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Channel 4 to launch video programming on Spotify, reports The Media Leader

General

May 20, 2025

Channel 4 has become the first UK public-service broadcaster to bring video programming to Spotify, launching digital-first Channel 4.0 shows such as Minor Issues and Hear Me Out. This move supports its goal to become a digital-first streamer by 2030.

The partnership aligns with Spotify’s push into video content and advertiser offerings. While video podcast consumption on Spotify has surged, monetisation remains uncertain for broadcasters, with branded content offering some potential.

Channel 4 has led digital innovation in recent years, but despite high viewership on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, revenue generation remains a challenge for legacy media on social platforms.

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EU Moves Forward on Antitrust Cooperation With U.K., reports WSJ

General

May 20, 2025

The EU and U.K. are finalising a deal to enable closer cooperation between their competition regulators, following a broader trade and security agreement.

The arrangement will establish a framework for sharing information and coordinating on key antitrust and merger investigations, particularly in cross-border cases. Regulators must still obtain company consent to access confidential data.

The deal reflects renewed efforts to strengthen ties post-Brexit and comes as both regions begin enforcing new laws targeting the dominance of major tech firms. The EU's antitrust chief emphasised the importance of joint enforcement to ensure fair competition, especially within the digital sector.

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Google Takes Aim at AI Firms Challenging Its Search Dominance, reports WSJ

General

May 20, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google is revamping its search engine with a new “AI Mode” that offers chatbot-style answers instead of traditional blue links, aiming to counter the rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Announced at its developer conference, the feature is rolling out in the U.S. and powered by Google's Gemini model.

The update reflects Google’s effort to maintain its search dominance amid falling Safari search volumes and rising AI competition. AI Mode may soon include ads and virtual try-on tools.

The shift follows concerns that generative AI could erode Google’s ad revenue and influence in internet search.

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Magnite Strikes CTV Deal With Amazon Publisher Services, reports AdWeek

General

May 20, 2025

Magnite has partnered with Amazon Publisher Services (APS) to help publishers sell more connected TV (CTV) ads via Amazon devices. The collaboration integrates Magnite’s SpringServe tools with APS’ Transparent Ad Marketplace, enabling access to additional CTV inventory on Fire TV and Magnite’s supply-side demand. This direct integration allows Amazon to operate within Magnite’s platform, offering publishers like DirecTV unified demand and reporting.

The move follows Magnite’s merger of SpringServe and Magnite Streaming into a single product.

APS aims to boost publisher demand through interoperable solutions, as Amazon’s ad business dominates retail media spend, generating nearly $14 billion in Q1 2025.

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IAB Updates Terms for Digital Advertising Agreements: See the Changes, reports AdWeek

General

May 20, 2025

The IAB has released updated General Terms for Digital Advertising Agreements and opened a 60-day public comment period ending 21 July 2025. The new terms aim to modernise outdated standards last revised in 2010, reflecting shifts in technology, buying methods and industry complexity.

Developed by 276 member companies, including agencies, brands and publishers, the revised terms provide a standard foundation for digital transactions, with flexible addendums tailored to deal types. IAB expects the update to simplify negotiations, speed up transactions and better reflect today’s advertising ecosystem.

Further drafts, including one for direct buys, are expected later this year or early next.

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Trevor Johnson exits TikTok, reports The Media Leader

General

May 19, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Trevor Johnson, TikTok’s global head of commercial partnership solutions, has departed after five years. Joining in 2020 as head of marketing for global business solutions, EUI, he took on his current role in June 2024.

Prior to TikTok, Johnson spent 12 years at Meta, most notably as director of global agency development at Facebook and then EMEA director of market operations at Instagram.

TikTok confirmed his exit but offered no details on a successor. His departure follows those of Lucy Banks and Stuart Flint this spring.

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Google Gave Sites Little Choice in Using Data for AI Search, reports Bloomberg

General

May 19, 2025

Google decided not to give web publishers the option to opt out of having their content used to train AI features in Search, despite acknowledging the possibility in internal documents shown in its ongoing antitrust trial.

Instead, it chose a “silent” update requiring all indexed content to be included in AI features like AI Overviews, which has impacted site traffic and ad revenue. Publishers must opt out entirely or accept inclusion.

The U.S. government is pushing for new opt-out rights. Google argued offering granular opt-outs would be too complex and costly due to the need for separate AI models per feature.

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Apple’s A.I. Ambitions for China Provoke Washington’s Resistance, reports NYT

General

May 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Apple’s plan to partner with Alibaba to bring artificial intelligence features to iPhones in China is under scrutiny from U.S. officials, who worry it could aid Chinese A.I. development and increase Apple’s exposure to censorship and data laws. The deal is crucial for Apple to stay competitive in China, its second-largest market.

However, Washington fears it may set a precedent of U.S. firms supporting China’s military-linked tech. Apple has not publicly confirmed the deal, while lawmakers express concern over transparency and national security.

If the deal collapses, iPhones in China could lag behind rivals in A.I. capabilities and user experience.

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Musk's xAI updates Grok chatbot after white genocide comments, reports Reuters

General

May 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s xAI has blamed an unauthorised software change for Grok chatbot’s controversial responses referencing “white genocide” in South Africa. xAI stated the alteration bypassed its internal review process and violated company policies. The chatbot unexpectedly introduced the topic in unrelated conversations, prompting backlash. xAI pledged to improve transparency by publishing Grok’s system prompts on GitHub and establishing 24/7 monitoring of responses.

The South African government has rejected claims of persecution against white citizens, calling such allegations unfounded.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns around political bias and misinformation in AI chatbots since the launch of tools like ChatGPT in 2022.

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Dentsu's iProspect Wins Media AOR for Dollar General and Its Retail Media Network, reports AdWeek

General

May 16, 2025

Dollar General has appointed Dentsu-owned iProspect as its paid media agency of record after a competitive review. The agency will handle media planning for both the retailer and its retail media network, DGMN.

Dollar General spent $80 million on paid media in 2024, with $60 million on digital ads. The retailer, which operates over 20,000 stores across 48 states, aims to improve media efficiency through the partnership.

iProspect, which takes a human-centric approach to media planning, adds Dollar General to a growing list of recent client wins including Ferrero Group, MoneyGram and Principal Financial Group.

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Epic Games’ Fortnite Claims Apple Blocked Submission, Now Unavailable on iOS, reports WSJ

General

May 16, 2025

Epic Games has accused Apple of blocking the release of Fortnite on iOS, stating the game will remain unavailable worldwide until access is restored. Apple responded that it only requested Epic Sweden remove the U.S. App Store from its update to avoid affecting availability elsewhere, denying it removed any live version.

This marks the latest development in the ongoing dispute between the two companies, which began in 2021 when Epic accused Apple of monopolistic practices over its strict control of the App Store.

The conflict continues to impact Fortnite’s presence on Apple devices globally.

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TikTok Offers to Discuss Brazil Operations With Lula Government, reports Bloomberg

General

May 16, 2025

Responsible Media

TikTok has expressed willingness to discuss its operations in Brazil with the government, following concerns raised by President Lula and First Lady Rosangela da Silva over the app’s potential harm to children and women. The offer, emailed to Brazil’s foreign minister, is seen as a positive step towards regulating social media.

Lula urged China’s President Xi Jinping to send an envoy for talks, after his wife criticised TikTok’s impact. Her concerns were heightened by the recent death of an eight-year-old girl linked to a TikTok challenge.

She continues to advocate for urgent regulation despite reducing her own social media presence.

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ByteDance Aims to Match Meta Sales in 2025 as TikTok Gains Steam, reports Bloomberg

General

May 16, 2025

ByteDance is targeting a 20% revenue increase in 2025, aiming for approximately $186 billion, close to Meta’s projected $187 billion.

