Hoffmann Murtaugh brings you the media download on the global shifts impacting our lives.
  Volume 9 Issue 17
April 26, 2024
The app won’t disappear overnight. But it is time to plan.


The DL: U.S. bans TikTok unless it is sold with Biden signing it into law this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted to force ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This bipartisan effort reflects concerns over to what extent the Chinese government can view data and manipulate the algorithm that controls the app’s content. The requirement to sell or ban has been packaged as part of the 21st Century Act, which addresses foreign policy. TikTok will not go away overnight because ByteDance has time to divest before the app faces a ban. Additionally, it is likely that ByteDance will fight this in court. However, experts advise preparing for the potential outcomes, such as acquisition or a ban, by diversifying platforms and preserving content. 
Ad giant forced to move back its Privacy Sandbox proposal meant to overhaul digital ad markets.


The DL: Google has faced another setback in its plan to phase out third-party cookies, with a delay pushing its timeline to mid-2024. The decision follows concerns from regulators and advertisers about the potential impact on digital advertising. This delay is crucial for advertisers as it provides more time to adapt their strategies. With third-party cookies being phased out, advertisers must explore alternative methods for targeting and measuring ad effectiveness. Understanding the evolving landscape of digital advertising technology is essential to maintain effective campaigns in a privacy-focused environment.
In today's data-driven landscape, balancing personalization with privacy is recognized as critically important.


The DL: Three foundational privacy principles—transparency, purpose limitation, and data minimization—are highlighted as being essential for fostering consumer trust. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with privacy counsel to effectively navigate evolving compliance requirements. By prioritizing people over data and cultivating a privacy-forward mindset, businesses can not only meet regulatory obligations but also differentiate themselves in the market, building lasting trust and loyalty with consumers.
Marketers can take advantage of new YouTube Select Shorts lineups and creative best practices for Shorts ads.


The DL: YouTube Shorts has become hugely popular with 2 billion monthly users and 70 billion daily views, leading Google to introduce new YouTube Select Shorts lineups. The new placement, available through YouTube Select Shorts, will allow advertisers to reach engaged audiences in specific categories like sports, entertainment, beauty, fashion, and more. Crafting effective YouTube Shorts ads should be casual, fun, and shareable, making ads feel like other organic Shorts content. When thinking of short-form video placements such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Reels, be sure that YouTube Shorts doesn't fall off your list of considerations.  
Around The Town...

Hoffmann Murtaugh is excited to announce
two new key hires to our leadership team!
Carolyn Butler, joins Hoffmann Murtaugh as Director of Accounts, where she will play a crucial role in managing client relationships, driving growth for our clients, and ensuring client satisfaction. In her prior role at 9Rooftops, Carolyn served as a Managing Director leading integrated marketing strategies and campaigns for regional and national clients, working to drive customer acquisition and sales. Carolyn has spent the last twenty years building her marketing career, working across a variety of industries in both brand and agency roles.

Dennis Mulato serves as the Director of Strategy at Hoffmann Murtaugh, where he leads the development of comprehensive go-to-market strategies, focusing on defining target markets, crafting compelling value propositions, and establishing competitive positioning. With a robust background as a Growth Marketing Leader in the private equity sector at Incline Equity Partners and Cerberus Capital Management, Dennis expertly guided digital marketing, analytics, and marketing technology initiatives that significantly boosted the market presence and profitability of multiple middle-market companies. Previously, Dennis held pivotal marketing leadership roles at Verizon, Wyndham Hotels, and McGraw-Hill Education, driving substantial revenue and margin growth.

"We are thrilled to welcome Carolyn and Dennis to our team as leaders in Account Management and Strategy. Carolyn's expertise and passion for forging meaningful client relationships and Dennis' passion for driving strategic growth align perfectly with our agency's values and vision." says Shea Murtaugh, CEO. "With their guidance, we look forward to reaching new heights and delivering even greater value to our clients and partners."

Please join us in welcoming Carolyn and Dennis to the Hoffmann Murtaugh team!
We are always up for a chat on our favorite topic: media! So, if you would like to brainstorm on how to navigate the ever-changing media landscape, we'd be happy to connect.
Hoffmann Murtaugh
 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 741-8618
Hoffmann Murtaugh is an integrated media planning and buying agency. Our approach combines media strategy and intelligence with formidable negotiations to deliver smart, efficient, and customized media solutions to our clients.