Ebiquity Transmit - Wires

Ebiquity Transmit

Tags

Ad Fraud

Advertising To Children

Agency Management

Antitrust

Artificial Intelligence

Attention Economy

Audio Advertising

Brand Safety

Carbon Emissions

Contextual Advertising

Cookie Deprecation

Digital Out-Of-Home

Disinformation

Diversity & Inclusion

Gaming / Metaverse

Hate Speech

Influencer Marketing

Investment Rounds

Lawsuits

Layoffs

Leadership Transitions

Made For Advertising

Marketing Effectiveness

Measurement

Media Spend

News Publishing

Pitches

Political Ads

Privacy

Recession

Responsible Media

Retail Media

Streaming Wars

Supply Chain

User Identifiers

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Companies

4A's

ANA

Adalytics

Adform

Alphabet

Amazon

Apple

Comcast

Comscore

Comvergence

Criteo

Dentsu

Disney

DoubleVerify

Ebiquity

Fox Corp

Havas

ISBA

Integral Ad Science

Interpublic Group

Jounce Media

Kantar

Kroger

Liveramp

Magnite

MediaMath

Meta

Microsoft

Netflix

News Corp

Nielsen

Omnicom Media Group

Outbrain

Paramount

Pinterest

PubMatic

Publicis Groupe

Reddit

Roblox

Roku

S4 Capital

Scope3

Snap

Spotify

Taboola

Teads

The Trade Desk

TikTok

Twitter (X)

WARC

WFA

WPP (GroupM)

Walmart

Warner Bros Disc.

Yahoo

eMarketer

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The DOJ wants a Perplexity executive to testify in its Google antitrust case, reports TechCrunch

General

Dec 17, 2024

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering penalties for Google after a court ruled it holds a search monopoly. As part of its case, the DOJ wants Dmitry Shevelenko, chief business officer of AI search firm Perplexity, to testify about generative AI’s impact on search access points like Chrome.

Generative AI tools, such as Perplexity and ChatGPT Search, are seen as emerging competitors to Google’s search dominance. Google has subpoenaed Perplexity for documents to argue it faces viable competition. Perplexity claims it is cooperating but disputes the scope of Google’s requests.

Both sides seek data to support their cases.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Paramount Merger Faces FCC Protest From Media Watchdog Group, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Dec 17, 2024

The Center for American Rights has petitioned the FCC to scrutinise the Paramount-Skydance merger, citing concerns over foreign influence due to Tencent’s investment in Skydance and alleging ideological bias at Paramount’s CBS News. The group urged Paramount to commit to avoiding foreign control and enhancing diversity.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr indicated interest in examining CBS’s alleged censorship, including a Kamala Harris interview, within the merger context. While the merger is expected to gain FCC approval as it aligns with regulatory rules, political concerns may delay the process.

Other parties, including LiveVideo.AI Corp., have also raised objections to the merger.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Trump ramps up legal threats against news outlets, reports Axios

General

Dec 17, 2024

News Publishing

President-elect Donald Trump has intensified his legal battles against the media, filing new defamation lawsuits and vowing to target more outlets and influencers over coverage he deems unfavourable.

Following ABC's surprising $15 million settlement over misstatements by anchor George Stephanopoulos, Trump has sued the Des Moines Register and pledged further action.

Despite a history of lawsuits, many of which were dismissed, Trump’s actions are raising concerns about press freedom. Critics fear these lawsuits will create a chilling effect, forcing news organisations to avoid critical reporting to evade legal challenges, potentially undermining journalistic integrity and free expression.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

EU Opens TikTok Probe of Role in Romanian Election Interference, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 17, 2024

Responsible Media

The European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok over its alleged failure to prevent fake accounts and foreign interference in Romania’s recent elections. The probe will assess whether TikTok breached the Digital Services Act by allowing bad actors to manipulate its recommendation system and failing to label political content.

A pro-Russia candidate, Călin Georgescu, initially won the first election round, but the results were annulled due to alleged foreign meddling.

TikTok claims it has provided extensive information to the EU, disrupted influence networks, and updated its in-app Election Center. Potential penalties for violations could reach 6% of global annual revenue.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

UK looks at forcing greater transparency on AI training models, reports FT

General

Dec 17, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

The UK government has announced a consultation to address AI use of copyrighted material, proposing an exemption allowing tech companies to use creative works for AI training unless rights holders opt out via a "rights reservation" system.

The plan aims to balance transparency and legal clarity for both tech firms and creators, enabling copyright holders to track and license their work more easily. While some in the creative industries argue the system is burdensome and risks economic harm, AI companies seek clarity for UK operations.

The consultation may lead to enforcement measures, including legislation or a regulator, to ensure compliance.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

EDO-DoubleVerify deal brings outcome signals to CTV programmatic buying, reports AdAge

General

Dec 17, 2024

EDO has partnered with DoubleVerify’s Scibids to optimise programmatic connected TV (CTV) advertising using viewer engagement data. EDO’s metrics, based on online activity like search behaviour, will power DV Scibids AI to target and measure CTV ad outcomes.

Advertisers can leverage the system via demand-side platforms like Google, The Trade Desk, and Xandr to prioritise high-engagement markets, dynamically adjusting ad spending. This collaboration aims to enhance ROI and level the playing field with digital platforms like Google and Meta.

EDO CEO Kevin Krim highlighted the significance of outcome-optimised programmatic campaigns for the industry in 2025.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Meta’s Irish Arm Fined €251 Million by Watchdog Over Data Breach, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 17, 2024

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission fined Meta €251 million for a 2018 data breach affecting 29 million users, including 3 million in the EU. The breach, caused by the exploitation of Facebook user tokens, exposed personal data such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers.

The DPC found Meta violated GDPR by failing to document the breach adequately and not ensuring default data protection measures. Meta has appealed the decision, stating it acted swiftly to address the issue.

This follows previous fines, including a record €1.2 billion penalty in 2022, highlighting the EU’s ongoing scrutiny of major tech companies.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Influencer shops hope to entice creators with talent platforms that offer CTV, AI features, reports Digiday

General

Dec 17, 2024

Influencer Marketing

Influencer companies are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence and connected TV solutions to streamline talent management and attract brands.

Tools like Swell.AI from Blue Hour Studios enable rapid creation of TV-ready content from social posts, adapting based on location and engagement. Meanwhile, Whalar’s Foam offers managers access to 40,000 creators with data-driven insights to simplify talent management.

The industry is shifting from manual processes to scalable tech platforms, with mergers and acquisitions targeting independent platforms. These innovations aim to meet rising demand for seamless collaboration between creators, managers, and brands, potentially driving more significant brand partnerships and campaign efficiency.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Facebook-parent Meta settles with Australia's privacy watchdog over Cambridge Analytica lawsuit, reports Reuters

General

Dec 17, 2024

Meta Platforms has agreed to a A$50 million ($31.85 million) settlement with Australia’s privacy watchdog, resolving legal proceedings over the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner alleged Facebook shared personal data of users with the quiz app This is Your Digital Life. The breaches, first reported in 2018, led to fines in the US and UK.

Australia’s regulator pursued Meta since 2020, winning key legal battles. Mediation was ordered in June 2023.

Cambridge Analytica used improperly obtained data for political advertising, including Donald Trump’s campaign and Brexit. Meta has not yet commented.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google Ads tests AI-powered reporting tool

General

Dec 16, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Google Ads is testing an AI-driven beta feature that simplifies report creation, allowing advertisers to generate custom reports using natural language prompts, such as "Show me ad performance by region." This tool aims to save time, streamline data analysis, and make insights more accessible, enhancing decision-making for campaign optimisation.

While still in beta and available to select users, this innovation signals Google's push towards user-friendly AI tools to boost productivity.

The broader rollout details remain unknown, but the feature could redefine reporting standards for advertising platforms.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

TikTok Asks Supreme Court to Intervene on U.S. Ban, reports WSJ

General

Dec 16, 2024

TikTok has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to delay enforcement of a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app by 19 January or face a U.S. ban. The law, signed by President Biden, prohibits app stores and hosting services from supporting TikTok.

TikTok argues this infringes on free speech and seeks time for the incoming Trump administration to reassess the issue. Trump, previously supportive of a ban, now appears open to reconsideration.

