This year’s NewFronts has been different from last year’s event in every way imaginable—except for Vice Media’s message to advertisers. For the second straight year, the company used NewFronts to call for industry change as it urged marketers to reassess “antiquated” blocklists. Marsha Cooke, svp of content strategy and community at Vice Media, noted that while marketers and agencies are posting statements on social media supporting Black Lives Matter, some of those that work with Vice Media have added terms like “Black Lives Matter,” “protest,” and even “Black people” to blocklists in recent weeks.

In other highlights from Day 3 of the NewFronts, which spotlighted the power of news and audio, The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s Group touted their first-party data to advertisers. News execs from BBC Global News, Vice Media and NPR said they see “glimmers of hope” despite a challenging 2020, and talked about about Covid-19 changed their companies.

Several audio companies—including NPR, American Public Media’s Marketplace and Vibenomics—made a visual sales pitch for an aural medium, while CMOs from Lowe’s, Cadillac and Snap explained how they navigated pandemic messaging. Brad Hiranaga, General Mills’ chief brand officer of North America, talked about how CPG has shifted from want to need during the pandemic.

The day ended with a town hall on race and inequality in digital media, which looked at how the industry can stay one step ahead of the diversity revolution.

We’ve got another packed NewFronts schedule this afternoon. The slate, which focuses on audiences and community, includes YouTube’s Brandcast and TikTok. As always, you can find all of Adweek’s NewFronts coverage here.

Jason Lynch
TV Editor

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Executives showcased new data on changing consumer behavior at the NewFronts.

Brands spoke with Forbes at NewFronts about their experiences.

BBC Global News, Vice Media and NPR execs discuss how Covid-19 changed them.

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At a NewFronts town hall, moderator Monique Nelson warned that 'culture eats strategy for breakfast.'

The companies make their case for trustworthy, timely and direct content.