Independent News Briefs

How small teams move the needle faster. Independent agencies are claiming a growing share of the industry’s recognition. This year, Rethink was named Ad Age’s 2026 Agency of the Year and won both Independent Agency and Independent Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. Last year, eight of the 11 winners of Adweek’s 2025 Agency of the Year were independent . This reflects a broader shift. Large agencies still produce great work, but size no longer directly correlates with capability. Independent teams can compete at the highest level because of the agility that comes from keeping the.

Independent candidates are making their independence their biggest brand asset. The Democratic and Republican parties both have brand problems, so independent candidates across the country are using campaign logos specifically designed to let voters know they stand with neither of them. The new, must-have brand asset for independent candidates today is the word itself: independent . In Nebraska , the word independent has been part of U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn’s campaign logo since his first run for office two years ago. After losing by less than 7 points, he’s trying again, now with a slightly updated logo to emphasize.