News & Views | 4A's

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DOL Issues Highly Anticipated Proposed Rule for Independent Contractor Classification

As was expected, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new proposed rule on Employee or Independent Contractor Classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) on October 13. The DOL explained in its announcement of the proposed rule that the change is meant to combat misclassification of employees as independent contractors and protect […]

California Privacy Board Publishes Revised Draft Privacy Regulations |

The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) released updated California Privacy Rights Act draft regulations with a summary of the newest changes on October 17. These modifications are the first round of changes to the initial draft rules released by the agency on May 27. These specific regulations cover select topics under the California Privacy Rights […]

Judge Strikes Down Maryland Digital Ad Tax as Unconstitutional; Appeal Still Possible

On October 17, Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge Alison L. Asti struck down Maryland’s tax on digital advertising. Verizon Media Inc. and Comcast challenged the law in the state’s court, via Comcast of California/Maryland/Pennsylvania/Virginia/West Virginia LLC et al. v. Comptroller of the Treasury of Maryland, No. C-02-CV-21-000509.  The judge’s ruling cited that the controversial […]

4A’s Introduces New Sustainability Task Force

With the conclusion of the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, it’s become abundantly clear that it can no longer be business as usual. Governments, citizens, and increasingly businesses are calling for climate action in every touchpoint of the economy. But what does that mean for agencies? What should agencies be doing in the face of […]

Colorado Releases Proposed Data Privacy Rules |

On September 29, 2022, the Colorado Department of Law issued proposed rules to implement the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA), shedding new light on what might be new data privacy compliance obligations for businesses that engage with Colorado residents online or offline. The level of detail in the proposed regulations stands in stark contrast with the […]

FDA Proposes New “Healthy” Definition Stemming from White House’s New Nutrition and Health Initiatives |

Last week, as part of the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, President Biden announced an ambitious goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030 in America to help curb the negative impacts of diet-related diseases. The notable package of new actions, which includes recommendations from business, […]

4A’s Marla Kaplowitz on 3 ways agencies can navigate the uncertain economy

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This year, many organizations have in one way or another contemplated how to prepare their business for broader economic changes, including downturns. According to Digiday+ Research, 53% of agencies think a recession will occur in the next six months, and 66% […]

4A’s and ANA | Agency Search Simplification Report

Agency Search Simplification Report

The search process by which a client identifies an advertising agency partner has become complex and painful for both clients and agencies, with many wondering how it can be improved.. In late 2021, the ANA and the 4A’s developed a joint working group to understand the challenges with agency search and consider how it could […]

The 4A’s Latest Mission: Drawing Up ‘Recession Proof’ Plan For Agencies

Whether the U.S. and other countries are in a recession or soon headed for one is being debated by experts, but there’s no argument that inflation has soared this year, economies around the world are slowing down and the financial markets are in bear territory. The good news for the ad industry is that advertising […]

4A’s Submits Written Comments Highlighting Agency Concerns with Revised FTC Endorsement Guides |

On July 26, 2022 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comment on its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (“Endorsement Guides”) (Document ID: FTC-2022-0047-0001). The FTC’s recommended updates to its Endorsement Guides are intended to reflect “the new ways that advertisers now reach […]

The 4A’s, McCormick and Fitzco on how culture drives creative decision-making

In partnership with The Drum, the 4A’s created a content series titled ‘Convene. Challenge. Change,’ which investigates brand/agency relationships, as well as the trends of the day.   In this episode, 4A’s president and chief executive officer Marla Kaplowitz sits down with Alia Kemet, senior vice-president, global creative and digital transformation, McCormick & Company, and […]

How Agencies Can Open Doors for Rising Latinx Talent

Tear down barriers and invest in external programs, industry leaders advise For the Latinx community, the ad industry is still unwelcoming. Just 8.9% percent of ANA members are Hispanic, whereas Hispanics comprise 23% of the U.S. population, according to the organization’s 2021 advertising and marketing industry diversity report. The problem doesn’t start and stop at hiring. […]