ByteDance has refused to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations, while China opposes any forced sale, citing control over TikTok’s algorithm and source code.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Search Features to All Users, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 16, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI is launching ChatGPT Search for all users starting Monday, expanding its challenge to Google. Previously available only to paid subscribers, the feature is now accessible across ChatGPT’s mobile apps and website. Users can also set it as their default search engine in web browsers. OpenAI showcased additional capabilities, including verbal chatbot responses.

This move follows tech companies integrating generative AI into search tools since ChatGPT’s 2022 success.

The announcement is part of OpenAI’s 12-day product launch series, which has introduced a premium ChatGPT Pro subscription and the Sora AI video generation tool.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

TikTok CEO Chew Met Trump at Mar-a-Lago Ahead of US Ban, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 16, 2024

TikTok CEO Shou Chew met with president-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, weeks before the app faces a US ban on January 19 over national security concerns. Trump, who previously tried to ban TikTok in 2020, suggested he may reconsider, saying he has a “warm spot” for the platform. The meeting’s details remain unclear.

TikTok’s parent company ByteDance must sell the app to an American owner to avoid the ban under a law signed by President Biden.

Chew joins other tech leaders, including Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook, who have recently met with Trump ahead of his inauguration.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

UK to Tweak Social Media Rules in Response to Summer Riots, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 16, 2024

The UK will expand its Online Safety Act to include crisis response protocols for social media platforms following violent riots in August.

Regulator Ofcom outlined initial guidelines requiring companies to assess illegal harms on their platforms within three months, with failure risking fines up to 10% of global revenue or service bans. New measures targeting child sexual abuse, terrorism, and emergency content removal will be introduced next spring.

The move follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s appeal to curb online incitement during riots. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle warned companies to comply with society’s expectations under the new regulations.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

UK creative sector seeks copyright protection from AI companies, reports FT

General

Dec 16, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Nearly 40 British creative organisations, including publishers, authors, and photographers, have urged the government to safeguard copyright laws ahead of an AI policy consultation. The Creative Rights in AI Coalition emphasised the need for a licensing market to ensure fairness and growth for both AI and creative sectors.

Concerns have risen over AI companies using UK creative output without payment or attribution. The coalition advocates for content creators’ control and monitoring of their work. Public polling shows strong support for transparency and royalties.

The government aims to balance innovation with protecting creators’ rights amid ongoing disputes over AI training practices.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Skydance Deal Sparks Studio Protest Over Redstone Payout, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Dec 16, 2024

Fuse Media has raised objections to the Skydance-Paramount merger, claiming Paramount Chair Shari Redstone is receiving an excessive premium, harming the business and undermining public interest. In a filing with the FCC, Fuse also criticised Paramount’s Pluto TV, alleging it prioritises its own streaming content over independent programmers, similar to Amazon's practices.

The complaint aligns with concerns from investor Mario Gabelli and labour unions, who have urged commitments to workers' rights.

Republican FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s recent remarks about CBS further complicate the deal, which initially appeared uncontroversial under current media ownership rules.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Meta restructures biz leadership, names new CRO, reports Axios

General

Dec 16, 2024

Leadership Transitions

Meta has appointed John Hegeman as its new Chief Revenue Officer, its first since 2021, aiming to align business and product development more closely. Hegeman, previously leading monetisation, will also oversee Meta's small and medium business group. Justin Osofsky expands his role to lead partnerships, business development, and strategy for Meta's AI language model, Llama. Both report to COO Javier Olivan.

This restructure reflects Meta's focus on AI-driven products and innovation, moving beyond traditional ad sales.

The changes follow the 2023 departure of Marne Levine, whose responsibilities were split between Osofsky and Nicola Mendelsohn, who continues leading global ad sales.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google DeepMind unveils a new video model to rival Sora, reports TechCrunch

General

Dec 16, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Google DeepMind has unveiled Veo 2, a next-generation AI video-generation model capable of creating two-minute, 4K clips, surpassing OpenAI’s Sora in resolution and duration. Currently, videos are capped at 720p and eight seconds in Google’s VideoFX tool. Veo 2 improves physics, motion, and camera control but still struggles with consistency and realism.

Google is collaborating with creators like Donald Glover to refine the model. Concerns remain over training data origins, likely including YouTube, and copyright risks.

Additionally, Google upgraded Imagen 3 for richer image generation and improved prompts, enhancing its ImageFX tool for diverse creative outputs.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Havas Is Officially a Public Company, reports AdWeek

General

Dec 16, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Havas has officially spun off from Vivendi, becoming an independent, publicly traded company with a $2.6 billion valuation on Euronext Amsterdam. Led by CEO Yannick Bolloré, Havas gains flexibility to accelerate growth and pursue acquisitions, following 10 deals this year. The move aligns with Vivendi’s wider break-up plan, which also floated Canal+ and Louis Hachette Group.

Havas’ listing comes amid Omnicom's $13.25 billion acquisition of IPG, reshaping the advertising landscape.

Competing with larger networks like WPP and Publicis, Havas is investing $400 million in AI-powered solutions, including its cookieless platform, Havas Converged, despite a slight Q3 revenue decline.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Snapchat to Roll Out Expanded Creator Monetization Program Just Days After Possible TikTok Ban, reports The Hollywood Reporter

General

Dec 16, 2024

Influencer Marketing

Snapchat is expanding its creator monetisation programme on 1 February, enabling monetisation for Spotlight videos alongside Stories. Spotlight, similar to TikTok, focuses on entertaining content for wider audiences and now reaches over 500 million monthly users.

Creators with at least 50,000 followers, 25 monthly posts, and specific viewership metrics can qualify. Snapchat reports a 25% year-on-year increase in total viewing time and is promoting this update to marketers as a key opportunity.

The move comes as TikTok faces a potential U.S. ban on 19 January, positioning Snapchat to attract creators and boost its presence in the short-form content market.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

YouTube will now let creators opt in to third-party AI training, reports TechCrunch

General

Dec 16, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube has introduced a feature allowing creators to control how third-party AI companies train their models using their content. Creators can now opt in via YouTube Studio to permit specific companies, including OpenAI, Adobe, and Apple, to use their videos. By default, third-party training is not allowed.

This initiative addresses concerns over unauthorised use of creators’ material for AI training, though Google will continue training its own AI models under existing agreements. YouTube plans further developments, like allowing direct video downloads for authorised companies.

Creators will be notified globally, while YouTube strengthens its AI detection tools to prevent misuse.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

WPP’s Mark Read Calls Omnicom-IPG Deal An Opportunity To Stand Out, reports AdAge

M&A

Dec 15, 2024

WPP CEO Mark Read described Omnicom’s proposed acquisition of IPG as an opportunity for WPP to “stand out” by focusing on clients rather than internal restructuring. In a memo to employees, Read highlighted WPP’s strategy of championing creativity, AI, data, and technology, while its competitors concentrate on achieving $750 million in savings post-merger.

WPP, which risks losing its status as the largest agency holding company, aims to leverage recent wins, including Johnson & Johnson’s media account.

Read emphasised that WPP will maintain momentum while rivals are “distracted,” positioning itself to deliver results and win in 2025.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

US court rejects TikTok request to temporarily halt pending US ban, reports Reuters

General

Dec 14, 2024

A U.S. appeals court rejected TikTok and ByteDance's request for more time to challenge a law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok by 19 January or face a U.S. ban. TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing the law violates free speech rights. The U.S. government claims Chinese control of TikTok poses national security risks, while TikTok insists U.S. user data is stored domestically with Oracle.

President Biden may extend the deadline, but the final decision could rest with President-elect Trump, who opposes a ban.

Lawmakers have urged Google and Apple to prepare to remove TikTok from app stores.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Musk's xAI offers free access to Grok-2 AI chatbot, reports Reuters

General

Dec 14, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, announced that its updated Grok-2 chatbot will now be available for free to all users of X (formerly Twitter).

Premium and Premium+ subscribers will enjoy higher usage limits and priority access to future capabilities.

xAI revealed it has been quietly testing the improved Grok-2 model over the past few weeks.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google Performance Max negative keyword exclusions now in beta, reports Search Engine Land

General

Dec 13, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Google is testing a beta feature allowing advertisers to add negative keyword exclusions at the campaign level for Performance Max campaigns. This long-requested update aims to give advertisers greater control over preventing ads from appearing for irrelevant or unwanted search terms.

