As diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face growing political and regulatory scrutiny in broadcasting, similar pressures are now reaching the advertising world. Two of the largest global agencies, WPP and IPG, have recently altered or scaled back their public DEI commitments in response to the changing environment.
According to Marketing Brew, both WPP and IPG made quiet edits to their websites as political attention on DEI programs intensifies. President Trump has pledged to eliminate DEI initiatives within the federal government, but the influence of this stance has already started extending into private sector industries like media and advertising.
At WPP, the company deleted a section from its “Belonging” webpage sometime after November 2024. The removed language had previously emphasized building a workforce reflective of diverse communities and promoting racial equity. In its 2024 annual report, WPP shifted its language toward a more general focus on “people and culture” without directly referencing race or equity goals.
WPP CEO Mark Read commented, “In today’s complex world, a pressing question for brands and organizations is whether to engage on social issues in a more contested public arena, and how to navigate the expectations of different audiences with competing views on sensitive topics.” He added that WPP will continue fostering a culture of respect and belonging while monitoring legal developments, ensuring compliance with laws in all markets.
IPG, meanwhile, removed a statement from its “Diversity and Inclusion” webpage that had tied executive incentive pay to achieving diversity targets. The change was made between February 20 and March 31, 2025, according to archived versions of the site. IPG has not publicly addressed the revision, which comes at a sensitive time as the agency seeks regulatory approval for its proposed merger with Omnicom, currently under Federal Trade Commission review.
The cautious steps taken by WPP and IPG may offer a preview of what radio broadcasters could soon face. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has indicated that maintaining active DEI programs could become a liability, warning that companies could face delays or denials in license transfers and other approvals if their diversity initiatives are deemed discriminatory.
Already, Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, is under an FCC investigation related to its diversity practices. As Washington’s regulatory landscape continues to shift, radio broadcasters should remain vigilant, recognizing that both federal oversight and advertising partners may increasingly view DEI policies as a potential business and compliance risk.