• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, December 11, 2017

Earlier this summer the 4As unveiled its list of 100 People Who Make Advertising Great. Guess who’s no longer on it?

That’s correct, the 4As did the right thing and removed Joe Alexander from the list after reports of multiple allegations of sex harassment by the disgraced former chief creative officer at IPG’s Martin Agency. Alexander was ousted from the post last week.

The 4A’s created the list last summer, one of a number of initiatives it developed to celebrate its 100^th anniversary.

The organization’s confirmation to Adweek is telling. “I can confirm that the 4A’s will be rescinding the 100 People Who Make Advertising Great honor. We support agencies that take action to create safe and respectful environments for all employees.”

Notice the spokesperson’s reference to the agency and not just to the individual. Which is appropriate given the enabling that went on at the agency for years.

Cannes, Effie, One Club, CLIO and other prestigious award presenters out there, I hope you’ve been paying attention to this story. Because you can make a difference in Adland with regard to safe and harassment free working environments.

Ever presented an award to Alexander and The Martin Agency? Take it back. Publicly. Issue a press release similar to the one you likely issued (or that the agency did) when you issued the award.

Same goes for all the trade pubs and their “Agency Of The Year” bestowals.

Agencies and creatives live for awards, as we all know. Awards help win new business and advance careers. Or at least that’s the perception.

Many agencies don’t need this added incentive to maintain harassment-free working environments. But no doubt if awards groups embrace a “zero tolerance” harassment policy for those it issues awards to some shops just might be extra vigilant.

Besides you don’t want your awards’ prestige to be sullied by presenting it to people and entities where unchecked sex harassment and other abuses take place, right?

I didn’t think so.