Editorial Introduction

Editorial Introduction Edward Timke As we launch into the landmark twenty-fifth year of Advertising & Society Quarterly, it is with a sense of celebration and profound contemplation that we mark this moment. This year not only heralds a milestone for the journal, but it also coincides with the fortieth anniversary of Apple's iconic "1984" Super Bowl spot, which is often cited for changing the nature of Super Bowl ads and ushering in a new era of storytelling in advertising. This piece of advertising history also encouraged viewers to question and resist authority and conformity, especially as new technologies and ways of thinking and working are introduced. 1 Video 1. Apple's watershed "1984" ad introduced its new personal computer as well as new modes of storytelling in advertising. Forty years later, the spot reminds viewers to question authority and conformity while thinking about how to contribute positive, meaningful change to society. 2An article in this issue discusses the importance of providing audio description versions of ads to aid blind and visually impaired people. Although an audio description version of "1984" is not available, communication professor Sarah R. Stein provides a detailed visual description. 3 Click to view video In 2024, on a societal level and similar to the actors in the "1984" commercial, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in history where we have to make tough choices and take courageous stances to determine the fate of democracy and our planet's livability. When it comes to accepting innovation, global public relations firm Edelman's most recent Trust Barometer report reveals that 49% of the world's eligible voters are poised to cast their ballots for government leaders in sixty-four countries this year. 4Such widespread voting likely sets the stage for a year that will shape the trajectory of equality and inclusion as well as the adoption of scientific innovations in societies worldwide. Do people put their trust in science, government, business, media, or friends? How will advertisers respond to these existential questions? As we have done for twenty-five years, ASQwill continue to observe and reflect on how advertisers proceed at a critical moment in time. This issue of ASQdelves into a series of compelling articles that reflect the breadth and depth of advertising's impact on society and culture. From historical reviews to analyses of contemporary issues, each piece contributes to a richer understanding of advertising's power to mold how people are represented and reached (or not) through persuasive messaging. Michael Prieler (Hallym University) offers an insightful review on the representations of older people in advertising by highlighting a global trend of underrepresentation and stereotyping, alongside suggestions for future research to bridge these gaps. Christopher Vardeman (Towson University) takes us on a journey through a brief history of memetic advertising by tracing the roots and evolution of memes in advertising from nineteenth century trade cards to spreadable images in the internet era, which underlines the enduring power of memetic processes in shaping consumer engagement and brand memorability. Nisha Sridharan and Juan Mundel (Arizona State University) explore the under-researched area of audio description in ads for blind and visually impaired consumers by shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in making advertising more inclusive and accessible through the offering of voice-over descriptions when ads play. The journal's latest roundtable brings together a panel of advertising experts from various parts of the world to discuss international responses to COVID-19 through advertising. 5The group provides a panoramic view of how the advertising industry navigated the tumultuous waters of the pandemic's early days, often relying on themes of fear, responsibility, and solidarity. Joanna Jenkins (St. Joseph's University) interviews Suzanne Persechino (A+E Networks) to discuss the multifaceted impact of media and advertising on society, the importance of fostering an inclusive and creative workplace, the need for strong data analysis skills, and the pivotal role...