The debate over how much national TV advertising can help a marketer's VIBE will continue in perpetuity. But an argument could be made it has a significant impact. WPP marketing firm Added Value has released its annual Cultural Traction report based on a survey looking to determine whether a brand is considered to be visionary, inspiring, bold and exciting (VIBE). In the U.S., Apple leads, followed by Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Sony.

A few years ago when CBS trailed competitors in the 18-to-49 demographic, the pitch rang rather hollow. Now, though, as the network is a stronger player in the advertiser-coveted demo, its work to alter the conversation around audience targeting have more heft.

Attendees working for TV networks had to feel a sense of relief Monday following a jarring kick-off to an advertising research event. How nice to be in their business where global consumers seem to covet their content more and more - albeit if DVRs and online streaming may be causing some disruption in the U.S. Contrast that to big marketers and government institutions. Listening to J. Walker Smith, things are scary across the globe. Both are struggling to fend off anger from a class of people tabbed the "global enraged," a group still smarting from the economic downturn and overcome …

There was a frisson last week about Rupert Murdoch's tip of the hat to CNN's evolution under new head Jeff Zucker. The compliments - touching on the increased energy - didn't betray any fear that CNN would pose much of a ratings challenge to Fox News anytime soon. What about CNN's future online, though? At some point after Zucker feels he has the right talent and staffers share - or at least adhere to - his vision, he'll likely turn his attention to CNN's Web page. Wow, could CNN.com use help. Where to start? Nothing short of a redesign and …

Comcast might want to watch out for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. When word of Kabletown's latest promotion reaches him, he's likely to propose limits on the size of video-on-demand (VOD) offerings. The cable lobby better be on guard.

Pretty soon, cable networks will cover seemingly every phone kiosk, billboard and taxi top in Manhattan looking to reach media buyers as the upfront market looms. Walk through Midtown and plugs for the likes of Oxygen, AMC and History (and their shows) will be unavoidable.

Cable operators have a love-hate relationship with Netflix. The online streaming hub can bring more cord-cutting, but offer revenue opportunities with broadband services. On Monday, Netflix may have added some more weight to the hate side by debuting a Web site ranking the broadband providers that offer the "best Netflix streaming experience."

The Vatican is moving into lockdown as 115 cardinals get ready for sequestration to cast votes for the next pope starting Tuesday. For several days in preparation, Catholic Church leaders have held closed-door gatherings to offer thoughts on the state of the Church and where it's heading.

It's time to spend other peoples' money. That's what investment banks do, right? And they get paid handsomely for it. If Allen & Co. and Lazard can do it, so can MediaPost. And, every fee collected for the advice that will further enrich the enriched will go to charity. So, here's the advice to Stan Kroenke and Leo Hindery: make peace and get rich together.

Debate can cease, although many would say it's obvious. Nielsen is a monopoly. It says so itself. Proof from this week's court decision in a case brought by Sunbeam Television charging Nielsen with violating anti-trust laws: "Neither party disputes that Nielsen exercises monopoly power over the television audience measurement services industry, both nationally, for the United States as a whole, and for all 210 markets."