The Onion doesn't do brand safety. In fact, the less brand safe, the better. Working for The Onion is like "leaning into all of my worst habits," quips CMO Leila Brillson on this week's episode of AdExchanger Talks. There aren't many topics that The Onion shies away from, instead embracing jokes about Jeffrey Epstein and proposing deeply unappetizing RFK Jr.-approved alternatives to Halloween candy.
Social-first marketing continues to pick up steam as legacy brands race to modernize their approach. Social ad spending has climbed steadily over time, but the H&R Block news is the latest signal that more organizations - including those in conventionally staid categories - are enacting bolder moves to orient their strategy around a channel that is essential for connecting with younger consumers and requires an always-on mindset compared to traditional ad campaigns.