Hello Bidtellectuals. Here’s the latest in the digital advertising industry.

Don’t feel like reading? Watch here or below.

It’s May! Can you believe it? How long have we been self-isolating again? It feels like both a week and a year. While you’re reading this, why not make a cocktail? Up your zoom happy hours with one of these fun quarantine cocktail recipes. It’ll cure whatever you’re missing. And while you’re at it, a big toast to Nick Gomez, who was crowned Bidtellectual of the Week last week! Go Nick!

Remember a couple of weeks ago when we said to not block coronavirus content? We break down the latest data – including our own platform’s – to help you decide if placing an ad next to coronavirus content really hurts your brand. Only a mere 16% say they are NOT likely to engage with an ad adjacent to Coronavirus content, according to IAS. Meanwhile, according to Bidtellect’s platform data, we’ve seen a 23% increase in traffic on News-related sites since the coronavirus outbreak started and a 17.1% decrease in average impression costs from January 2020 to March 2020. The great irony of the coronavirus crisis is its driven massive growth in news consumption, but publishers are unable to monetize it. News publishers are twice as likely to be blacklisted vs. others. For more on this, watch or listen to our special-edition Bidtellect Beat: Digital Edition below.

IAB’s latest report is tentatively hopeful: Digital ad spend is experiencing a slight rebound, although is still o????-plan. Brands are hopeful for an uptick this summer. Those channels with greater flexibility and agility in creating, editing and optimizing creative will experience less of an impact. For tips on refreshing creative, read this. And it’s (still) tax season! Read how this tax solutions provider beat their CPA goal by76% in this case study.

Have you been staying up late at night wondering about Bidtellect’s origin story? Wonder no more: read this interview with founder John Ferber in The Tech Tribune. We’re feeling nostalgic! And while you’re inspired, if you’re looking to upgrade your work habits and productivity, self-isolation is a perfect time. Think of it as a “clean slate” and follow this advice by Fast Company. If you’re craving a cultural experience, the MoMA is offering free weekly virtual tours of their exhibits. Last week was Dorothea Lang’s photography exhibit and this May 7th they’ll tour their sculptural gardens followed by a meditation. Swoon.

Stay healthy and stay safe.

Charlotte

For more on whether or not you should block coronavirus content, watch or listen here:

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Charlotte Otremba is Sr. Manager of Communications and Marketing at Bidtellect.