Despite the rollout announcement, many advertisers report they have yet to access the feature. Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin confirmed the beta rollout is underway and will expand in early 2025.

If successful, the feature could significantly improve ad targeting. For now, advertisers must rely on contacting account managers to implement negative exclusions in Performance Max campaigns.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Musk has until Monday to respond to SEC Twitter settlement, source says, reports Reuters

M&A

Dec 13, 2024

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given Elon Musk until Monday to respond to a settlement offer regarding its probe into his $44 billion Twitter takeover in 2022. The investigation focuses on Musk’s delayed disclosure of Twitter share purchases, potentially saving him $140 million, and whether he violated securities laws. If unresolved, the SEC may proceed with formal charges.

Musk’s lawyer accused the SEC of political motives, suggesting White House influence. The SEC also reopened an inquiry into Musk’s Neuralink startup.

Musk, a Trump ally, will co-lead a government cost-cutting initiative, raising further political speculation.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

US lawmakers tell Apple, Google to be ready to remove TikTok from app stores Jan. 19, reports Reuters

General

Dec 13, 2024

The chairs of a U.S. House committee on China have urged Apple and Google to prepare to remove TikTok from their app stores by 19 January, following a court decision requiring ByteDance to divest the app or face a ban. Lawmakers also urged TikTok’s CEO to sell the platform, citing national security concerns over Chinese government influence.

TikTok warned the ban would cripple its U.S. operations, rendering the app unusable. ByteDance and TikTok are seeking Supreme Court intervention, while President-elect Donald Trump has promised to block the ban.

Lawmakers insist ByteDance must comply with the divestiture requirement.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

OpenAI Says Musk Backed For-Profit Structure Before Calling Shift Illegal, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 13, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has refuted Elon Musk’s claims against its plan to become a for-profit company by releasing emails suggesting Musk initially supported a corporate structure with a for-profit component.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but left in 2018, has accused the company of abandoning its nonprofit mission after securing billions from Microsoft. OpenAI revealed Musk registered a for-profit entity in 2017 but withdrew when denied majority control.

Musk’s latest court filing seeks to block OpenAI’s restructuring, while OpenAI argues his motives stem from competing interests through his startup xAI. A hearing is scheduled for 14 January in California.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Meta Urges California Attorney General to Stop OpenAI From Becoming For-Profit, reports WSJ

General

Dec 13, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has urged California’s attorney general to block OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit structure, aligning with Elon Musk’s concerns. Meta argues the move sets a dangerous precedent, allowing startups to exploit nonprofit benefits before becoming profitable.

Musk, a former OpenAI co-founder, claims OpenAI betrayed its nonprofit mission, favouring Microsoft’s interests. OpenAI countered, releasing documents suggesting Musk initially supported a for-profit model but left when denied control.

Meta’s intervention highlights escalating competition among AI giants, particularly as OpenAI’s valuation rises. The dispute underscores tensions over AI governance, with both Meta and Musk challenging OpenAI’s evolving business structure and dominance.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

TV News Has Become a Madison Avenue Hot Potato, But It Still Helps Ads, reports Variety

General

Dec 13, 2024

News Publishing

A Mediaprobe study reveals that TV news programmes drive stronger emotional engagement and brand recall compared to primetime shows.

Analysing 41 programmes across 11 networks from November 2023 to September 2024, the research shows commercials in news and political content increase viewer recall by 5% over primetime slots. Ads placed first in breaks during news programming were 2% more memorable. The study attributes this to the relevance and timeliness of news, fostering higher viewer involvement.

Despite falling ad revenues in news channels, the findings suggest advertisers could benefit significantly by leveraging news content for greater emotional impact and brand recall.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Turkey Antitrust Body Fines Google $75 Million in Ad Tech Probe, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 13, 2024

Turkey’s antitrust regulator has fined Google 2.61 billion liras ($75 million) for favouring its own supply-side platform (SSP) over competitors, violating competition laws. The ruling applies to Google International LLC, Google LLC, Google Ireland Ltd., and Alphabet Inc.

Google has six months to comply by offering equal conditions to third-party SSPs or face further daily fines. The company can appeal the decision.

This follows other global antitrust challenges, including a U.S. ruling on Google’s search monopoly and a European inquiry into its advertising partnership with Meta. In June, Turkey fined Google 482 million liras over its hotel search service.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Netflix to launch in-house adtech stack in US in April, reports The Media Leader

General

Dec 13, 2024

Netflix will roll out its in-house advertising technology in the US in April 2025, following its Canadian launch in November. The platform allows advertisers to control ad buys directly on Netflix without third-party services. A global release is planned for later in 2025, using a "test-iterate-learn" approach. Netflix aims to create flexible, innovative ad solutions for long-term use.

Programmatic ad-buying partnerships with The Trade Desk and Google’s DV360 will expand to Europe in February, enhancing advertiser options.

Despite technical challenges during its live-streamed Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight, Netflix is leveraging these experiences to refine its adtech and streaming capabilities.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Elon Musk reveals SEC sent him settlement demand after Twitter buyout probe, reports CNBC

General

Dec 13, 2024

The SEC has issued a settlement demand to Elon Musk, alleging potential securities fraud linked to his 2022 Tesla share sales and Twitter stock purchases before his buyout of the platform, now X. Musk shared his attorney’s letter, accusing the SEC of harassment and claiming improper motivation. The letter also criticises the reopening of an investigation into Musk’s Neuralink.

The SEC seeks a settlement or could escalate to formal charges. Musk and Tesla previously faced SEC action in 2018, resulting in fines and oversight measures.

Separately, Musk is accused of misleading Twitter investors in a lawsuit filed by a pension fund.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience, reports Reuters

General

Dec 13, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has unveiled Meta Motivo, an AI model designed to enhance digital agents' movements for a more lifelike Metaverse experience. The model aims to resolve common body control issues in avatars, supporting realistic animations and immersive interactions.

Meta has heavily invested in AI and Metaverse technologies, with 2024 capital expenses projected at $37–40 billion.

Additionally, it introduced the Large Concept Model (LCM), a novel AI tool for language modelling that predicts concepts rather than individual tokens. Meta also released Video Seal, an AI tool embedding invisible yet traceable watermarks in videos, as part of its commitment to open AI development.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

X tries to win back advertisers with self-reported video stats, reports Digiday

General

Dec 13, 2024

Elon Musk’s X is focusing on video content to attract advertisers, reporting a 40% year-on-year growth in video views to over 8.3 billion in 2024. Original series like The Offseason and upcoming projects with Serena Williams and Khloe Kardashian highlight this strategy.

Despite rising engagement and loyalty among users, X faces challenges due to advertiser scepticism over self-reported metrics and brand safety concerns. While efforts like transparency reports and brand safety measures aim to rebuild trust, experts see X remaining niche compared to rivals like Instagram and TikTok.

Advertisers remain cautious, citing reputation issues and unverified performance metrics.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Data licensing lawsuit adds a legal wrinkle to Omnicom’s planned acquisition of IPG, reports Digiday

M&A

Dec 13, 2024

A lawsuit against IPG’s Acxiom and Kinesso by data firm Adstra alleges misuse of Adstra data to create Acxiom’s Real ID identity-resolution product, breaching a data-supply agreement. Adstra claims Acxiom improperly used its data to gain a competitive edge and seeks extensive discovery to assess potential damages.

Recent filings revealed Acxiom earned less than $2 million from agreements involving Adstra data, but questions remain about Real ID’s adoption and value. If Acxiom is forced to purge Adstra data, it could face significant setbacks.

The lawsuit may impact the role of Acxiom and Kinesso in IPG and Omnicom’s adtech strategies.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

YouTube Enhances Comment Section With AI-Generated Nonsense, reports 404 Media

General

Dec 12, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube’s AI-generated reply feature, aimed at helping creators respond to comments, has faced criticism for producing misleading, nonsensical, or overly personal responses. Clint Basinger, creator of LazyGameReviews, showcased bizarre examples, including replies suggesting non-existent content or making assumptions about his personal life. YouTube claims these suggestions are customisable starting points, but the errors highlight AI’s limitations. Basinger criticised the feature as disingenuous, undermining creator-audience relationships.