The Chinese tech giant, which owns TikTok, now claims over 4 billion monthly active users across its apps. Despite facing a possible US ban over national security concerns, TikTok’s global growth continues to drive ByteDance’s expansion, offsetting a slowdown in its Chinese business.

The firm’s valuation has risen, with estimates as high as $450 billion. However, growth has decelerated from the 29% recorded in 2023, with TikTok playing an increasingly central role in sustaining revenue momentum.

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Charter and Cox Communications sign $35 billion merger, reports Axios

M&A

May 16, 2025

Charter Communications will acquire Cox Communications from Cox Enterprises for $34.5 billion, making it the largest cable TV and broadband provider in the US by subscribers, overtaking Comcast.

The merged company will be called Cox Communications, with Charter’s CEO Chris Winfrey remaining in charge and Cox Enterprises’ Alex Taylor as chairman. Cox Enterprises will own a 23% stake and receive $4 billion in cash. The deal includes $12 billion of Cox debt. Layoffs are expected, and Charter will set up new charitable and employee relief funds.

Comcast may challenge the deal or seek to acquire Cox itself.

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Walmart Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +2.5% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -12.1% YoY

+ 3% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 15, 2025

CNBC reports:

Walmart narrowly missed quarterly sales estimates but beat earnings expectations and maintained its full-year forecast. It reported its first profitable quarter for e-commerce, driven by advertising and third-party marketplace growth. However, concerns over rising tariffs loom, with Walmart warning of possible consumer price increases. Revenue rose 2.5% to $165.61 billion, with U.S. e-commerce sales up 21%.

Despite global trade uncertainties, Walmart remains focused on price competitiveness. The retailer continues to attract wealthier shoppers and grow non-retail income, including from advertising and Walmart+.

Shares are up 7% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500. Walmart did not provide earnings guidance due to tariff volatility.

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Trump Administration Targets Europe’s Digital Laws as a Threat to Basic Rights and U.S. Business, reports WSJ

General

May 15, 2025

The Trump administration is intensifying criticism of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), claiming it restricts free speech and threatens U.S. tech firms.

Led by the State Department, the campaign frames the DSA as censorship, citing potential spillover effects on American users. The EU insists the DSA protects users and enhances transparency without infringing rights. Critics argue the U.S. focus on Europe contrasts with its muted stance on human rights abuses in Russia.

Trump officials are also probing whether EU and UK digital laws unfairly compel U.S. companies to moderate content, as part of a broader strategy to resist global tech regulation.

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Meta Is Delaying the Rollout of Its Flagship AI Model, reports WSJ

General

May 15, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has delayed the release of its flagship AI model, “Behemoth”, raising internal concerns about the value of its significant AI investments. Initially slated for an April launch, then postponed to June, the model’s release is now expected in the autumn or later.

Engineers are reportedly struggling to improve Behemoth’s capabilities, casting doubt on whether it meets expectations. Frustration among senior executives has prompted talk of management changes. Despite public claims that Behemoth outperforms rivals, internal tests suggest otherwise.

Meta’s challenges reflect broader industry slowdowns in AI progress, as firms like OpenAI and Anthropic also delay their next major models.

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Apple is placing warnings on EU apps that don’t use App Store payments, reports The Verge

General

May 15, 2025

Apple is facing criticism in the EU for displaying warning messages on App Store listings of apps like Hungary’s Instacar that use alternative payment systems. The warnings include a red exclamation mark and caution that such apps bypass Apple’s “private and secure” system, discouraging users.

Although the message complies with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, critics argue it uses scare tactics to deter third-party payments. The European Commission is already investigating Apple for making alternative app installations unnecessarily difficult.

Meanwhile, a US court has ruled Apple must use neutral messaging when linking to external payments—though this doesn’t apply in Europe.

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Meta argues enshittification isn’t real in bid to toss FTC monopoly case, reports Ars Technica

General

May 15, 2025

Meta has asked a judge to dismiss the Federal Trade Commission’s monopoly case early, arguing the agency failed to prove Meta holds monopoly power or harmed users.

The FTC alleges Meta degraded product quality and stifled competition by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp, but Meta claims its apps improved post-acquisition. Meta says there’s no precedent for an antitrust case based on alleged quality decline and disputes TikTok’s exclusion from the FTC’s market definition.

If successful, the motion would end the trial and prevent potential remedies like spinning off Meta’s apps. The FTC has not yet responded to the motion.

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Advertisers Hungry for Super Bowl, NFL in Early TV Upfront Talks, reports Variety

General

May 15, 2025

Advertisers are showing strong early demand for NFL ad slots and NBC’s 2026 Super Bowl coverage, with 30-second spots priced at around $7 million.

Despite overall uncertainty in the advertising market, live sports remain highly valued due to their large, real-time audiences. While streaming CPMs have dropped due to oversupply, traditional TV and sports CPMs are expected to rise modestly. NBCUniversal is set to benefit from major sports events, including the NFL, NBA, Olympics, and FIFA World Cup.

Last year, ad spend on streaming surpassed primetime broadcast and cable for the first time, growing 35.3% to $11.1 billion.

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Advertisers hit back at Elon Musk's ad boycott lawsuit, saying X disrupted its own business and alienated customers, reports Insider

General

May 15, 2025

Advertisers and the World Federation of Advertisers have moved to dismiss X’s antitrust lawsuit, which alleges a coordinated boycott via the Global Alliance of Responsible Media (GARM). The defendants argue that X disrupted its own business after Elon Musk’s takeover, prompting advertisers to withdraw independently. GARM, now defunct, aimed to guide ad placements, not organise boycotts.

The filing also cites First Amendment protections and disputes the Texas court’s jurisdiction. X had previously dropped similar claims against Twitch and Unilever.

The case stems from X’s advertising revenue decline following staff cuts and relaxed content moderation under Musk’s leadership.

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Roblox now lets creators sell physical products within their experiences, reports TechCrunch

General

May 15, 2025

Roblox has launched new Commerce APIs, allowing eligible creators and brands to sell physical merchandise directly within their games.

Following a successful beta and partnership with Shopify, the feature is now available to U.S. users aged 13+ in all-ages experiences, with plans for wider rollout. Purchases can be bundled with digital items for avatars, and official products will carry a badge via the new Approved Merchandiser Program. Brands like Fenty are already participating.

Roblox aims to create a more immersive, social shopping experience, and early adopters like Twin Atlas have seen significant revenue from in-game physical product sales.

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The Legality Of RTB In Europe Has Been Settled, And Nobody’s A Winner, reports AdExchanger

General

May 15, 2025

A Belgian appeals court has ruled that IAB Europe’s Transparency & Consent Framework (TCF) is legal, settling a major GDPR case.

The court confirmed IAB Europe is a joint data controller but only in a limited sense, annulling a broader earlier ruling. TC Strings are now classified as personal data, and IAB Europe must gain user consent when collecting or using such data. The framework, updated in 2023, remains valid, and vendors or publishers need not change current practices.

IAB Europe also upheld its €250,000 fine but insists the ruling does not pose new risks to programmatic advertising in Europe.

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DoubleVerify Sues Adalytics, Alleging Defamation, reports AdWeek

General

May 15, 2025

DoubleVerify is suing analytics firm Adalytics for defamation, alleging that a March report falsely claimed its systems fail to block bot traffic, damaging its reputation and misleading advertisers. DoubleVerify argues Adalytics acted with “actual malice” to promote its own services. Adalytics denies the allegations and says the lawsuit aims to stifle public scrutiny of adtech practices.

The dispute follows earlier reports by Adalytics questioning DoubleVerify’s brand safety tools, which led to product updates and a rebuttal from DoubleVerify.

Adalytics is also facing a separate defamation suit from Colossus SSP and potential legal action from adtech watchdog Check My Ads.

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EU takes action against TikTok over online content rules, reports FT

General

May 15, 2025

The EU has provisionally found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act for failing to provide a proper ad library, potentially leading to a fine of up to 6% of its global turnover. The law requires major online platforms to ensure advertising transparency to combat disinformation and manipulation, especially before elections. The European Commission stressed the importance of knowing who pays for ads and how audiences are targeted.

