Unstereotype Alliance: ‘State of the Industry' report 2023

The Unstereotype Alliance report found that progressive portrayals in advertising have only improved slightly, according to the Unstereotype Metric data from Kantar. It also found that Unstereotype Alliance members continue to outperform non-members. 

The report also highlights growing reticence of overtly promoting DEI initiatives due to potential criticism, yet Unstereotype Alliance members are leading with consistent follow-through on long-term DEI commitments and pledges made in previous years. Despite increased reporting of backlash against progressive brands, consumers continue to hold expectations of brands to represent diversity in their advertising and in workplace initiatives.

The analysis, which includes an assessment of progress within workplaces, advertising content and consumer sentiment, also highlights the potential threats posed by the introduction of generative AI in the creation of ad content – warning that it may further exacerbate preexisting stereotypes, social inequities and a culture of exclusion.

The report also highlights key findings from the 2023 WFA Global DEI Census which found that women, LGBQ+, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities working in the ad industry still have worse experiences than their counterparts.

Find out more here.