Dive summary:
- This week, firms Omnicom and Publicis announced a merger that would create the world's largest ad agency; industry professionals overall seem skeptical and haven't been shy about expressing their opinions on social media.
- The agencies cited big data and the rise of Google and Facebook as two major reasons for the merger; industry professionals voiced skepticism that the firm would ever reach Google/Facebook status and that growing bigger is a move in the wrong direction.
- The news was so prominent, it even sparked some satire posts from The Onion; a fake Twitter account was also created prior to the announcement to poke fun at the deal.
In today's social, real-time digital world, the ad business is in dire need of re-invention. The Publicis/Omnicom merger doesn't do that.
— Eric Hippeau (@erichippeau) July 28, 2013
The true question is can Madison Ave out-data Silicon Valley in ads. Revenue so far says no: Google $50b, Pub+Omni $27b
— Chad Mumm (@chadmumm) July 29, 2013
Seriously, though, do you guys remember "user generated content"? And Publicis/Omnicom said they're merging because of Big Data. That's why.
— Anil Dash (@anildash) July 29, 2013
Merger Of Advertising Giants Brings Together Largest Collection Of People With No Discernible Skills http://t.co/GFx8Dnusta
— The Onion (@TheOnion) July 30, 2013
There should be no questions about our ability to stay competitive creatively. Our HQ is in the Netherlands, dude.
— Publicis Omnicom (@PublicisOmnicom) July 29, 2013
From the article:
"The rise of Google and Facebook, as well as the increasing importance of data in advertising, are just two public reasons Publicis and Omnicom are planning to merge into one super agency. The plans generated some social chatter today, with a leaders of the digerati weighing in."