Additionally, YouTube’s new “Inspiration” tab generates inaccurate video ideas and flawed thumbnails, further raising concerns about AI’s rapid, unrefined integration into content creation tools.

YouTube did not comment on these issues.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Microsoft revamps advertising tracking, consent features, reports Search Engine Land

General

Dec 12, 2024

Microsoft has introduced updates to its advertising platform, focusing on household attribution and regulatory compliance.

Household attribution tracks ad engagement across devices within a household, offering deeper audience insights, cross-device behaviour tracking, and improved campaign optimisation. New compliance tools include UET Consent Mode, Transparency and Consent Framework 2.0 integration, and Google Tag Manager support, aiding adherence to privacy regulations in the UK, EEA, and Switzerland. Microsoft is also pausing Store Visits and Footfall Measurement tools but retains historical data.

These updates enhance targeting accuracy and compliance, enabling advertisers to refine strategies while navigating complex privacy requirements effectively.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Jeff Bezos’ Amazon Plans to Donate $1 Million to Trump’s Inauguration, reports WSJ

General

Dec 12, 2024

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will meet with President-elect Donald Trump next week, as Trump continues discussions with key tech leaders, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Bezos, whose businesses like Blue Origin and Amazon have significant federal contracts, expressed optimism about Trump’s second term, particularly his focus on deregulation. Despite past tensions over Washington Post coverage, Bezos said he is willing to support Trump’s goals.

Musk, another major federal contractor, has been a frequent guest of Trump and is aiding a government cost-cutting initiative.

Trump stated his intent to collaborate with business leaders to foster innovation and economic growth.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

US asks court to reject TikTok's bid to stave off law that could ban the app, reports Reuters

General

Dec 12, 2024

The U.S. Justice Department urged a federal appeals court to reject TikTok's emergency bid to block a law requiring its Chinese parent ByteDance to divest the app by 19 January or face a ban.

TikTok argues the law threatens its 170 million U.S. users' access and freedom of speech. The Justice Department claims Chinese control of TikTok poses a national security threat. The ban would eventually render TikTok unworkable, despite not directly prohibiting its use.

President Joe Biden may grant a 90-day extension before President-elect Donald Trump, who opposes the ban, takes office on 20 January.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Donates $1 Million to Trump’s Inaugural Fund, reports WSJ

General

Dec 12, 2024

Meta Platforms has donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, marking a shift in CEO Mark Zuckerberg's approach towards the Republican leader. The move follows years of fluctuating relations, including a 2021 Facebook ban on Trump after the Capitol riots.

Zuckerberg has recently sought to rebuild ties with Republicans, meeting Trump and his team while expressing optimism about a second Trump presidency. The donation aligns with efforts by tech leaders to improve relations with a government expected to increase regulatory scrutiny.

Trump has signalled a tough stance on Big Tech, with nominees like Andrew Ferguson targeting industry practices.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

US media groups warn UK over AI content-scraping rules, reports FT

General

Dec 12, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

The US Copyright Alliance, representing major media groups like Disney and Universal Music, has warned the UK government against weakening copyright laws to allow AI companies to scrape content unless publishers and artists opt out. In a letter to UK ministers, the group argued such changes would discourage investment and collaboration between US and UK creative industries.

The UK is set to launch a consultation on AI and copyright, sparking fears of reduced protections for creators. The Alliance strongly opposes AI exceptions, emphasising that copyright underpins US-UK creative partnerships, including franchises like Harry Potter and James Bond.

The government declined to comment.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

YouTube Raises Price on TV Streaming Service to $82.99, reports WSJ

General

Dec 12, 2024

YouTube TV will raise its monthly subscription price from $72.99 to $82.99 starting 13 January 2024, citing rising content costs. The service, launched in 2017 at $35 per month, provides live TV and channels like ESPN and CNN. This marks its second price increase in under a year.

Streaming services, once cheaper alternatives to cable, are raising prices, diminishing savings for cord-cutters. YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket deal, costing $2 billion annually, highlights its expansion ambitions.

Other platforms, like Disney+ and Hulu, also raised prices recently, reflecting an industry trend of regular increases as companies push ad-supported plans.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Texas probes tech platforms over safety and privacy of minors, reports Reuters

General

Dec 12, 2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations into 15 technology platforms, including Character.AI, Reddit, Instagram, and Discord, over their privacy and safety practices for minors. The probes will examine compliance with Texas laws, including the SCOPE Act, which regulates the sharing of minors' personal data, and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, which mandates notice and consent for data collection.

Social media platforms, which earned $11 billion from under-18 users in 2022, face criticism for their impact on young users’ mental health.

Paxton emphasised rigorous enforcement of state privacy laws, while platforms pledged to cooperate with officials.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google Unveils Mixed-Reality Headset With Samsung, Taking on Apple and Meta, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 12, 2024

Google and Samsung have partnered to enter the mixed-reality market, unveiling Android XR, an operating system for extended reality, alongside Samsung’s Project Moohan headset, set to launch in 2024. Android XR integrates AI to support tasks such as virtual assembly instructions and immersive navigation.

Samsung’s headset offers lighter, more comfortable wear compared to Apple’s Vision Pro, at an expected lower price. The platform supports apps like Maps, YouTube, and Chrome, and allows third-party app development.

Google is also developing XR glasses under Project Astra, featuring advanced AI and microLED technology, though no release date has been set for these devices.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google says feedback shows old search result format is bad for hotels, reports Reuters

General

Dec 12, 2024

Google warned that reverting to the old "10 blue links" search format could harm hotel traffic, citing results from a recent test in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia. The test, conducted to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), showed that users were less satisfied, searches took longer, and hotel traffic dropped by over 10%.

Google is navigating conflicting demands from price comparison sites and hotels to avoid favouring its own services. Price comparison websites criticised Google’s latest proposal, urging EU regulators to take enforcement action.

Google will now seek feedback from the European Commission to find a balanced solution.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Warner Bros. Divides Cable Assets From Streaming Businesses, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 12, 2024

Warner Bros. Discovery is restructuring its operations by creating separate divisions for cable and streaming businesses. A new Global Linear Networks division will manage cable brands in news, sports, and programming, while the Streaming & Studios unit will oversee streaming services like Max and its film and entertainment studios.

CEO David Zaslav stated that the reorganisation aims to enhance flexibility, adapt to the changing media landscape, and deliver shareholder value. Similar moves have been made by competitors like NBCUniversal.

Warner Bros. plans to finalise the restructuring by mid-2025 and has previously explored spinning off certain assets.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Australia Plans Tech-Platform Charge to Shore Up News Media, reports WSJ

General

Dec 12, 2024

News Publishing

Australia plans to introduce a levy on major tech platforms that refuse to renew or establish commercial agreements with local news publishers, aiming to support the struggling media industry. Platforms like Meta, which ended deals with Australian publishers earlier this year, would be affected regardless of whether they feature news content.

News Corp. Australia praised the initiative, citing its potential to bolster journalism after significant job losses. Meta criticised the proposal, arguing it disregards the mutual value exchange between platforms and publishers.

The government will finalise details after consultations, emphasising platforms' responsibility to support quality journalism in Australia.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

ITV to put hundreds of hours of programmes on YouTube, reports FT

General

Dec 12, 2024

ITV will make full series of its programmes, including I’m A Celebrity and The Masked Singer, available on YouTube for the first time, alongside clips, compilations, and fan content. This move reflects ITV’s effort to broaden its reach beyond traditional TV and its ITVX streaming service, as audiences increasingly watch via smart TVs and online platforms.

Similar to Channel 4’s strategy, the initiative allows ITV to directly sell targeted advertising on YouTube.

ITV aims to attract younger, digital-first audiences, while addressing the decline in traditional TV viewing, which is only partially offset by digital growth.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

IPG Mediabrands To Lay Off 103 Staffers, reports AdWeek

General

Dec 12, 2024

IPG Mediabrands will lay off 103 employees from its media buying unit on 2 January 2025, according to a California WARN notice. The company attributed the layoffs to a recent client loss, not its merger with Omnicom Group announced earlier this week. Affected employees will receive severance and transitional support.

