Adweek is a leading source of news and insights covering the marketing, media and technology industries. Published by Adweek LLC, it provides essential information for marketing, media and tech professionals through its flagship Adweek magazine, website, newsletters, conferences and awards shows.
History of Adweek
Adweek was founded in 1979 by Kenneth Fadner and Jeffrey Martin Pennings as Adweek Magazine. It was originally focused on covering the advertising industry and agencies in the United States. In 1993, Adweek expanded with the launch of Brandweek magazine which focused on branding and marketing. Mediaweek magazine was also introduced, dedicated to covering media agencies, TV, print and digital.
Over the years, Adweek has evolved with the industry to cover emerging topics like digital marketing, social media, technology and more. Key milestones include:
- 1979 – Adweek founded as a print advertising trade magazine
- 1993 – Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines launched
- 2006 – Adweek acquired by The Nielsen Company
- 2013 – Adweek converted to a weekly glossy magazine
- 2016 – Brandweek and Mediaweek folded into Adweek magazine
- 2019 – Adweek acquired by Beringer Capital from Nielsen
Today, Adweek reaches over 6 million professionals across platforms including print, digital, social, events and awards shows. It continues to be an authoritative voice on marketing, media and technology.
Coverage Areas
Adweek covers a wide range of topics related to the marketing, advertising and media realms. Some of the key coverage areas include:
- Agencies – News and analysis of advertising, media, PR, digital agencies and marketing consultancies. Trends impacting agency business models and talent.
- Brand Marketing – Strategies and case studies from leading brand marketers. Insights on connecting with modern audiences.
- Creative – Reviews of innovative ad campaigns, creative trends and effective storytelling across platforms.
- TV/Video – Developments in television, online video and OTT programming. Media consumption habits and industry issues.
- Digital/Tech – Emerging technologies, platforms and digital marketing techniques. eCommerce trends and startups.
- Leadership – Interviews with CMOs, agency executives and industry visionaries. Career advice and development.
- Talent – Strategies for recruiting, retaining and developing marketing and agency talent.
- Awards – Reporting on leading industry awards programs and behind the scenes looks at winning work.
- Events – Previews and news from Adweek’s conferences and live events.
This breadth of topics makes Adweek a well-rounded source for anyone working in or interested in the fast-paced worlds of marketing, advertising and media.
Adweek Magazine
Adweek magazine is the flagship print/digital publication from Adweek, distributed weekly. It reaches over 200,000 readers including marketing executives, agency professionals and media leaders.
In each issue, readers find:
- Original reporting on trends, personalities and issues shaping the industry
- Behind the scenes looks at outstanding creative campaigns
- Interviews with leading CMOs, creatives and strategists
- Special features exploring topics like diversity, data privacy and more
- Reviews of new TV shows, films and streaming services
- Expert opinions and analysis from columnists
- Weekly news sections with agency new business, executive changes and more
- Photo features showcasing creative office spaces and company culture
Published on Mondays, Adweek magazine features an in-depth cover story along with regular sections like Ad of the Week, Data Points, TV Upfronts and Mixed Media. The digital magazine provides an interactive reading experience with embedded multimedia.
Print Magazine Sections
Here is an overview of the different sections found in each issue of the Adweek print magazine:
- Cover story – In-depth feature story on a major industry topic, campaign or personality
- Agencies – News on agency new business wins, executive changes, office openings, rebrands and more
- CMO Strategy – Q&As, profiles and insights from progressive brand marketers
- Creative – Critiques and analysis of standout campaigns, ads, design projects and branded content
- Data Points – Statistics and industry research on timely topics
- Life After Work – Photo essays on office design, agency culture and talent initiatives
- Mixed Media – Commentary on marketing’s portrayal in television, film and other media
- Voices – First-person essays on work, life and diversity in the industry
- Weekend Watch – Reviews of new movies, shows, books and music
Adweek Website and Newsletters
Adweek’s website Adweek.com publishes breaking news stories, analysis and unique insights daily. Readers can access articles for free covering all aspects of the industry. It averages over 6 million monthly visitors. Popular newsletters include:
- Adweek Daily – Top news sent weekday mornings
- Adweek Alerts – Real-time updates on wins, launches and moves
- AgencySpy – Agency news and gossip
- Morning Media – Daily media business coverage
- TVNewser – TV and cable news coverage
The website and newsletters complement the print magazine, providing a constant stream of vital industry news, profiles and insights.
Events
Adweek hosts a number of high-profile industry events each year attracting top brands, agencies and media partners:
- Brandweek – Held in late Summer, focuses on brand leadership and innovation.
- Elevate: AI – Discussions on AI, machine learning and emerging tech in Fall.
- Adweek NexTech – CES-timed conference exploring marketing technologies.
- Social Media Week – Global event covering social strategy and digital trends.
- Adweek Challenger Brands – Spotlights bold marketing from disruptive brands.
These summits provide premium networking and education through keynotes, workshops, exhibits and receptions. Adweek also hosts smaller local events and webinars.
Awards Shows
Each year, Adweek recognizes the best creative work and companies advancing the industry through its awards shows. The major programs include:
- Adweek Experiential Awards – Honoring innovation in experiential marketing, events and activations.
- Adweek ARC Awards – Celebrating excellence in magazine and digital design.
- Brand Genius Awards – Recognizing brilliant marketing strategy.
- Media Plan of the Year Awards – Honoring outstanding media strategies.
- Adweek Readers’ Choice: Best of the Year Awards – Readers vote for brands, campaigns and leaders.
Winners are selected by expert juries and awarded coveted trophies like the Adweek Pixel Awards and Brand Genius statuettes. Winning provides prestige and exposure for agencies and brands.
Podcasts
The Adweek Podcast Network features original audio programs focused on leadership, creativity and culture including:
- Adweek Podcast – Interviews with CMOs and brand builders.
- Yeah, That’s Probably an Ad – Analyzing ads and campaigns.
- Adweek Minute – Daily news briefing.
- Women Trailblazers – Conversations with female industry leaders.
- Black Matters – Discussing diversity, equity and inclusion.
The podcasts provide another way for the Adweek audience to engage with insightful discussions across audio platforms.
Company Overview
Here is some background on Adweek as a company:
- Headquartered in New York City
- Led by CEO Juliette Morris
- Owned by Beringer Capital, a New York-based private equity firm
- Over 100 employees in editorial, sales, events, product, marketing
- Offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, London
- Portfolio includes Clio Awards and Digiday
Adweek has been delivering trusted news to the marketing, media and advertising community for over 40 years. Today, it continues to evolve as the leading industry voice across print, digital, social, audio and live events.
Conclusion
Adweek has become an indispensable source for anyone in or interested in the marketing, media and technology realms. As a voice of authority, it provides timely news, insightful analysis, inspiring case studies, practical advice and more across multiple platforms. Adweek showcases innovation, names industry trailblazers and highlights meaningful work through its awards and events. For over four decades, it has served as the pulse of these dynamic industries.