This investigation is one of several into TikTok, including a probe into possible election interference in Romania.

Earlier this month, TikTok was fined €530 million for data transfers to China.

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Meta Picks Southeast Asia Veteran to Head Asia-Pacific Region, reports Bloomberg

General

May 15, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Meta has promoted Benjamin Joe to regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, replacing Dan Neary. Joe, previously vice president for Southeast Asia and emerging markets, will now oversee one of Meta’s key growth regions, reporting to global business group head Nicola Mendelsohn.

The move reflects the growing importance of Southeast Asian markets like Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, where Meta’s platforms are widely used. Joe aims to leverage artificial intelligence to drive business growth in the region.

Additionally, Meta’s India head, Sandhya Devanathan, will take on expanded duties covering Southeast Asia.

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YouTube announces Gemini AI feature to target ads when viewers are most engaged, reports CNBC

General

May 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube has introduced a new AI-driven tool called “Peak Points” that uses Google’s Gemini model to identify moments of peak viewer engagement in videos, allowing advertisers to place ads immediately after these high-attention points.

The aim is to increase impressions and click-through rates, enhancing monetisation for creators. The tool analyses frames and transcripts to determine the optimal ad placement. Currently in a pilot phase, Peak Points will roll out more broadly throughout the year.

The announcement, made at YouTube’s Brandcast event in New York, reflects Silicon Valley’s ongoing focus on monetising AI technologies amid broader safety concerns.

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Musk’s Grok Eager to Discuss White Genocide in South Africa, reports Bloomberg

General

May 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok briefly veered off-topic on Wednesday, responding to unrelated social media posts with comments about the disputed conspiracy theory of “white genocide” in South Africa. The chatbot referenced conflicting evidence and noted the topic is highly debated, despite courts and analysts rejecting the claim.

The cause of the glitch is unclear, but it highlights how minor AI system changes can lead to unpredictable behaviour. Grok has previously been criticised for biased responses, including avoiding references to Musk and Donald Trump in misinformation discussions.

X, the platform hosting Grok, has not commented on the incident.

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Netflix says its ad tier now has 94 million monthly active users, reports CNBC

General

May 14, 2025

Netflix announced its ad-supported tier now has 94 million monthly active users, up over 20 million since November. Launched in November 2022, the $7.99 plan is significantly cheaper than the $17.99 ad-free option.

The company is increasingly relying on advertising to boost profitability and claims its ad-supported viewers show high engagement, even during mid-roll ads. Netflix also stated that this tier reaches more 18- to 34-year-olds than any U.S. broadcast or cable network.

President of advertising Amy Reinhard highlighted the strong attention levels Netflix commands compared to competitors, reinforcing the platform’s appeal to advertisers.

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Advocacy group threatens Meta with injunction over use of EU data for AI training, reports Reuters

General

May 14, 2025

Austrian privacy group NOYB has issued a cease and desist letter to Meta over plans to use Europeans’ personal data from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models starting 27 May. NOYB argues Meta’s reliance on “legitimate interest” under EU law is invalid and may file for an injunction and potential class action.

With over 400 million users affected, damages could total billions.

Meta claims users can opt out and that data from minors and private messages won’t be used. NOYB insists Meta should require opt-in consent and anonymise data to comply with EU privacy regulations.

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Max Rebrands as HBO Max Again, reports AdWeek

General

May 14, 2025

Warner Bros. Discovery will rebrand Max as HBO Max this summer, reversing its previous decision to drop the HBO name. The move aims to leverage HBO’s strong brand identity and success with hit series like The Last of Us and The White Lotus.

WBD cites increased streaming profitability and subscriber growth as reasons for the change. Upcoming major releases, including a Harry Potter series, are expected to further boost engagement.

Executives say the rebrand better reflects their promise of delivering premium, distinctive content, maintaining a focus on quality programming for both adults and families.

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CFPB Quietly Kills Rule to Shield Americans From Data Brokers, reports Wired

General

May 14, 2025

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have restricted US data brokers from selling sensitive personal data without consent. Introduced under former director Rohit Chopra, the rule aimed to combat harmful surveillance practices.

Acting director Russell Vought cited policy updates and a revised interpretation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Critics argue the move prioritises industry profits over public safety and national security, especially for military personnel.

Privacy advocates warn the decision weakens protections against scams, blackmail, and data misuse, with growing concerns about foreign access to Americans’ sensitive information through the data broker ecosystem.

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Microsoft Advertising is closing the Xandr DSP, layoffs pending, reports Digiday

General

May 14, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft Advertising is shutting down its Xandr demand-side platform (DSP), citing misalignment with its AI-focused strategy. The DSP will cease operations by 28 February 2026, with associated layoffs expected.

Microsoft will consolidate ad buying under its new AI-powered Microsoft Advertising Platform and prioritise tools like Microsoft Curate and Microsoft Monetize. The company has integrated generative AI into Copilot to support ad creation and shifted its retail media efforts from PromoteIQ to a partnership with Criteo.

These changes reflect Microsoft’s move towards conversational and personalised advertising. Microsoft Advertising is forecast to generate over $17 billion in revenue this year.

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Amazon is doubling down on MrBeast despite controversy. It shows how hot creators have become in Hollywood, reports Insider

General

May 13, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Amazon has renewed MrBeast’s competition series Beast Games for two more seasons, despite controversies over filming conditions and ongoing lawsuits.

The show, Amazon’s most-watched unscripted series, garnered 50 million views in 25 days. Though it cost $100 million to produce, it reportedly earned Amazon a similar profit. MrBeast claimed he exceeded the budget and lost millions personally.

The renewal highlights the growing influence of digital creators in Hollywood, with streamers like Netflix and Max now pursuing creator-led content. MrBeast’s success signals a shift, proving that creator-driven programming can thrive on major streaming platforms despite early scepticism.

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ESPN’s New Streaming Service Will Cost $29.99 a Month, reports WSJ

General

May 13, 2025

ESPN will launch a new streaming service named “ESPN” this autumn, priced at $29.99 per month. It will offer all content from ESPN’s TV channels, including major professional and college sports, targeting cord-cutters and new subscribers. The service will also be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 monthly, discounted to $29.99 for the first year. ESPN+ will remain available separately and be included within the new service.

With exclusive sports rights, ESPN aims to stand out in a crowded streaming market.

A planned joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox was cancelled earlier this year due to legal issues.

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Google faces $13 billion in EU civil claims after Shopping antitrust fine, reports Search Engine Land

General

May 13, 2025

Google is facing at least €12 billion in damages across 12 civil suits in seven EU countries, brought by price comparison sites claiming financial harm from the company’s abuse of search dominance.

The lawsuits follow the EU’s 2017 antitrust ruling, which found Google unfairly favoured its shopping service. Plaintiffs now only need to prove economic loss. Google denies wrongdoing, arguing its current practices are fair.

Upcoming court hearings in the UK, Amsterdam and Berlin could impact search result rankings and ad markets. The outcomes may set new precedents for holding tech giants accountable through private antitrust enforcement in Europe.

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TikTok, Meta Face Tough Curbs in Asia Even as US Efforts Stall, reports Bloomberg

General

May 13, 2025

Governments across the Asia-Pacific are introducing some of the world’s toughest regulations to protect children from online harm, challenging major platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.

Countries including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are imposing age restrictions, licensing requirements and user verification rules. These fragmented policies could raise compliance costs and disrupt user growth in key markets. Southeast and South Asia are vital to tech giants' expansion due to their young, highly engaged user bases.

While enforcement remains uncertain, the shift signals the region's rising influence in global digital governance and a growing push for greater tech accountability.