While the merger is not expected to close until mid-2025, IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky assured staff there would be no immediate changes and emphasised employee care.

Omnicom CEO John Wren stated revenue-generating employees would retain their jobs, though the companies aim to save $750 million, likely leading to brand consolidation.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Shopify Is Buying Meta and Google Ads for Brands to Acquire Customers, reports AdWeek

General

Dec 12, 2024

Shopify is expanding its ad product, Shop Campaigns, to all U.S. and Canadian merchants, moving beyond its enterprise-level Shopify Plus customers.

The service helps merchants find new customers by placing ads on Meta, Google, and Shopify’s Shop app, offering a pay-per-sale model with a minimum budget based on customer acquisition cost. Shopify claims Shop Campaigns can drive up to 24% of new customers for brands.

While experts see potential for large-scale impact across merchants, questions remain about the app’s audience size and sales performance. Marketplace Pulse estimates Shop as a $1 billion marketplace, with limited ad volume currently detected.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

WPP Hires IPG McCann's AI Chief to Lead Strategic AI Partnerships, Solving Real Client Needs, reports AdWeek

General

Dec 12, 2024

Leadership Transitions

WPP has appointed Elav Horwitz, formerly McCann Worldgroup's AI lead, as EVP and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Solutions. With nearly a decade at McCann and experience at Meta’s creative council, Horwitz will drive WPP’s AI-first, human-led solutions. This aligns with WPP’s $300 million AI investment in 2024 and partnerships with companies like Nvidia.

Horwitz aims to expand WPP’s AI platform, Open, by integrating startups offering data, user experience, and creativity tools. Open, which supports tasks like ad creation and media planning, already serves major clients like Nestlé and Unilever.

Horwitz’s team will develop scalable AI-driven solutions for clients.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google Ads tests video asset option, reports Search Engine Land

General

Dec 11, 2024

Google Ads is testing a new "Video" option in the Assets section, allowing advertisers to upload video content directly, simplifying integration into search campaigns.

While currently in a limited pilot, this feature could significantly expand the role of video in Google Ads strategies for 2025. Advertisers can expect streamlined upload processes and opportunities to boost click-through rates with engaging content.

Google confirmed the test is running with select customers but provided no timeline for a broader rollout. Advertisers are advised to monitor developments and explore how video could enhance their campaigns as Google innovates in the ad space.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Barb’s Advanced Campaign Hub overestimating BVOD reach by 40%, reports The Media Leader

General

Dec 11, 2024

Barb's Advanced Campaign Hub has been overestimating broadcaster VOD (BVOD) reach by an average of 40%, undermining trust in its measurement system, according to Omnicom Media Group’s Vicky Fox. The discrepancy, uncovered after Barb assumed governance of CFlight in January 2024, does not affect linear TV data.

Barb is collaborating with industry stakeholders to adjust its methodology for alignment with CFlight, potentially lowering VOD reach estimates from January 2025.

Fox highlighted the challenges of integrating BVOD and linear TV data for holistic audience insights, noting that while CFlight offers a unified metric, further progress is needed for comprehensive measurement.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

TikTok Files Legal Challenge Against Canada Unit Shutdown Order, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 11, 2024

TikTok Technology Canada Inc. is seeking a judicial review to overturn Canada’s order for its closure, citing national security concerns. The company claims the decision is disproportionate, exceeds legal authority, and was procedurally unfair.

Filed in Vancouver, TikTok’s application argues it was not given adequate opportunity to address the government’s concerns. TikTok Canada, which sells advertising, highlighted its cooperation with Canadian agencies during the 2021 election to support integrity. A government spokeswoman stated the decision followed a thorough national security review.

TikTok has over 14 million monthly users in Canada. The case highlights escalating tensions over TikTok’s operations globally.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Amazon Targets Influencer Reviews on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 11, 2024

Influencer Marketing

Amazon is investigating paid product reviews on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, sending questionnaires to reviewers about their interactions with sellers. This initiative aligns with a broader crackdown on fake reviews, including new US Federal Trade Commission rules prohibiting paid testimonials without disclosure.

Amazon, which already employs automated and manual fraud detection, claims it blocked over 250 million suspicious reviews in 2023. The move raises concerns among sellers, as improper use of influencers could lead to account suspensions.

Paid reviews are particularly tempting during the lucrative holiday shopping season, making enforcement critical in maintaining consumer trust.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Apple adds ChatGPT to iPhone in latest iOS update, reports Reuters

General

Dec 11, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Apple has begun integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into its devices, enhancing Siri's capabilities and introducing new AI-powered tools in its latest operating system updates. The features include query assistance, content creation, and image generation across compatible apps.

Available on the latest iPhone 16 models, previous iPhone 15 Pro versions, and select iPads and Macs with M1 or A17 Pro chips, the rollout coincides with the peak holiday shopping season.

While expected to boost sales, the gradual introduction of these AI features has raised concerns among investors about the strength of the iPhone 16 sales cycle.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google's biggest bet is AI for search, investment chief says, reports Reuters

General

Dec 11, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is focusing its largest investment on enhancing its core search business with artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York, Ruth Porat, Alphabet's president and chief investment officer, highlighted AI's critical role in transforming online search, which remains central to the company’s strategy despite its innovations in self-driving cars and quantum computing.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Google Rolls Out Faster Gemini AI Model to Power Agents, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 11, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Google has unveiled Gemini 2.0, its advanced AI model, which is twice as fast as its predecessor and offers enhanced capabilities, including generating images, audio, and aiding in tasks like search and coding. The model powers virtual agents capable of reasoning, planning, and taking action.

Gemini 2.0 will integrate into Google's search engine, delivering faster, more accurate results, and features tools like "deep research" for detailed topic exploration. Google is also testing innovative AI agents, such as Astra for visual input and Mariner for shopping assistance.

These advancements aim to maintain Google's dominance in AI and search against rivals like OpenAI.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Paramount Consolidation of U.S. TV and Streaming Distribution Teams Results in Staff Cuts, reports Variety

General

Dec 11, 2024

Paramount Global is restructuring its distribution teams ahead of a planned 2025 merger with Skydance Media. The integration of Paramount+ and Pluto TV distribution with U.S. TV network teams aims to streamline operations and drive growth, according to Ray Hopkins, president of U.S. networks distribution.

This move involves a "handful" of layoffs, following broader cost-cutting measures affecting 15% of Paramount’s U.S. workforce to save $500 million annually. Skydance plans to achieve $2 billion in synergies post-merger.

Hopkins now oversees streaming distribution, replacing Jeff Shultz, who will leave at the end of 2024. These changes reflect efforts to optimise resources.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

LinkedIn wants to have its TikTok era, reports Insider

General

Dec 11, 2024

LinkedIn is introducing a TikTok-like vertical video feed to boost user engagement and creator activity. Video posts receive 1.4 times more engagement than text or photo content, with creators reporting significant growth in impressions.

The feature, aimed at fostering a daily habit among users, aligns with LinkedIn's push to be more than a job-search platform. While the platform currently lacks direct monetisation for creators, some are leveraging LinkedIn for brand deals and audience building.

Microsoft's CEO highlighted video as a driver for B2B advertising, noting a 36% annual increase in LinkedIn video viewership. Monetisation features may follow in the future.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

CNBC Plans Q1 Launch for Targeted Streaming Service, reports Variety

General

Dec 11, 2024

CNBC plans to launch CNBC+, a stand-alone streaming platform, in early 2025, offering a global feed of programming from the US, Asia, and Europe. The service will not feature new content or additional staff but aims to engage CNBC's loyal audience, who frequently watch outside the home.

The move coincides with Comcast's plan to spin off CNBC and other cable networks, allowing them to reinvest revenue. CNBC+ reflects President KC Sullivan's strategy to adapt to shifts in cable revenue.

Unlike competitors, CNBC+ will focus on enhancing its core business news offerings rather than diversifying into lifestyle or entertainment content.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Albertsons calls off merger and sues Kroger, reports CNN

M&A

Dec 11, 2024

The proposed $25 billion merger between Albertsons and Kroger, the largest in US supermarket history, has been called off after a federal judge blocked it. Judge Adrienne Nelson ruled the merger would harm competition and potentially raise consumer prices. The Federal Trade Commission and opponents, including unions and small grocers, opposed the deal.

