Weekly Report: Novig's Sydney Sweeney sequel and the controversial marketing question

Novig released a second Sydney Sweeney ad after the first drew criticism and tripled trading volume, and what it reveals about celebrity partnerships. Plus, Vice Media named Shannon Washington president and creative leader of Virtue Worldwide; Apple fixed the Safari change that blocked The Trade Desk's ads; Parke, Reale Actives, and Dairy Boy showed how creator-led brands use social listening and community building; Even Realities debuted a 10-part horror series.

Host Parker Herren breaks down what each story means for marketers navigating celebrity risk, platform dependence, agency rebuilds, and creator-led growth. Subscribe for weekly industry news roundups, plus biweekly deep-dive conversations with Ad Age reporters.

Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode:

~Novig expands controversial Sydney Sweeney campaign as trading volume triples

~Virtue appoints Shannon Washington president as the Vice-owned agency plots a rebrand

~Apple fixed The Trade Desk's Safari ad problem—but broader ad tech restrictions could be next

~3 strategies marketers can borrow from creator-led brand playbooks

~Even Realities microdrama explores the horrors of smart-glasses surveillance