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Microsoft is cutting 3% of its workforce, reports CNBC

General

May 13, 2025

Microsoft is laying off around 3% of its global workforce, affecting thousands of roles across all levels and regions. Despite posting strong quarterly results and a net income of $25.8 billion, the company is restructuring to streamline operations and reduce management layers. The layoffs are not performance-related and follow smaller cuts made earlier this year.

Microsoft had 228,000 employees as of June. CEO Satya Nadella previously signalled changes in sales strategy, particularly in response to shifting focus towards AI-driven cloud services.

The move reflects broader tech industry trends amid evolving market dynamics and ongoing organisational reshaping by major firms like Amazon.

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The Trade Desk unfurls OpenSincera, reports Digiday

General

May 13, 2025

The Trade Desk will launch OpenSincera on 6 June, a free supply chain transparency tool developed following its rare acquisition of metadata company Sincera.

Aimed at boosting the “premium internet,” OpenSincera provides publisher-level data such as ads-to-content ratio and ad viewability, accessible via open API and integrated into The Trade Desk’s Kokai platform. The tool supports better ad performance and pricing for premium publishers.

CEO Jeff Green sees it as key to Kokai’s growing adoption, while cofounder Mike O’Sullivan says it will help shift market share away from walled gardens like Amazon and Google by enhancing transparency and campaign outcomes.

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TV's big week is here, and YouTube is a looming presence, reports Insider

General

May 12, 2025

As TV networks and streamers gather in New York for upfronts, all eyes are on YouTube’s growing dominance on connected TVs. Its scale, flexibility, and digital ad tools make it attractive amid economic uncertainty and shifting ad budgets.

TV players are adapting by promoting their own data capabilities, flexible buying options, and creator-led content. Live sports remains their key advantage, with NBCU and Paramount spotlighting major events.

With tariffs and soft scatter markets creating further pressure, this year’s upfronts are expected to favour buyers. The winner will likely be the platform that best combines TV scale with digital precision.

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Amazon's Star-Studded 2025 Upfront Charts Its Adland Takeover Strategy, reports AdWeek

General

May 12, 2025

Amazon’s second annual upfront presentation showcased its growing media and advertising power, with major announcements, celebrity appearances, and entertainment previews. Highlights included a third season of Fallout, the 2026 Spider-Noir series starring Nicolas Cage, and new sports and reality content.

Amazon promoted its vast reach, with 220 million global Prime members and 300 million monthly ad-supported viewers. The company’s ad revenue rose 18% year-on-year to $13.9 billion.

Executives emphasised Amazon’s unique blend of ecommerce, content, and adtech, positioning it as the ideal all-in-one partner for advertisers through its integrated, data-driven full-funnel advertising strategy across Prime Video, Twitch, and other platforms.

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Integral Ad Science Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +17.1% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +736.9% YoY

+ 17% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 12, 2025

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Amazon Drops 3 New CTV Ad Formats Ahead of Its Upfront Presentation, reports AdWeek

General

May 12, 2025

Amazon Ads has introduced three new connected TV ad formats ahead of its 2025 upfront: AI-driven pause ads, shoppable ads for Amazon products, and shoppable ads for non-Amazon brands. These formats will run on ad-supported Prime Video, which reaches 130 million monthly viewers, 88% of whom shop on Amazon.

Pause ads display contextually relevant promotions when viewers pause content, while shoppable ads allow users to add items to their Amazon cart or receive information on their phone. Amazon says these ads enhance, rather than interrupt, the viewing experience.

The announcement comes as Amazon’s ad revenue rose 18% year-on-year to nearly $14 billion.

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Fox Corp. Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +26.8% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -49.7% YoY

+ 27% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 12, 2025

Fox Corp. will launch its direct-to-consumer streaming service, Fox One, ahead of the upcoming NFL season. CEO Lachlan Murdoch confirmed the name and timing during an earnings call, stating pricing will align with cable wholesale rates and existing pay-TV subscribers will not be charged extra.

Fox aims to avoid losing traditional subscribers and is exploring bundle deals with other platforms. The move follows the collapse of joint venture plans with Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney.

Fox’s revenue rose 27% year-on-year to $4.37 billion, driven by Super Bowl ad sales. Fox One will offer a comprehensive content package beyond Fox Nation and Tubi.

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Fox Launches AI-Driven Media Planning Across Its Portfolio, reports AdWeek

General

May 12, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Fox is launching OneFox, a new AI-powered converged media platform developed with AdRise, ahead of this year’s upfronts.

The platform will enhance media planning, optimisation, and campaign automation across Fox’s portfolio, including Fox Entertainment, Sports, News Media, and Tubi. It uses audience signals, behavioural analytics, and machine learning to create more personalised ad experiences and improve targeting. OneFox also supports secure data collaboration through clean rooms and retail media networks. A beta version launches in the coming months, with full rollout in October.

Fox aims to streamline operations and boost campaign efficiency for advertisers during the key selling season.

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Media buyers anticipate a slower TV upfronts season amid economic uncertainty, reports Digiday

General

May 12, 2025

Marketers attending the 2025 TV upfronts in New York are expected to delay media spending decisions due to ongoing economic uncertainty, with many seeking greater flexibility in contracts.

While sports programming remains a safe bet likely to attract strong investment, other areas may see reduced or postponed commitments. Brands are prioritising efficiency, value and the ability to adjust spend later, favouring programmatic and digital channels over traditional linear TV.

As upfront negotiations stretch into summer, publishers face pressure to offer added value and flexibility or risk losing advertisers to more agile options later in the year or in scatter markets.

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Roblox courts advertisers with fresh data on its ad effectiveness, reports Digiday

General

May 12, 2025

Roblox has released new research to attract advertisers, showing branded experiences on its platform deliver significantly higher attention and brand recall than social media and streaming TV ads. Using eye tracking and physiological data, the study found 100 times greater attention and a 211% boost in unaided brand recall versus social ads.

Marketers welcomed the insights but stressed Roblox must offer sales-related metrics to secure more ad spend.

The platform aims to evolve beyond brand metrics by integrating tools like Shopify and expanding measurement capabilities, while continuing to position itself as a creator-led, immersive 3D media platform appealing to Gen Z.

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OpenAI negotiates with Microsoft to unlock new funding and future IPO, reports FT

General

May 11, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI and Microsoft are renegotiating their multibillion-dollar partnership to enable OpenAI’s planned IPO while safeguarding Microsoft’s access to future AI technology.

Talks focus on how much equity Microsoft will retain for its $13bn investment and updating a contract running to 2030. Microsoft may trade some equity for extended tech access, though tensions have grown between the companies.

OpenAI seeks to restructure as a public benefit corporation to meet investor demands and raise further funds, but faces legal scrutiny and criticism for straying from its non-profit roots. Success hinges on Microsoft’s support and state approvals in Delaware and California.

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News Corp. Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +0.8% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +226.2% YoY

+ 1% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 9, 2025

News Publishing

WSJ reports:

News Corp reported a 1% rise in revenue to $2.01 billion and net income of $103 million for its fiscal third quarter, with growth led by Dow Jones, HarperCollins and its digital real-estate segment.

Dow Jones revenue grew 6%, with digital ads making up 63% of total ad revenue. The Wall Street Journal saw digital subscriptions rise to 3.91 million. HarperCollins’ revenue rose 2%, and digital real estate services increased revenue by 5%. News Media revenue fell 8% due to weaker ads and circulation, but profit rose 22% due to cost-cutting.

The company recently sold its Foxtel stake to DAZN.

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This upfronts season, NBCU is focused on making existing media work harder, reports MarketingBrew

General

May 9, 2025

NBCUniversal is kicking off upfronts season amid economic uncertainty, emphasising its resilience and strategic shifts toward streaming and advanced advertising tools. EVP Gina Reduto highlighted the importance of long-term brand-building through premium video, despite tariff-related and economic pressures.

