9304: Trying to Define The Right Leaders.

Adweek published a story titled, “Is Michael Roth the Right Leader for IPG?” Can’t help but think the piece says a lot about the ad industry—as well as the state of affairs at Adweek.

First, Adweek makes generous use of cutting criticism from anonymous sources. Perhaps the new Adweek is the current AgencySpy after all. One quote is attributed to “an executive familiar with the top brass at IPG.” Um, that covers everyone from the C-suite officers to the receptionists. Other comments are linked to “a former top executive of an IPG agency.” Gee, can’t imagine who that might be. Then again, given the long line of bodies ejected by IPG in recent years, the list of suspects is quite extensive.

More troubling than Adweek’s deep dive into scandal sheet journalism is the story’s complete lack of references to advertising. It’s about stock values, financial figures, quarterly earnings, investment grades, etc. Nowhere does anyone discuss the work or the workers. And therein lies the true obscenity that holding companies have brought to Madison Avenue. Staffers are FTEs. Brands and clients are revenue generators. Billable hours trump big ideas. Agencies become generic commodities—run by ex-insurance salesmen and ex-wire shopping basket manufacturers. The new Mad Men are actually Money Men—although they remain predominately White.