Ad agencies wrestle with talent shortage

AS MANY as 10 per cent of mid-level positions at advertising agencies are vacant at any one time, the first study of its kind has revealed.
Of the agencies surveyed, 80 per cent say they struggle with chronic talent shortages, particularly in account management and creative and digital roles. The shortage is most prevalent in junior (one to four years) and mid-level (four to seven years) positions.
Ninety-two per cent of agencies said that up to 10 per cent of positions remained vacant at any one time as they were unable to find suitably experienced staff.

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The survey of about 20 per cent of the industry was conducted by the Communications Council in recent weeks and helps to explain why the ad industry is widely known for ruthless poaching.
Some staff hand in their notices and walk into more senior roles with competitors that offer up to $30,000 a year more, despite being underqualified for the jobs.

Bloggers must choose to be either constructive or cowardly

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column comparing two campaigns. I was interested in celebrating the one I thought was good. But in so doing, I was also critical of the other. I received a lot of feedback from people telling me they agreed, but I was also criticised by some for my criticism.
It made me reflect on the ''code of ethics'' (mine, and in general) for the review and commentary of the creative work of others.
When it comes to the creative side of our business it is all about opinion, so having a point of view is the lifeblood of what we do. But with this comes subjectivity - anyone can have an opinion, qualified or not. I cannot tell you how many times as a child I would listen to my dad providing a narrative on the ad breaks, telling anyone within earshot he could do better himself.

 

What are the rules for sharing our opinions on the work of others?
We could keep them to ourselves. Or share them only when we wanted to praise. It would reduce some of the negative energy on the planet. But might it also create a slightly anodyne world, a touch too sweet or, worse still, censored?

America prepares for pain

Workers adjust beams of the Tribute in Lights on the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Photo: Getty Images

ANNIVERSARIES are hard to resist for most media outlets. The stories are evergreen, the advertising potential plentiful. But in documenting the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there is a fine line between commemoration and exploitation.
Mindful of this, television networks, magazines and others planning special coverage of the anniversary have weighed issues such as how much American audiences can stomach, and how much such a solemn occasion should be viewed as a business opportunity.
There are no uniform answers, and media outlets are approaching it differently.