NBCU is promoting AI-enabled emotional metadata, Ad-ID adoption, and pause ads to improve measurement and effectiveness. Upcoming major sports events and shows like On Brand with Jimmy Fallon are key advertising draws.

NBCU is also targeting small- and medium-sized businesses with self-serve tools like Universal Ads, aiming to make premium video more accessible for advertisers familiar with social platforms.

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Google to pay Texas $1.4 billion in data privacy settlement, reports CNBC

General

May 9, 2025

Google has agreed to pay $1.375 billion to settle two lawsuits brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over alleged violations of residents’ data privacy rights. The lawsuits accused Google of secretly tracking users’ movements, searches, and biometric data.

Paxton hailed the deal as the largest of its kind in the US and a major win for consumer privacy. Google denies any wrongdoing and says no product changes are required as part of the settlement, noting that the relevant policies had already been updated.

The settlement follows a similar $1.4 billion agreement with Meta last year over biometric data use.

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Google Faces Potential $3.3 Billion Antitrust Lawsuit in Italy, reports WSJ

General

May 9, 2025

Italy’s Moltiply Group is suing Google for €2.97 billion, accusing it of anti-competitive behaviour that harmed its comparison site Trovaprezzi.it, run by subsidiary 7Pixel.

The claim, filed in reliance on a 2017 European Commission ruling upheld in 2024, alleges that Google unfairly promoted its own shopping service over rivals between 2010 and 2017.

Google said it is reviewing the case and stands by the effectiveness of the changes it implemented after the ruling. A spokesperson rejected the damages claim, saying it overlooks the success of the price comparison market.

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GroupM US Staff Told Up to 45% Will Be Impacted by Restructure, reports AdWeek

General

May 9, 2025

GroupM North America CEO Sharb Farjami told staff that an organisational restructure will impact 40–45% of its U.S. workforce, though the company claims this refers to team integration, not job cuts.

The restructure includes forming a new Media Management and Delivery unit by merging investment, Nexus, and campaign reporting functions, as part of a broader shift to a single operating model. While agency brands will remain, they will no longer function as separate business units.

Layoffs have already begun, with further changes expected. GroupM is offering employee support and emphasises the restructure as preparation for an AI-led future in media.

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Reddit Targets Small Businesses With New Advertising Tools, reports AdWeek

General

May 9, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Tree Amigos, a tree service company in Austin, now gains around 90% of its new business via Reddit, having shifted from relying on word-of-mouth and Nextdoor. Reddit sees this as a case study in how the platform supports small businesses, with 40% of monthly discussions being commercial in nature.

Reddit has introduced AI-powered tools within Reddit Pro to simplify business use, including auto-generated profiles and curated post highlights.

Tree Amigos co-owner Andrew Anstrom uses Reddit for informative engagement, which boosted their Google profile traffic by 70%, showing the impact of authentic interactions and Reddit’s increased prominence in search results.

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S4 Capital trades billable hours for outputs as AI redraws agency economics, reports Digiday

General

May 9, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

S4 Capital CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says AI is reshaping the advertising industry’s commercial models, prompting a shift from time-based fees to output-driven pricing. As automation reduces production time, marketers expect lower fees, forcing agencies to adapt.

While S4 is cautiously piloting AI, Sorrell believes increased output and better quality could boost revenue despite falling prices per asset. He predicts legacy agency models will give way to smaller, AI-powered firms.

Though AI isn’t yet a major revenue driver, CMOs are beginning to rethink agency compensation, favouring value and results over hours worked — a shift Sorrell sees as a major opportunity.

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PubMatic Earnings For Q1 2025 Show -4.3% YoY Revenue Decline, Net Loss Up By +286.6% YoY

-4% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 8, 2025

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Pinterest Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +15.5% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +136.0% YoY

+ 16% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 8, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Reuters reports:

Pinterest shares surged over 11% following a strong quarterly revenue forecast, easing investor concerns over ad spend amid global economic instability.

The platform’s improved AI tools and growing Gen Z audience have boosted advertiser appeal. Monthly active users rose 10% year-on-year to 570 million, surpassing expectations. Despite reduced ad spend from Asian e-commerce firms like Temu and Shein due to tariff changes, analysts praised Pinterest’s AI and international strategy. While e-commerce advertising may weaken later in 2024, Pinterest’s performance positions it alongside strong peers like Meta and Reddit.

The share price rise could add $2 billion to its market capitalisation.

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The Trade Desk Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +25.4% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +60.1% YoY

+ 25% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 8, 2025

AdExchanger reports:

The Trade Desk rebounded from a weak Q4 with a strong first-quarter performance, reporting $616 million in revenue and $50.7 million in net income, beating analysts’ expectations and lifting its share price by over 20%.

CEO Jeff Green emphasised the growing strength of open internet programmatic advertising as regulatory pressure forces walled gardens like Google, Meta, and Apple to become more transparent. Green also downplayed Amazon’s competitive threat, noting conflicts with advertisers.

The company is pushing products like OpenPath and Kokai to simplify the supply chain and improve efficiency, aiming to rival the ease and performance advantages of closed ecosystems.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Earnings For Q1 2025 Show -9.8% YoY Revenue Decline, Net Loss Down By -53.0% YoY

-10% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 8, 2025

Bloomberg reports:

Warner Bros. Discovery reported lower-than-expected first-quarter results, with revenue of $8.98 billion falling short of the $9.61 billion forecast, and an adjusted loss of 18 cents per share versus an expected 11 cents.

Despite this, the company added 5.3 million streaming subscribers, bringing its total to 122.3 million, exceeding estimates. Its direct-to-consumer division, including Max, posted a $339 million profit, boosted by the success of The White Lotus. Advertising revenue reached $1.98 billion. The studios division underperformed, with $2.31 billion in revenue, as the sci-fi film Mickey 17 fell short.

Proposed US tariffs on foreign films may further impact the sector.

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Paramount Earnings For Q1 2025 Show -6.4% YoY Revenue Decline, Net Income Up By +129.6% YoY

6% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 8, 2025

Bloomberg reports:

Paramount Global exceeded first-quarter expectations with $7.19 billion in revenue and earnings of 29 cents per share, driven by strong performance from its Paramount+ streaming service, which added 1.5 million subscribers.

Despite a decline in TV advertising and pay-TV revenue, the direct-to-consumer division saw a 9% sales increase and reduced losses. Filmed entertainment revenue rose 4% to $627 million. Comparisons to last year were affected by CBS’s Super Bowl coverage.

Paramount is awaiting regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media and is facing a lawsuit from Donald Trump amid uncertainty around potential new U.S. film import tariffs.

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DoubleVerify Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +17.2% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -67.0% YoY

+ 17% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 8, 2025

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Instagram Chief Says App Has Feared TikTok Threat for Years, reports Bloomberg

General

May 8, 2025

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testified in a US antitrust trial that Instagram has shifted focus from friends and family content to video, in response to competition from TikTok. Only one in six Stories now feature personal connections.

Meta argues this shift reflects a rapidly evolving social media landscape, disputing claims it holds a monopoly. Internal documents presented in court show TikTok caused a 40% decline in Instagram engagement in 2019. Mosseri defended Meta’s investment in video and AI, while acknowledging past underinvestment in safety.

The FTC is seeking to break up Meta by proving it dominates personal social networking services.

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Meta Taps New Head of AI Lab After Staffer’s Return From Google, reports Bloomberg

General

May 8, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Meta has appointed Robert Fergus as head of its AI research lab, FAIR, succeeding Joelle Pineau. Fergus, who co-founded FAIR in 2014 alongside Yann LeCun, recently returned to Meta after nearly five years at Alphabet’s DeepMind. He had been working on generative AI and Llama model personalisation before his promotion. FAIR focuses on long-term AI research, including robotics, image understanding, and audio generation.

Chief Product Officer Chris Cox announced the appointment following an extensive search, praising Fergus as a standout candidate.

Meta plans to invest heavily in AI, with FAIR playing a central role in advancing future AI capabilities.

