AdAge In 60 Seconds

There are two things about this story about The ~~Ravine~~ Gap's return to television advertising. First, I just noticed a new display for this push in the window of a store here on Michigan Ave. Second, I think the phrase "glut of denim" is just fantastic. The campaign is titled "Jeans Take Shape" and hits widespread on the 20th, so it looks like the stores might be jumping the gun on this.
Cable networks are having problems moving ad inventory during their phase of the upfront process. Buyers are asking for significant CPM reductions and sellers are asking for small increases. That means both sides are doing (let's see nothing, plus nothing, divided by nothing...) little to no business, with reports saying buyers are content to wait the networks out.
Booze makers are upping their ad spending as they move in for the kill on beer manufacturers. Spirits advertisers spent $96 million in 2005, with television spending rising 48 percent.
AdAge has two reports up for viewing. First is this Hispanic Fact Pack and second is the 2005 Megabrands Report. If you're in the mood for some stats and figures you should find these satisfectellent.