ANA Defends Ad Industry Against Inflammatory Claims in FTC Social Media Report

September 19, 2024 (New York, N.Y.) – The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) today released the following statement from ANA CEO Bob Liodice responding to a range of inflammatory allegations about digital advertising in a new report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on social media and streaming video services

"Rather than simply throwing out the baby with the bathwater, this FTC report decides to tear down the entire house with a sensationalist report that claims that the theoretical harms of data use outweigh all the staggering benefits of the digital economy to individuals and businesses. 

"Interest-based advertising is the economic engine that funds free and low-cost services to millions of Americans through the digital apps, online services, news publishers, and websites they love. In addition, digital advertising allows millions of small and local businesses to find and reach the consumers they need to grow and succeed. 

"ANA strongly supports a federal privacy law that replaces the patchwork of state laws with robust nationwide privacy protections for consumers, and we look forward to working with Congress to develop the appropriate path forward on this issue, including the protection of vital ad-funded consumer services, economic growth, and the digital economy."

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PRESS CONTACT
Andrew Weinstein
Ridgeback Communications | andrewwstn@gmail.com | 703-597-6175  

ABOUT THE ANA

The ANA (Association of National Advertisers) accelerates growth for marketing professionals, brands, and the entire industry. With a mission to shape the future of marketing, the ANA sets the agenda for the industry, connecting its members to unparalleled expertise, industry-leading resources, and an influential global network. Representing over 1,600 companies — including 1,000+ client-side marketers, 600 marketing solutions providers, and 20,000 brands — ANA members collectively influence $400 billion in annual marketing spending. By championing the 12-point ANA Growth Agenda and the CMO Growth Council, the ANA drives actionable change, empowers marketers, shapes the marketing ecosystem, and delivers exceptional experiences at every touchpoint. Since 1910, the ANA has been setting the agenda for industry transformation. It enables marketers to advance their ambitions, make better decisions, and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.