2 posts and columns on Bob Coen

The Ad Recession Is Two Years Old. How Long Will It–And Layoffs–Last?

in Media on December 29, 2008 at 4:55 am PT

Here’s your obligatory scary stat for the day: The ad recession that’s responsible for so many layoffs has been in effect for two years, by one count, and will extend for at least another year in the U.S. That would mark the first three-year decline in ad spending since the Great Depression. And no matter how you count, we’re in for more layoff pain ahead.

Want More Ad Gloom? Interpublic Obliges: U.S. Ads Down 4.5 Percent Next Year

in Media on December 8, 2008 at 5:15 am PT

At the UBS media conference, Interpublic’s Bob Coen kicks things off with his predictions for 2009. Like his colleagues, Coen has bad news: “Not going to be a very good year next year.” The numbers: Total U.S. ad spending will be down 4.5 percent; nonsearch Web ads up five percent.