Albertsons sued Kroger for alleged contract breaches, while Kroger denied the claims, citing extensive efforts to secure approval.

Both companies aimed to compete against Walmart and Amazon. Kroger, the largest US grocery chain, remains well-positioned for growth, while Albertsons plans to invest in stores, technology, and employees.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

The F.T.C.’s Next, More Deal-Friendly Leader, reports NYT

General

Dec 11, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Andrew Ferguson to lead the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), signalling a pro-business shift in merger enforcement, contrasting with current FTC Chair Lina Khan’s activist stance.

Ferguson plans to reverse Khan’s policies, which challenged major mergers to reshape antitrust law, slowing deal activity. Wall Street anticipates increased mergers under a pro-growth agenda, with Goldman Sachs predicting higher deal volumes in 2025.

However, Ferguson shares Khan’s scepticism of Big Tech, focusing on claims of silencing conservative voices. This aligns with Trump and Republican priorities, potentially shaping a crackdown on perceived anti-competition and free speech practices.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Johnson And Johnson Awards Its US And Canada Media Business To WPP, reports AdAge

General

Dec 11, 2024

WPP has secured Johnson & Johnson’s U.S. and Canada media account, previously handled by Interpublic Group’s J3. This marks a major win for WPP, which also gained media business from Unilever and Amazon earlier this year. The review saw WPP outbid Publicis for the account.

J&J’s global advertising spend reached $1.2 billion in 2021, excluding its Kenvue spinoff, which focuses on consumer health products. WPP highlighted its data-driven solutions, integrating GroupM and WPP Open capabilities.

The win follows Omnicom’s announcement to acquire IPG, a move that would surpass WPP as the largest agency holding company.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Marketers Prepare to Navigate Huge Distraction of Omnicom’s IPG Acquisition, reports WSJ

M&A

Dec 11, 2024

Agency Management

Omnicom’s $13 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group will create the world’s largest advertising holding company, offering clients enhanced scale and resources. While the merger promises deeper consumer insights and technological innovation, it raises concerns about potential distractions for agency teams and talent redundancies as the companies aim for $750 million in savings.

Some marketing executives worry about client defections and reduced transparency, particularly with the rise of principal-based buying. However, increased scale may offer improved deals with media owners.

The consolidation reduces global advertising options, compelling agencies to prioritise strong client relationships to differentiate in a more commoditised industry.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

TikTok Pays Its Users to Shop If They Boost App Downloads, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 10, 2024

TikTok is incentivising users with hundreds of dollars in TikTok Shop credits to spend more time on the app, recruit new users, and shop on its platform. The campaign, featuring rewards for inviting friends, daily app usage, and product engagement, aims to boost user activity and shopping habits amid the app’s potential US ban in January.

TikTok Shop has seen rapid growth, tripling US sales on Black Friday and expanding into Europe.

Despite regulatory challenges, parent company ByteDance remains focused on scaling the e-commerce platform, targeting $17.5 billion in merchandise sales and maintaining user engagement under mounting scrutiny.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

NBC Snares Roku’s Kristina Shepard for New Ad-Sales Role, reports Variety

General

Dec 10, 2024

Leadership Transitions

Kristina Shepard, a former Roku executive, has joined NBCUniversal as Executive Vice President overseeing streaming and programmatic advertising sales.

Reporting to Alison Levin, another Roku veteran now at NBCU, Shepard will manage performance-based advertising, partnerships with small and medium businesses, and relationships with independent agencies on the east coast. Her role includes driving revenue through streaming, retail media, and NBCU's FAST channels, aligning with NBCU’s emphasis on its Peacock streaming platform.

Shepard’s appointment highlights NBCU’s strategy to expand its presence in the connected TV (CTV) advertising landscape and support marketers with scalable, performance-driven solutions.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Amazon is officially in the online car sales business, reports TechCrunch

General

Dec 10, 2024

Amazon has launched Amazon Autos, an online platform allowing customers to buy new cars directly from dealerships, starting with Hyundai in 48 U.S. cities. The platform enables shoppers to browse vehicles by model, features, and colour, secure financing, e-sign paperwork, and schedule pick-up from local dealers.

Unlike competitors like Carvana and AutoTrader, Amazon Autos focuses solely on new cars and promises transparent, no-haggle pricing. Trade-ins are also facilitated, and leasing options will be introduced in 2025.

This expansion leverages Amazon's e-commerce expertise and extensive reach to attract automakers and streamline car-buying for consumers.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

TikTok Shop Goes Live for Spain in First Step of Europe Rollout, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 10, 2024

TikTok has launched its in-app shopping feature, TikTok Shop, in Spain, marking its European expansion amidst potential US restrictions. The feature integrates video content with e-commerce, allowing creators to sell products ranging from beauty items to home appliances. Spain is TikTok’s latest target following a delayed European roll-out, initially planned for Germany, Italy, France, and Ireland.

TikTok Shop is ByteDance’s fastest-growing revenue source after advertising, competing with platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Amazon.

Despite the looming US ban, TikTok’s US shopping sales surged on Black Friday, showcasing its appeal among 170 million monthly American users.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

EU’s New Competition Chief Plans Policy Overhaul, reports WSJ

General

Dec 10, 2024

The EU’s new antitrust chief, Teresa Ribera, plans to reform competition policies to address modern market realities while maintaining principles of fairness, openness, and efficiency.

Speaking in Brussels, Ribera emphasised adapting tools to support the EU’s clean energy and digital transition goals and fostering competitiveness against rivals in China and the U.S.

While some member states push for relaxed merger rules to create European champions, Ribera cautioned that shielding companies from enforcement could harm consumers and weaken firms long-term. She reaffirmed the importance of robust enforcement, including the Digital Markets Act, to regulate Big Tech and ensure fair competition.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Brussels probes Google and Meta secret ads deal to target teens, reports FT

General

Dec 10, 2024

Advertising To Children

European regulators are scrutinising a secret advertising deal between Google and Meta that allegedly circumvented Google’s rules on advertising to minors. The partnership, revealed in an FT investigation, enabled targeted Instagram ads to teens on YouTube by exploiting a user group labelled "unknown," which skewed towards under-18s.

Google has since revised its policies, banned targeting this group, and cancelled related campaigns. Regulators are reviewing internal documents and communications from Google’s investigation, codenamed “Tangerine Owl.”

Both companies face growing regulatory pressures, with ongoing antitrust cases against Google and Meta’s CEO apologising to Congress over platform misuse impacting children.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Warner Bros Discovery’s Max to be bundled with Sky after 2026 launch, reports The Media Leader

General

Dec 9, 2024

Sky and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) have agreed to bundle WBD’s ad-supported Max streaming service with Sky subscriptions at no extra cost from 2026.

The deal ensures Sky customers can access HBO shows like The Last of Us and House of the Dragon via Sky Atlantic until 2025, with new programmes after 2026 available through Max. Sky Now Entertainment members in the UK and Ireland will also receive Max access.

This agreement strengthens Sky’s content offering and provides Max with a significant market entry. It follows earlier disputes over licensing rights and aims to boost Sky’s subscriber base amid recent financial challenges.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

TikTok Seeks to Pause US Ban Pending Supreme Court Review, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 9, 2024

TikTok has requested a pause on a US law requiring ByteDance, its China-based parent company, to sell or face a ban, allowing time for Supreme Court review and for the incoming Trump administration to reassess its stance.

The request follows a ruling by the US Court of Appeals upholding the law, which is set to take effect on 19 January. TikTok argues the pause could prevent harm and potentially render a Supreme Court review unnecessary.

The appellate panel previously determined the law does not violate First Amendment free speech protections.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Vivendi Shareholders Back Break-Up Plans, reports WSJ

General

Dec 9, 2024

Vivendi shareholders have overwhelmingly approved plans to break up the conglomerate, separating its core businesses into independently listed entities. Canal+, Havas, and the newly formed Louis Hachette Group will begin trading on December 16 on various European stock exchanges.

The restructuring aims to reduce Vivendi’s conglomerate discount, which has hindered its valuation and transaction capabilities since spinning off Universal Music in 2021. The remaining Vivendi group will focus on investments like Gameloft and its stake in Universal Music.

