ClickZ, January 25, 2005 In this new year, two issues are already gaining traction: the price of Super Bowl ads and the use of the word "accountability" in marketing circles. Super Bowl ads now cost $2.4 million for a 30-second spot, up nearly 7 percent from last year's price. The halftime show alone will cost sponsor Ameriquest Mortgage a whopping $15 million, up 50 percent from what America Online paid in 2004.

Mediaweek, January 24, 2005 Ken Ferree, chief of the Federal Communication Commission's Media Bureau, is to leave his post in early March, the agency said Monday. The announcement of Ferree's departure comes on the first business day after FCC chairman Michael Powell announced his resignation, also set for some time in March. Neither man set a firm date for his departure, and neither announced plans for a new job.

The New York Times, January 25, 2005 Johnny Carson was a seminal figure in the evolution of television advertising. His death on Sunday came as Madison Avenue is re-examining its past - as symbolized by Mr. Carson's four decades as a pitchman, endorser and spokesman - to determine the future of what is being called branded entertainment.

ANA Marketing Musings, January 24, 2005 Free speech is the most important and fundamental right we have as Americans. It is the foundation for the free exchange of ideas and ideals that drives the lifestyles and livelihoods in this most free of countries. Free speech is the basis of choice and personal responsibility. Without the free exchange of information, we limit the ability of Americans to be fully informed to make the choices that are inherently theirs to make. When those freedoms are jeopardized, we all lose. When you begin to chip away, even marginally, at those freedoms, we all …

Los Angeles Times, January 24, 2005 I took advantage of some time off early this year to go to the movies. I saw six movies in 10 days and liked almost all of them. Unfortunately, I also had to sit through 37 commercials in the six movie theaters, and I didn't like any of them.

AdAge.com, January 24, 2005 Popeye the Sailor Man, the cartoon character who is worth a couple billion dollars but hasn't fully flexed his muscles for more than 20 years, is doing so now with a vengeance.

The New York Times, January 24, 2005 Condé Nast Abroad Condé Nast International's British version of Glamour magazine became the best-selling monthly magazine in Britain, with a circulation of over 600,000. International markets have historically not been as lucrative as the United States for magazine publishers.

The New York Times, January 24, 2005 The departure of Michael K. Powell from the Federal Communications Commission in a few weeks will lead to profound and subtle policy and personality changes for an agency at the center of the transformation of the telecommunications and media industries.

The New York Times, January 24, 2005 Johnny Carson, the droll, puckish, near-effortless comedian who dominated late-night television for 30 years, tucking millions of Americans into bed as the host of the "Tonight" show, died yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 79.

The New York Times, January 24, 2005 The athletic apparel wars are intensifying as Nike takes the fight to competitors like Under Armour and Reebok with an aggressive effort focused on the dogged determination of athletes as they put on their game faces - in this instance, literally as well as figuratively.