JWT Set to Criticize Ageism in Ads to Congress

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A top executive at J. Walter Thompson’s specialized unit targeting adults 45 and older will tell Congress this week that the nation’s marketers have failed to address the needs of older Americans.

“We believe it’s time to raise awareness of ageism in advertising and work toward its demise,” Robert Snyder, a senior partner with JWT’s Dallas-based mature market group, will tell lawmakers this Wednesday in his testimony before the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging.

Snyder, who heads a 23-person unit, part of JWT’s specialized communications, also will show examples of both positive and negative portrayals of seniors in ads.

While there are several consultancies and boutique shops that specialize in marketing to older consumers, the 18- to 34-year-old demographic remains by far the primary target of most advertisers and agencies.

“For a lot of brands we work with, it’s sexier to advertise to younger consumers who are much more fashion-forward, very social and very...







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