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Layoffs Hit WPP Media Agencies Days After Reports of GroupM Rebrand, reports AdWeek

General

May 8, 2025

WPP’s media buying division has begun layoffs just days after rebranding GroupM as WPP Media. Although expected restructuring had been communicated internally, staff were reportedly blindsided by the job cuts, which affected multiple agencies and roles.

Some laid-off employees were informed without warning and immediately locked out of their systems. Sources cited client losses and a push to make WPP Media more software- and AI-driven as possible reasons. However, the lack of transparency and abrupt nature of the process has left remaining staff anxious and demoralised.

WPP and GroupM declined to comment on the scale or specifics of the layoffs.

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Dentsu Americas Media CEO Sean Reardon Is Leaving, reports AdWeek

General

May 8, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Sean Reardon has stepped down as CEO of Dentsu Americas Media, effective immediately. Will Swayne, Dentsu’s global media practice president, will take on U.S. leadership responsibilities as part of a strategy to drive growth through integrated media solutions.

Mike Law (Carat), Leah Meranus (Dentsu X), and Liz Rutgersson (iProspect) will continue in their roles. Reardon, appointed in December 2023, previously led MiQ, Zenith U.S., and Moxie.

Dentsu stated the U.S. is a key market for media growth and will remain a focus for investment in talent and capability, aiming to enhance consumer connectivity through creativity, data, and technology.

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TikTok Pledges $1M in Ad Credits to US Small Businesses, reports AdWeek

General

May 8, 2025

TikTok is committing $1 million in ad credits to support U.S. small businesses during Small Business Month.

With 7.5 million business users on the platform, TikTok is also launching initiatives including mentorship, educational resources, and a weekly webinar series starting 15 May. The company will host Small Biz Fest roadshows in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin to help entrepreneurs optimise their use of TikTok’s tools.

Emphasising the cultural and economic importance of small businesses, TikTok says the support will extend beyond May to empower growth and visibility for entrepreneurs year-round.

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Meta Launches Thread Video Ads and Revives Facebook Live Ads, reports AdWeek

General

May 8, 2025

Influencer Marketing

Meta is enhancing its ad and creator tools across Threads and Facebook, focusing heavily on video formats.

At NewFronts, it unveiled Trending Reels ads on Facebook and Instagram, revived Facebook Live as a branded ad format, and introduced video ads to Threads. While Threads ads aren’t expected to drive major revenue in 2025, Reels usage continues to soar.

Meta is also expanding Instagram’s creator tools to Facebook, enabling boosted user-generated content and partnership ads. On Instagram, advertisers will gain access to trend data, a new API for creator discovery, and AI-powered tools for identifying high-performing creators and campaign performance metrics.

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YouTube Makes Pitch for Brand Dollars With New Creator Offerings at NewFronts, reports AdWeek

General

May 8, 2025

Influencer Marketing

YouTube has introduced new tools to strengthen brand-creator partnerships, including a Creator Partnerships Hub within Google Ads that allows brands to discover creators, link content to campaigns, and access performance insights.

A new Brand Connect API will integrate creator analytics into brands’ custom systems. Creator data is also being added to Insights Finder, enabling marketers to identify suitable influencers based on audience demographics and engagement. Additionally, partnership ads will now be available in Display & Video 360.

These updates, announced at YouTube’s NewFronts, aim to boost content monetisation and simplify collaboration as YouTube’s role in marketing strategies continues to grow.

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Apple Asks Court to Pause Order that Would Upend Its US App Store Business, reports Bloomberg

General

May 8, 2025

Apple is appealing a US court ruling requiring it to allow developers to direct users to external websites for in-app purchases without paying commission. The company argues the decision, part of its long-running legal battle with Epic Games, would cause "grave irreparable harm" and disputes that it failed to comply with a 2021 order.

Developers like Spotify and Amazon have already adapted their apps, but may need to reverse changes if Apple’s delay request is granted.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers recently ruled that Apple “willfully” violated the order and referred the matter for potential criminal contempt proceedings.

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Apple Tries to Save $20 Billion Google Search Deal By Saying It’s Unnecessary, reports Bloomberg

General

May 8, 2025

Apple is downplaying the long-term importance of its $20 billion annual search deal with Google, suggesting AI will reshape how users search and potentially reduce reliance on both Google and the iPhone.

In US antitrust proceedings against Google, Apple’s Eddy Cue revealed plans to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity into Safari, citing a recent decline in Google searches on Apple devices. While defending the current deal, Cue hinted Apple could benefit more from revenue-sharing across multiple AI providers.

His testimony aims to show growing search competition, challenging claims that Google holds an unassailable default position on Apple devices.

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Musk Hits Back at OpenAI’s Claim He’s on Quest to Harm Startup, reports Bloomberg

General

May 8, 2025

Elon Musk has rejected OpenAI’s claims that he is conducting a “relentless” campaign to damage the company in favour of his own AI venture, xAI. In a court filing, Musk’s lawyer argued that OpenAI’s counterclaims are legally flawed and highlight the organisation’s abandonment of its nonprofit mission.

The dispute follows OpenAI’s decision to restructure its for-profit arm as a public benefit corporation, maintaining overall nonprofit control. Musk previously sued OpenAI, alleging it deviated from its original charitable purpose by accepting funding from Microsoft.

A trial is set for March in California, as the feud between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman escalates.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Moving Towards Splitting Company, reports CNBC

General

May 8, 2025

Warner Bros. is reportedly preparing to split its business, with a potential announcement expected soon. The likely division would separate its linear cable networks from the studio and streaming platform Max. Financial segment reporting has already been broken out, suggesting internal groundwork is complete.

Options being considered include a public offering of the studio and Max, or spinning off the cable networks to shareholders. Key issues include how to apportion debt, with current leverage at 3.8 times EBITDA. The move follows underperformance compared to earlier projections and continued decline in linear TV revenues.

The process may take significant time to finalise.

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The New York Times Sells Scale, Shopping, and Gen Z In Its NewFronts Return, reports AdWeek

General

May 8, 2025

News Publishing

At its first NewFronts since 2019, The New York Times reintroduced itself as a multifaceted media brand spanning news, games, shopping, sports, and video. It now reaches up to 100 million people weekly, with notable growth in Gen Z and rural audiences.

The publisher announced new video series, ad formats, and GenAI-powered targeting via BrandMatch. It is expanding lifestyle content across Cooking, Games, Wirecutter, and The Athletic, while also launching shoppable ad opportunities.

The Times’ strategy aims to deepen engagement and advertising relevance by offering more touchpoints for both readers and brands across its broadening digital portfolio.

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Conde Nast Swaps Stages for Suppers at Its 2025 NewFront, reports AdWeek

General

May 8, 2025

Condé Nast opted for an exclusive dinner at the New York Public Library instead of a traditional NewFront presentation, reflecting a wider industry shift towards more intimate advertiser events.

Under new CRO Elizabeth Herbst-Brady, the publisher showcased its brand power through editor- and celebrity-hosted tables and a Bon Appétit-curated meal. While scaling back on spectacle, Condé Nast emphasised its premium video output—28 billion views in 2024—and growing revenue streams, including live events and affiliate sales.

The company is enhancing its ad offering with contextual targeting, aiming to stay competitive in a changing media and privacy landscape.

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Snap pushes Chat as the next frontier for performance marketing, reports The Media Leader

General

May 7, 2025

Snap has enhanced its ad offerings to position its Chat feature as a key channel for performance advertising.

Sponsored Snaps can now be bought through auction with goal-based bidding and sent from creators’ handles, while a new “First Snap” placement promotes ads at the top of Chat feeds. These moves aim to boost stable, lower-funnel revenue amid volatile brand ad income.

In Q1, Snap saw 14% revenue growth and a 60% rise in active advertisers, largely from SMBs. Despite growing Snapchat+ subscriptions and users, Snap warned of Q2 headwinds and withheld guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainty impacting ad demand.

