From the early black and white flickering images by the Lumière brothers to the demanding fans of Game of Thrones, the business of storytelling is about visceral emotions, and "nothing captures emotion and builds connection better than the sight, sound and motion of video," according to Maggie Zhang, Senior Vice President, Video Research & Insights at Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN).  The world of video has become increasingly complex, creating innovative breakthroughs for brands to connect and communicate with consumers in brand new ways.  This rapid pace of disruption requires ninja-like focus to cut through the ever-expanding labyrinth of technologies and new players on the one hand and the unrelenting appetite for content from discerning audiences on the other.

I spent last week in Detroit at Sustainable Brands '19 and was part of the Dentsu Aegis team, playing our part in the launch of Brands for Good.  Why is this happening now and why should we care?  Because the time is now.  We are at a tipping point.  Consumers in their millions are telling companies that they want brands and businesses to act and help them live in more sustainable ways.

On Tuesday June 4, the International Radio & Television Society (IRTS) will be holding its Media Marketplace: 2019 Newsmaker Breakfast at Cipriani in New York City.  This year's panel includes some of the most prestigious buyers and sellers of advertising, including -- on the sell side -- Kirk McDonald (Xandr), Tara Walpert Levy (Google) and Lisa Valentino (The Walt Disney Company).  Representing the media buyers are Lyle Schwartz (GroupM), Catherine Sullivan (Omnicom Media Group) and Jon Stimmel (Universal McCann).  The panel will be moderated by veteran media executive and current President of DAN Media Clients, Dentsu Aegis' Kris Magel.