Platforms vs. Trump

Reddit explicitly banned hate speech today and purged approximately 2,000 subreddits including The_Donald, the culmination of a years-long debate over the limits of acceptable speech on the platform. The_Donald, the controversial subreddit devoted to Donald Trump, has long been a hotspot for racism, misogyny and other hate speech on the internet. Pressure on social platforms to take action intensified in recent weeks amid the nation’s social unrest, and earlier this month, a coalition of more than 200 subreddits demanded the platform reexamine its policies.

Meanwhile, Amazon-owned live video streaming platform Twitch temporarily suspended Trump's account for "hateful" comments made against Hispanic people in two separate events. One was a stream from his Tulsa rally that included stereotypes of what he called "a very tough hombre," while the other was a rebroadcast of his 2016 comments calling Mexican immigrants rapists.

Also in social platform news:

Retailers and restaurants forced to make pandemic-induced marketing budget cuts have had to get highly creative to continue drawing in consumers. We spoke with four marketing execs who shared their brands' adaptation and survival strategies:

For Adweek Pro members: Learn more about the tactical strategies each of these brands used to achieve success.

Our team is working hard to continue bringing you the latest information to guide marketing professionals through the crisis. Support Adweek's coverage with an Adweek Pro Subscription.

The 2020 Digital Content NewFronts went virtual for the first time this year, and buyers found it to be a "double-edged sword," with events easier to navigate and absorb, but engagement more challenging. Buyers approved of both the way the week was structured and themed, as well as the host, HQ Trivia alum Scott Rogowsky. But even as a virtual event, attendees thought the time commitment was impractical.

Hopes for next year: Most said they'd like to see next year's week return to an in-person format if possible.

Related: Connected TV is on the rise, and was all the rage at NewFronts, but buying inventory is not a simple process, in part because buyers are working with multiple vendors, which makes it difficult to unify metrics.

Last week, White Castle announced the results of a survey it sent to its email subscribers: "More than 87% of the respondents said they preferred White Castle’s Chicken Rings over their amorphous chicken counterpart." The stunt, which might seem of little consequence on its face, follows the classic, tried-and-true marketing strategy of the comparative taste test. Burger King, Pepsi, McDonald's and more have been using this strategy—and generating drama—for decades. Not only does this strategy help gauge consumer interest in products, it's also a vehicle for "two-way communication" and connection with core customers.

This means war: Adweek's Robert Klara explores the contentious history and significance of the comparative taste test.

Webinar: How QSR and Fast Casual Are Responding to the Post-Pandemic Consumer

As nationwide restrictions ease and consumer confidence makes its slow return, dining behaviors and expectations will dramatically change. What does the “new” quick-service and fast-casual restaurant patron look like in a post-pandemic world? Join us today at 1 p.m. ET to find out.

More of Today's Top News and Highlights

In what might be one of the most bizarre series of ads you'll ever watch, Swedish ecommerce app Klarna goes full absurdism in its first campaign targeted at U.S. consumers. The app allows users to access the web stores of hundreds of other brands and curate lists for different interests. The ads were created using bits of old Swedish films, allowing the brand to develop a creative campaign within the pandemic's production constraints.

Watch them here.

Retail analysts, brands and industry leaders join Adweek to share insights on the recent transformation of the commercial landscape and how to rethink your consumer experience, including digital and in-store strategies. RSVP and join us virtually tomorrow at 12 pm and 3pm ET.

10 Adweek Pride Stars and LGBTQ leaders creating an impact in advertising, marketing, and culture, joined us for a live discussion on how they are personally and professionally navigating these turbulent times.

All of the proceeds from the Stonewall-inspired campaign benefit the Ali Forney Center.

Pew Research found the CDC is a trusted source for virus information.

Attendees created avatars for streaming service’s daylong celebration.

Installation extends snack company’s partnership with the Ali Forney Center.

Partnership aims to give mom-and-pop restaurants a post-lockdown boost.