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GroupM to retain agency brands as client service brands, reports The Media Leader

General

May 7, 2025

Agency Management

GroupM, expected to rebrand as WPP Media, is moving to a single operating model, phasing out agency brand job titles and dissolving separate profit and loss statements for its agencies, including EssenceMediacom, Wavemaker and Mindshare. These brands will now function as “client service brands” with dedicated teams, but no longer as distinct business units.

The restructuring, aimed at streamlining operations and boosting innovation, is likely to result in job losses.

The changes follow WPP’s slower growth compared to rivals and mark a shift driven by GroupM global CEO Brian Lesser, who was appointed to lead a data-led transformation.

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New court filing shows that Meta execs agreed that Facebook was losing to TikTok, reports TechCrunch

General

May 7, 2025

A newly released FTC court filing reveals Meta executives, including Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri, privately admitted in 2022 that TikTok was outperforming Facebook and Instagram, calling Facebook a “challenger” that had lost momentum.

The internal conversations highlighted TikTok’s dominance in video, time spent, and social engagement. Execs discussed TikTok’s stronger discovery engine, shared context experience, and technical edge.

The document, part of the FTC’s antitrust case against Meta, may undermine the government’s claim of monopoly by showing Meta feared strong competition. Zuckerberg testified TikTok’s rise was a significant threat that hindered Meta’s growth.

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Mark Zuckerberg’s AI ad tool sounds like a social media nightmare, reports TechCrunch

General

May 7, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

At Stripe’s Sessions conference, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined his vision to automate the ad industry using a fully AI-driven system that creates, tests and delivers ads based on a business’s goals and budget. The tool would generate thousands of ad variations and optimise performance without human input, potentially sidelining creative agencies.

While Zuckerberg praised Meta’s AI capabilities, critics raise concerns about user experience and ethical issues, particularly the flood of AI-generated content.

The advertising industry remains divided, with some defending human creativity as irreplaceable, even as Meta advances its push towards AI dominance in digital advertising.

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Microsoft wins appeal in FTC challenge to $69 bln Activision Blizzard deal, reports Reuters

M&A

May 7, 2025

A U.S. federal appeals court has rejected the Federal Trade Commission’s challenge to Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, upholding a lower court’s decision that the FTC failed to show the merger would harm competition. The ruling clears a major legal hurdle for Microsoft, which finalised the deal in late 2023.

The FTC had sought to block the acquisition over concerns it would reduce competition in the gaming sector, particularly in cloud gaming and subscriptions. The administrative case brought by the FTC remains on hold pending further developments.

This was the largest-ever deal in the video game industry.

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Google cuts about 200 staff in global business unit, The Information reports, reports Reuters

General

May 7, 2025

Google has cut around 200 jobs in its global business unit, which manages sales and partnerships, as part of a broader strategy to prioritise AI and data centre investments. The company said the changes aim to enhance collaboration and customer service.

This follows previous layoffs in its platforms and devices unit and is part of ongoing workforce reductions across the tech sector.

Other major firms including Meta, Microsoft, Amazon and Apple have also implemented job cuts in recent months, reflecting a shift in focus towards AI capabilities and away from less critical business areas.

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TikTok Promotes Emily Freed to US Agency Lead, reports AdWeek

General

May 7, 2025

Leadership Transitions

TikTok has promoted Emily Freed to general manager of U.S. agency as part of a leadership reshuffle amid regulatory pressure and the potential for a U.S. ban. Freed replaces Jack Bamberger and aims to strengthen agency relationships during a time of media investment uncertainty.

At its NewFronts presentation, TikTok highlighted new premium ad partnerships and its $2 billion investment in trust and safety, avoiding direct mention of the regulatory threat. The company continues to explore buyers to prevent forced divestiture, while President Trump indicated the ban deadline could be extended.

Several senior TikTok executives have recently departed.

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Amazon Killed a Cookieless Ad Product After Google's U-Turn, reports AdWeek

General

May 7, 2025

Cookie Deprecation

Amazon has withdrawn plans to adopt Google’s Privacy Sandbox technology, specifically the Protected Audience API (PAAPI), following Google’s decision to delay removing third-party cookies from Chrome. Amazon had previously informed publishers of a May rollout but has now confirmed it will not proceed, citing Google’s updated position.

PAAPI, which allows retargeting via browser-based interest groups, has seen limited industry adoption and advertiser engagement. Amazon stated that its own privacy-focused ad tools remain in place.

The reversal highlights broader industry frustration and uncertainty surrounding the slow and turbulent transition to cookieless advertising solutions.

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Justin Thomas-Copeland Takes the Reins as CEO of the 4As, reports AdWeek

General

May 7, 2025

Agency Management

The American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As) has appointed agency veteran Justin Thomas-Copeland as its next CEO, succeeding Marla Kaplowitz in May 2025. With over 20 years’ industry experience, Thomas-Copeland aims to help agencies better demonstrate their value to clients and navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

The 4As will continue its work on service models, AI’s impact, and talent development, expanding access to its internship and training programmes.

Kaplowitz’s tenure included repairing relations with the ANA, launching brand safety initiatives, and modernising internal systems, guiding the organisation through significant industry shifts and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Magnite Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +4.3% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -45.7% YoY

+ 4% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 7, 2025

AdExchanger reports:

Magnite reported Q1 2025 revenue of $155.8 million, up from $149.3 million a year earlier, with connected TV (CTV) as its fastest-growing segment. Despite the increase, the company has withdrawn its 2025 guidance due to market uncertainty.

CEO Michael Barrett downplayed Google’s Privacy Sandbox and highlighted the company’s potential gains from antitrust proceedings against Google, which dominates the SSP market. Magnite is also exploring audience data curation within the SSP.

While ad market pullbacks remain minimal, tariff-related pressures are being monitored. Magnite believes market shifts and increased competition could significantly improve its performance and cost efficiency.

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Taboola Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +3.3% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -66.5% YoY

+ 3% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 7, 2025

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Disney Earnings For Q1 2025 Show +7.0% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +1474.5% YoY

+ 7% YoY Opinions

Earnings

May 7, 2025

CNBC reports:

Disney beat fiscal second-quarter expectations with revenue rising 7% year-on-year to $23.62 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.45. Disney+ gained 1.4 million subscribers, reaching 126 million globally, defying earlier forecasts of a decline.

Revenue growth was recorded across all business segments, including an 8% rise in streaming and a 6% increase in experiences. Sports revenue grew 5% due to additional major broadcasts, while entertainment rose 9% thanks to strong film performance.

Disney upgraded its full-year EPS forecast to $5.75 and announced a new theme park in Abu Dhabi. Shares rose 10% following the results.

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Apple Working to Move to AI Search in Browser Amid Google Fallout, reports Bloomberg

General

May 7, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Apple is exploring a revamp of its Safari browser to incorporate AI-powered search engines, amid uncertainty over its $20 billion annual deal with Google. Senior executive Eddy Cue revealed this during a US antitrust trial, noting rising use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity is changing user behaviour.

While Google remains Safari’s default, Apple is evaluating alternatives including Anthropic and Grok. Cue expects AI to eventually replace traditional search, though current AI providers must enhance their indexes.

He stressed Google’s financial value to Apple, despite the tech shift, and hinted at long-term changes in device usage due to evolving AI.

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OpenAI plans to slash revenue share to Microsoft, The Information reports, reports Reuters

General

May 7, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has informed investors it plans to reduce the share of revenue it gives Microsoft, its key backer, from 20% to around 10% by 2030, according to a report by The Information. This comes as OpenAI scales back a major restructuring, retaining nonprofit control and potentially curbing CEO Sam Altman’s influence.

Microsoft reportedly seeks continued access to OpenAI’s technology beyond 2030. Despite the revenue shift, Microsoft stated its partnership terms with OpenAI remain intact through 2030.

