Brands in Latin America are striving to be more inclusive, especially of groups who have been historically underrepresented, excluded, and stereotypically portrayed in advertising.

Where is all the diversity on TV?

In response to increased social discourse about racial and gender inequity in the US, marketers are redoubling their efforts to be more inclusive. By reflecting the diversity of the real world in their teams and campaigns, they can build greater brand affinity and deeper customer relationships while working to effect positive change.

In the midst of social upheaval in the US, many marketers are striving to be more inclusive, especially as they relate to people who have been historically underrepresented, excluded, and stereotypically portrayed. By embracing and reflecting real-world diversity, they can build greater brand affinity and deeper customer relationships while working to effect positive change.

Though many companies struggle with diversity and inclusion in their advertising, some are making strides.

Today’s sociopolitical events have lit a fire under brands to address social injustice and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in deeper ways than they have in the past. Companies are using marketing and advertising to respond to and support discussions about systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter protests, the fight for LGBTQ rights, the #MeToo movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues of immigration reform, to name a few.

eMarketer principal analysts Mark Dolliver and Nicole Perrin, junior forecasting analyst Nazmul Islam and senior forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence Oscar Orozco discuss what the coronavirus pandemic has and hasn't done to print media. They then talk about racial diversity in ads, millennials in decision-making roles, and American teens' favorite social media platforms.

Apparel manufacturing company Dickies recently launched a digital-first content campaign to build on its ongoing diversity efforts. Amid the pandemic, it had to be shot by the very creators highlighted in it, using their own devices.

Marketers that design for accessibility are more likely to attract people who value and reward diversity and inclusion.

On today's episode, we discuss representation in advertising: What does it mean to ban the concept of "normal," how are some advertisers pivoting toward realism, and how are demographic groups being portrayed in ads? Tune in to listen to the discussion as eMarketer senior analyst Bill Fisher hosts senior analyst Jasmine Enberg, research director Matteo Ceurvels, and senior researcher at Insider Intelligence Man-Chung Cheung.

Danielle DeLauro, executive vice president of Vab, an organization that provides video advertising insights to marketers and agencies, joins eMarketer co-founder and Insider Intelligence chief evangelist Geoff Ramsey to discuss the role of brands in addressing social issues and the importance of video to drive messaging about diversity and inclusion.

By conservative estimates, LGBTQ+ individuals make up approximately 4.5% of the US population, but account for 8%— approximately $1 trillion—of the country’s disposable income, according to a 2020 report from Kearney.

Though US law requires most public and private companies to make their websites and digital experiences accessible to people with disabilities, many are still missing the mark. But as the pandemic forces more people to work, study, shop, and conduct business online, it is empowering the disability community. Brands are turning to new technology and inclusive design to boost accessibility and extend their outreach.