AdAge In 60 Seconds

Bayer is reportedly putting its $200 million ad account up for review. The drug company, which makes Aleve, Alka-Seltzer and other brands, has retained a consultant to help it through the process of consolidating its work under one shingle. At least some of the incumbents are expected to participate since $200 million is, you know, a lot of money.
As if the media industry didn't have enough to worry about now comes word that the websites of major marketers are drawing more eyeballs than the media they advertise in. They're also attracting a much more active audience, with people leaving feedback and other comments instead of passively watching the ads like they do on TV.
New models and constant promotion still only added up for a 2.3% increase in advertising spending by the auto industry in 2006. And for their money they got a three percent drop in consumer demand. Nice.