However, minority shareholder CIAM opposes the split, citing concerns over its impact on minority interests and Paris as a financial hub.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Rupert Murdoch loses court bid to leave son media empire, reports Axios

General

Dec 9, 2024

Leadership Transitions

A Nevada commissioner has rejected Rupert Murdoch's attempt to alter his family trust to grant sole control of his media empire to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, after his death. The ruling ensures equal inheritance for his four oldest children, who hold differing political views. Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr. ruled the move was in "bad faith."

Established in 1999, the trust holds significant stakes in News Corp. and Fox Corp. Rupert Murdoch, now 93, stepped down as chairman last year, naming Lachlan as his successor.

Murdoch plans to appeal, while family dynamics mirror themes from HBO’s Succession.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Reddit tests a conversational AI search tool, reports TechCrunch

General

Dec 9, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Reddit has introduced Reddit Answers, an AI-powered conversational tool designed to provide users with concise, curated responses to questions by summarising relevant threads and posts across the platform. The feature aims to rival tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Perplexity, while also challenging Google, which integrates Reddit results into its searches. Users can access concise answers, explore referenced threads, and pose follow-up questions.

Powered by Reddit’s in-house and integrated AI models, the feature is part of Reddit’s broader strategy to enhance search and user experience.

Currently available in English to select U.S. users, it will expand globally with additional language support.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

OpenAI has finally released Sora, reports The Verge

General

Dec 9, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has launched Sora, its text-to-video AI model, as part of its "ship-mas" product release series. Available on Sora.com, it enables video generation from text, image animation, and video remixing.

ChatGPT Plus subscribers can create up to 50 videos, while the $200/month Pro plan offers higher resolution (1080p), longer durations (20 seconds), watermark-free downloads, and unlimited generations. Features include storyboards for prompt-based sequences, photo-to-video transformation, and blending two scenes. Videos include watermarks and metadata to indicate AI creation.

Sora is currently unavailable in the UK and much of Europe. The launch follows controversy over alleged misuse of artist contributions during testing.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Advertising revenues set to hit $1tn in market dominated by technology companies, reports FT

General

Dec 9, 2024

The global advertising industry will exceed $1 trillion in revenue in 2024, driven by digital advertising, which will account for 73% of the market. Major players like Google, Meta, ByteDance, Amazon, and Alibaba are expected to capture over half of this revenue.

GroupM predicts 9.5% growth in 2024, with US political ads adding $15.1 billion, and further 7.7% growth in 2025. Traditional media such as print and radio face declines, while digital options thrive. The US remains the largest market, while China and the UK also show significant growth.

AI and automation are set to drive future industry innovation.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Omnicom to Acquire Interpublic in Deal That Will Reshape Advertising Industry, reports WSJ

M&A

Dec 9, 2024

Omnicom will acquire Interpublic Group in an all-stock deal, creating the world's largest advertising company with over $20 billion in annual revenue. Omnicom shareholders will own 60.6% of the merged entity, expected to achieve $750 million in cost synergies.

The combined company, retaining the Omnicom name, will bring together iconic ad brands such as TBWA, McCann Worldgroup, and BBDO, with clients including Disney, L’Oréal, and PepsiCo. Omnicom Chairman John Wren will lead the entity, with the deal set to close in late 2025.

The merger will surpass WPP as the largest player in the advertising industry.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Billionaires plan overhaul of US news groups as media confronts trust issue, reports FT

General

Dec 8, 2024

News Publishing

Tech billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos are facing criticism for their efforts to overhaul US newspapers, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, to address declining trust in media.

Soon-Shiong is developing an AI-powered "bias meter" to flag perceived bias in articles, which press advocates criticised as undermining newsroom trust. Bezos, credited with revitalising the Post in 2013, is exploring ideas to address audience and financial losses. Both owners faced backlash after pulling endorsements for Kamala Harris before the US election.

Trust in US media is at historic lows, with only 32% of Americans expressing confidence in 2024.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

US spending on TikTok Shop gains as TikTok faces threat of ban, reports Reuters

General

Dec 8, 2024

TikTok Shop has gained significant traction in U.S. e-commerce since its September 2023 launch, achieving $100 million in Black Friday sales and nearly tripling monthly buyers. Competing with platforms like Shein and Temu, TikTok Shop uses influencers and live streams to promote products, leveraging TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users. Merchants fulfil orders directly, often with faster delivery than Amazon.

Analysts note its growing appeal among consumers, but a potential U.S. ban on TikTok due to ByteDance’s Chinese ownership could threaten its operations.

TikTok Shop has already surpassed Shein and Temu in U.S. spending during peak holiday shopping days.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Advertising Firms Omnicom and Interpublic Nearing Merger That Would Reshape Industry, reports WSJ

M&A

Dec 8, 2024

Omnicom is in advanced talks to acquire Interpublic Group for $13–$14 billion in an all-stock deal, potentially creating the world’s largest advertising company. The merger would combine Omnicom's agencies, such as BBDO and TBWA, with Interpublic's McCann Worldgroup and Mediabrands, giving the new entity over $20 billion in annual revenue. This move aims to address challenges from tech-driven competition like Google and Meta, as AI reshapes the industry.

While promising increased competitiveness, the deal faces potential regulatory scrutiny due to its scale in the ad-buying market.

Both companies are seeking to adapt with investments in technology and restructuring efforts.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Phil Smith to step down as Isba director-general, reports The Media Leader

General

Dec 6, 2024

Leadership Transitions

Phil Smith, director-general of Isba, will step down in mid-2025 but will continue supporting Origin, Isba’s cross-media measurement project, as its chair. A nominations committee, led by Isba president Pete Markey, will find his successor. Smith, who joined Isba in 2017 after roles at Kraft Foods and Camelot, expressed pride in his tenure and commitment to advancing Origin.

Origin, launching in 2025 after beta trials, faces challenges, including integrating Barb TV audience data. Negotiations are ongoing under the “Covent Garden Protocol” to address viewability standards.

Markey praised Smith’s leadership and emphasised the need for strong continuity in Isba’s mission.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

OpenAI seeks to unlock investment by ditching AGI clause with Microsoft, reports FT

General

Dec 6, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI is considering removing a clause that excludes Microsoft from accessing its advanced models once Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is achieved. This would allow Microsoft, which has invested over $13 billion, to continue accessing OpenAI's technology. The clause was originally intended to prevent AGI misuse by commercial entities.

OpenAI, now valued at $150 billion, is restructuring into a public benefit corporation to attract further investment for costly AI development. The not-for-profit entity would retain its mission to ensure AGI benefits humanity.

This shift has faced criticism, including a lawsuit from co-founder Elon Musk, who claims OpenAI has strayed from its founding principles.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Warner Bros. Discovery Considering Finalists for Ad-Sales Leadership Role

General

Dec 6, 2024

Leadership Transitions

Warner Bros. Discovery is seeking a successor to U.S. ad-sales chief Jon Steinlauf, who remains in the role during the search. Despite approaching executives from rival firms, external recruitment efforts have so far failed.

Internal candidates, such as Ryan Gould (digital ad sales) and Robert Voltaggio (ad pricing strategy), are being considered.

The position faces challenges, including declining cable network ratings, the loss of NBA broadcast rights, and CEO David Zaslav's direct involvement in negotiations, which has strained some advertiser relationships. Warner's TV ad revenue fell 10% in 2024, amid growing competition from streaming platforms like Amazon and Netflix.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Appeals Court Upholds U.S. Ban of TikTok, reports WSJ

General

Dec 6, 2024

A U.S. appeals court has upheld a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a ban, citing national security risks. The decision supports concerns that China could access U.S. user data or manipulate content, rejecting free speech arguments from TikTok and users.

The ban will block app updates and hosting services but won’t criminalise usage. TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court and may seek intervention from President-elect Trump, who has criticised the ban.

TikTok’s elimination would mark a significant shift in global internet governance and data control battles.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Health and wellness brands brace for ad restrictions on Meta, reports Digiday

General

Dec 6, 2024

Meta is implementing stricter policies on health and wellness brands, limiting their ability to use lower-funnel data for conversion tracking from January 2025. Brands flagged by Meta may face reduced access to data or full restrictions, affecting their performance marketing strategies and potentially forcing a shift to brand awareness campaigns.