The update follows recent changes to Microsoft’s deal with OpenAI, amid plans for large-scale AI infrastructure projects with Oracle and SoftBank.

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NBCUniversal to sell ads for cable spinoff Versant, reports Axios

General

May 7, 2025

NBCUniversal will handle ad sales for Versant, the new name for Comcast’s forthcoming spinoff of cable networks including USA, CNBC and MSNBC.

The two-year deal covers domestic ad inventory for several channels and digital platforms, integrating them into NBCU’s One Platform media buying service. The move allows Versant to focus on content and product, while leveraging NBCU’s established ad sales strength. Versant’s future in streaming remains to be seen, as NBCU retains Peacock.

The spinoff, expected to close later this year, will be showcased at NBCU’s upcoming Upfronts alongside major programming and event coverage. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Amazon's Bezos leads new investment in AI data company Toloka, reports Reuters

General

May 7, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Jeff Bezos’ firm, Bezos Expeditions, is leading a $72 million investment in AI data company Toloka, which supports AI model training and evaluation through human experts. Toloka is part of Nebius Group, formed from a $5.4 billion split of Russian tech giant Yandex.

The investment, seen as a major milestone, aims to accelerate Toloka’s expansion, particularly in the U.S. Shopify’s CTO, Mikhail Parakhin, is also investing and will chair Toloka’s board.

Previously constrained by sanctions, Toloka now operates independently with Nebius retaining economic interest but no voting control. A future funding round is anticipated.

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EU sues several countries for not properly implementing Digital Services Act, reports Reuters

General

May 7, 2025

The European Commission is taking the Czech Republic, Spain, Cyprus, Poland and Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not properly implementing the Digital Services Act (DSA).

These countries have failed to appoint or authorise a national Digital Services Coordinator and to establish rules on penalties for violations.

The DSA is a key regulation aimed at ensuring online platforms take greater responsibility for addressing illegal and harmful content.

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Netflix to revamp TV app interface, launch AI-powered search for iOS users, reports Reuters

General

May 7, 2025

Netflix is revamping its TV app interface and introducing generative AI to its iOS mobile platform to enhance user experience and maintain market share.

The updated TV app will feature a redesigned homepage, improved content recommendations, and easier access to search and "My List". On mobile, Netflix will test a vertical feed of show and film clips, with tap-to-watch functionality. The new AI-powered search will let users find content using natural language, such as “I want something funny and upbeat”

These changes come as Netflix faces increased competition and economic uncertainty potentially impacting consumer spending.

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Bill to have big tech pay for local news advances in Oregon Legislature

General

May 6, 2025

News Publishing

Oregon’s Senate Bill 686, which would require major tech firms like Google and Meta to pay at least $122 million annually to use local journalism, is advancing to a full Senate vote. Supporters argue it will help struggling newsrooms and civic engagement, while critics, including Meta, warn they may remove Oregon news from platforms. Legal concerns have been raised about potential constitutional violations.

Despite likely legal challenges, Democrats backing the bill say it addresses tech firms profiting from journalistic content without compensation.

Similar laws in Canada have resulted in both media funding and platform news blackouts, sparking international debate.

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Ad giants tout strength despite warnings of economic chaos, reports Axios

General

May 6, 2025

At this year’s NewFronts, digital ad leaders sought to reassure marketers and attract future spend despite economic uncertainty and regulatory pressure. IAB CEO David Cohen urged the industry to embrace change, highlighting the sector’s 35% pandemic-era growth.

Platforms like Snap, T-Mobile and Vizio showcased innovation in connected TV and retail media. Google emphasised its dominance and new ad tools, while avoiding mention of the DOJ’s antitrust case, which seeks to force divestitures. Presenters promoted simplified buying processes and unique audiences.

Major players including TikTok, Meta, Netflix and Amazon are scheduled to pitch next, as competition for ad budgets intensifies.

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TikTok Assures Advertisers It’s Confident in the Future, reports WSJ

General

May 6, 2025

At its annual sales presentation in New York, TikTok reassured advertisers of its continued confidence and investment in the platform despite ongoing U.S. regulatory uncertainty. Vice president Khartoon Weiss emphasised that TikTok’s advertising business would remain unchanged.

The platform faces a potential ban or forced sale in the U.S., though President Trump recently extended the deadline to finalise a deal. TikTok’s U.S. ad revenue is forecast to grow 20.3% in 2025 to $14.8 billion.

However, failure to secure a deal could benefit rivals like YouTube and Instagram, especially as U.S.-China tensions continue to complicate TikTok’s future in the American market.

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Google Reserves Best Search Data for Gemini, Not Rival AI Apps, reports Bloomberg

General

May 6, 2025

Google’s head of search, Liz Reid, testified that while external AI firms can pay to use Google’s “grounding” service via Vertex AI, Google’s own Gemini AI benefits from exclusive features such as Knowledge Graph and OneBox results. Her comments support the US Justice Department’s claim that Google unfairly advantages its own AI, as part of an ongoing antitrust hearing.

The DOJ is pushing for broader data sharing to level the playing field, a proposal Google opposes, calling it invasive and burdensome.

Reid argued such changes could divert 2,000 engineers and pose security risks, though admitted that estimate was unofficial.

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Instagram Suggested Groomers Connect With Minors, FTC Says, reports Bloomberg

General

May 6, 2025

A 2019 internal Meta report presented in court revealed Instagram's algorithms recommended that child predators follow minors, with 27% of such suggestions aimed at under-18s. Over three months, 2 million minor accounts were recommended to these “groomers”.

The Federal Trade Commission is using the data in its antitrust case, alleging Meta underfunded Instagram’s safety efforts after acquiring it. Executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, were aware of the risks but prioritised other areas. Meta argues it has since improved safety, including stricter teen account settings and AI tools to block suspicious adults from interacting with minors.

The case is ongoing.

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T-Mobile Advertising Connects Data and IPG Mediabrands Clients at NewFronts, reports AdWeek

General

May 6, 2025

T-Mobile has expanded its advertising capabilities by integrating newly acquired platforms Vistar Media and Blis into its T-Ads ecosystem, enabling more precise and privacy-conscious ad targeting.

Partnering with IPG Mediabrands, T-Mobile will offer clients access to its first-party data across mobile, in-store, and out-of-home channels. The move enhances ad personalisation and measurement, with innovations like near-store targeting boosting campaign effectiveness.

With 130 million users, 35,000 retail media screens, and cookie-free location data, T-Mobile aims to improve ad relevance and performance while supporting other retailers’ media networks, positioning itself as a significant player in global omnichannel advertising.

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AI Upgrades Come to Search Ad Campaigns With Google's New AI Max, reports AdWeek

General

May 6, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google has unveiled AI Max, a new suite of AI-driven tools for Search ad campaigns aimed at improving targeting, creative personalisation and landing page selection. Using predictive intent matching and Gemini-powered asset optimisation, AI Max helps advertisers reach users with more relevant content, even for complex queries.

Early tests showed a 14–27% increase in conversions without higher acquisition costs. The tools, used by firms like L’Oréal, will roll out globally in beta this month.

The launch comes as Google faces rising competition and regulatory pressure, while continuing to expand Gemini AI integration across its advertising and search platforms.

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VideoAmp Formally Initiates the Media Rating Council Audit Process

General

May 6, 2025

VideoAmp has entered the audit phase with the Media Rating Council (MRC), signalling its commitment to transparency and industry standards. The audit will assess VideoAmp’s national linear TV data and compliance with MRC guidelines.

Powered by its proprietary VALID™ engine, VideoAmp aims to offer reliable, currency-grade cross-platform measurement as an alternative to legacy systems. This milestone highlights VideoAmp’s dedication to third-party validation and its ambition to become a trusted measurement provider.

The move supports industry-wide efforts to adopt advanced currencies and foster innovation in advertising measurement and media transactions.

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