Advertising: Zico’s New Coconut Water Pitch: Spandex Not Necessary

Zico’s new campaign, starring the actress Jessica Alba, portrays coconut water as an anytime beverage instead of just a sports drink.



Advertising: Mocked on Internet, Diet Coke Alters Ads

Mocked in social media, the soft drink’s slogan “You’re on” is being dropped from its ad campaign after only three months.



Advertising: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Enlists Start-Up to Help With Social Media

Ditto Labs will search photos on Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese products and use that information to develop marketing strategies.



Oxygen Shifts Focus to Millennial Viewers

The channel announced plans to appeal more to a younger generation with series that reflect multiculturalism.



Campaign Spotlight: ‘Rio 2’ and Vita Coco Kids Embark on a Partnership

The coconut water drink company is among more than a dozen brands that have “Rio 2” promotion deals with 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios.



Advertising: A Home Fixup Campaign for the Web

Ikea sent five employees on a home renovation tour, which they are filming for the Web.

    



Advertising: Family Cable Channels Add Original Series

Crown Media Holdings, ABC Family and Nickelodeon Group are among companies that are highlighting original series in upfront presentations, so called because they promote the fall season.

    



Advertising: Selfies, Pizza and Promoting Brands at the Oscars

Ellen DeGeneres used a Samsung phone, an Oscar sponsor, for a star-studded selfie, but an iPhone to post from backstage. And that Coca-Cola emblazoned pizza delivery box rankled PepsiCo.

    



P.R. Agency Adds L.G.B.T. Practice

MWW said it would acquire and absorb the Macias Media Group in Los Angeles, which focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender consumers.

    



Yahoo Aims to More Deftly Blend Ads With Content

Yahoo is starting to push into two of the hottest areas of Internet advertising: stream ads and so-called native ads.

    



Advertising: Banana Republic Ads With Real-Life Unions Include a Gay Couple

Banana Republic will present Nate Berkus with his fiancé, Jeremiah Brent, as one of the stylish pairs who are together in real life.

    



Advertising: For Super Bowl, Familiar Ads And Star Endorsements

Answers to lingering questions about some spots that showed during the Super Bowl.

    



Promoting Health With Enticing Photos of Fruits and Vegetables

Bolthouse Farms, which produces things like juices and smoothies, has developed a playful website to promote nutritious food.

    

The M.T.A. Switches Ad Agencies After 22 Years

Korey Kay & Partners, creator of “If you see something, say something,” is being replaced by two agencies: Pulsar Advertising and the Arcade Creative Group.

    



Advertising: Fingers Crossed, Marketers Count on Olympic Gold

Spending an estimated $1 billion to sponsor and advertise during the Olympics in Sochi, Russia, marketers hope that multiple issues threatening to overshadow the Games won’t repel consumers.

    



Gay-Rights Advocates Target Sponsors Over Law

Two more sponsors of the United States Olympic team condemned the law, but leading global sponsors did not join them.

    

AT&T Becomes First Major Advertiser to Protest Russia’s Antigay Law

The company says it stands against a measure outlawing “homosexual propaganda” that has led to protests aimed at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

    



Advertising: ‘Puppy Love’ Warms Hearts; Diversity Draws Mixed Response

A golden lab puppy who refuses to leave his Clydesdale “bud” won plaudits; a Coca-Cola spot evoking the nation’s multicultural populace drew mostly positive reactions, but some raw comments as well.

    



Commercials Go Warm and Fuzzy

Advertisements during the Super Bowl put on a decidedly happy face, using upbeat themes and images to warm the cockles of consumers’ hearts.