Media buyers anticipate reduced ad spend on Meta as brands struggle to meet performance targets, especially during the peak January wellness season.

While alternative platforms like Google and TikTok are being explored, affected brands are calling for greater transparency and clarity on Meta’s appeals process for these new restrictions.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Teads signs partnership with Vidaa for Hisense CTV inventory, reports The Media Leader

General

Dec 5, 2024

Teads has partnered with Vidaa, the smart TV operating system powering Hisense TVs, to manage connected TV (CTV) native display inventory in markets including the UK, US, Australia, and Brazil.

The collaboration enhances Teads’ global CTV footprint, offering advertisers expanded reach across tens of millions of homes. The partnership debuts with a Southwest Airlines campaign in the US.

Vidaa CEO Guy Edri emphasised the alliance's role in sustainable growth for content, advertising, and technology partners. Teads co-CEO Jeremy Arditi highlighted the deal’s potential to integrate digital and TV buying, enabling richer creative storytelling across channels.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

EU puts TikTok on watch over election security, reports TechCrunch

General

Dec 5, 2024

The European Commission has increased monitoring of TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA) following concerns over its role in Romania's recent presidential election. TikTok is accused of enabling coordinated inauthentic behaviour and algorithmically amplifying pro-Russian nationalist candidate Călin Georgescu, who unexpectedly led the first round.

A retention order now requires TikTok to preserve data and internal documents on its algorithms and election-related activities until March 2025. The EU may open a fresh investigation into TikTok’s compliance with DSA obligations.

TikTok has pledged cooperation but faces potential penalties of up to 6% of global turnover for non-compliance.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Frank McCourt's Project Liberty advances bid for TikTok, reports Axios

General

Dec 5, 2024

Project Liberty, founded by billionaire Frank McCourt, is organising an investor consortium for a "people's bid" to acquire TikTok, valued at $20–$100 billion. The bid comes as a U.S. court deliberates a January 19 deadline for TikTok to sell its U.S. arm or face a ban.

Backed by internet pioneers Tim Berners-Lee and David Clark, the group claims over $20 billion in informal commitments and plans investor roadshows. Project Liberty, advocating safer internet governance, believes its blockchain-based protocols prioritise user privacy.

Despite the effort, the bid faces challenges, including opposition from the Chinese government and legal battles.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Musk’s xAI Wraps Up $6 Billion in Funding in Latest Round, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 5, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk's AI startup xAI has raised $6 billion in a funding round involving 97 investors, according to a US regulatory filing. While the filing omitted specific investors and valuation details, earlier reports suggested xAI was seeking funding at a valuation exceeding $40 billion.

Founded in 2023, xAI previously raised $6 billion in May at a $24 billion valuation. The capital is supporting projects like its Memphis-based supercomputer facility, a major local investment attracting tech firms like Nvidia.

xAI's key product, the chatbot Grok, is available to paying users of X, formerly Twitter. Musk has not commented on the funding.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Nielsen and TikTok launch cross-media measurement, reports AdAge

General

Dec 5, 2024

Nielsen has partnered with TikTok to allow advertisers and agencies to measure ad performance across digital, connected, and linear TV using its Nielsen One platform. Leveraging clean room technology and a panel of over 1.2 million individuals, the integration offers independent demographic reporting, enhancing cross-media insights.

TikTok emphasised the importance of these tools in understanding media engagement, while Nielsen highlighted the value of substantiating media plan effectiveness.

The move follows a similar integration by Nielsen rival iSpot.tv, whose analysis revealed TikTok’s ability to reach unique audiences not exposed to TV ads, highlighting its role in complementing traditional campaigns.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

OpenAI Adds $200 Monthly ChatGPT Pro Subscription With New Model, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 5, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Pro, a premium subscription tier costing $200 per month, offering unlimited access to its most advanced AI model, o1. This enhanced model excels in reasoning, coding, and solving complex math problems, building on an earlier version previewed in September. The new tier complements the existing $20 ChatGPT Plus subscription.

The move reflects OpenAI’s strategy to monetise its high-cost AI developments as it competes with rivals like Google to advance reasoning capabilities in AI systems.

The announcement is part of OpenAI’s "12 days of product events," teasing additional innovations to be unveiled in the coming days.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Despite controversy, principal-based media buying is attracting interest from advertisers, reports Marketing Brew

General

Dec 5, 2024

Principal-based buying, a controversial media agency practice, has resurfaced as agencies seek to boost revenue. The strategy involves agencies purchasing media and reselling it to clients at a markup, essentially a form of arbitrage.

While common in digital media since at least 2016, its renewed focus has sparked transparency concerns. A 2016 ANA report highlighted nontransparent practices, prompting audits and investigations.

Despite criticism, agencies like IPG see principal buying as a competitive edge, citing client acceptance. However, leaders like WPP’s Mark Read question its long-term viability, while Publicis CEO Arthur Sadoun downplays its role in their business and rejects claims of opacity.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Interpublic Group Buys Retail Analytics Company in Deal Valued at Nearly $100 Million, reports WSJ

M&A

Dec 5, 2024

Interpublic Group (IPG) has acquired Mumbai-based retail analytics firm Intelligence Node for nearly $100 million to strengthen its commerce and retail media capabilities. Founded in 2012, Intelligence Node provides real-time data on pricing, promotions, and stock availability to help brands optimise marketing, sales, and product strategies.

The acquisition complements IPG's existing consumer data resources from Acxiom, addressing gaps in product and commerce data. The deal aligns with IPG’s strategy to enhance growth amid challenges like client losses and reduced tech spending.

Competitors like Omnicom and Publicis have also made significant investments in commerce to capitalise on the sector’s rapid growth.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Perplexity Adds The Independent, LA Times, Blavity, and Others to Its Publisher Revenue-Sharing Program, reports AdWeek

General

Dec 5, 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Perplexity AI is expanding its Publisher Program, offering ad revenue sharing and analytics tools to global media outlets such as The Independent, Los Angeles Times, and Prisa Media. The program includes a free one-year subscription to Perplexity’s Enterprise Pro and aims to attract premium publishers with niche expertise.

Despite early controversies over content use, including plagiarism allegations from Forbes and Wired, Perplexity continues testing ads with brands like Whole Foods and Indeed, seeking to grow globally.

Facing competition from Google and OpenAI, Perplexity’s success hinges on shifting user behaviour toward AI platforms and fostering partnerships with publishers.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Disney Boosts Dividend 33% After Achieving Streaming Profit, reports Bloomberg

General

Dec 4, 2024

Walt Disney Co. has increased its annual dividend by 33% to $1 per share, split into two 50-cent payments in January and July 2024. CEO Bob Iger highlighted the move as a sign of Disney’s strengthened position and ongoing investment in its future.

The decision follows Disney’s 75-cent dividend in fiscal 2024 and marks continued progress since resuming dividends last year, after suspending them in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The increase aligns with Disney’s forecast of earnings growth and consecutive profits from its streaming business, addressing prior calls from activist investor Nelson Peltz to prioritise dividend restoration.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

Australia urges greater internet user choice amid Google dominance and genAI, reports Reuters

General

Dec 4, 2024

Australia's competition watchdog has highlighted concerns about Google’s dominant search market share and the potential impact of integrating generative AI into search engines. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warned that Big Tech’s resources could disadvantage competitors, raising issues about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated search responses.

The ACCC proposed service-specific codes to curb anti-competitive behaviour, address data advantages, and enable consumer choice. These measures align with the government’s principles as Australia intensifies regulation of tech giants, following recent laws targeting social media for minors and anti-competition penalties.

The ACCC’s inquiry concludes in March 2025.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.

15% of Google searches are driven by only 148 terms, reports Search Engine Land

General

Dec 3, 2024

A recent analysis by SparkToro, using data from Datos, revealed that just 148 keywords account for 15% of all Google searches, with most being navigational queries like "YouTube," "Gmail," and "Amazon." Branded terms make up 44% of searches, while 51% are informational and only 0.69% transactional.

The report highlights that organic search traffic is increasingly concentrated among fewer websites, favouring large brands and monopolies.

Businesses are advised to diversify discovery efforts across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn, focusing on capturing existing intent rather than solely relying on SEO and PPC, as search competition intensifies.

Primary Source Earnings Report

🔗

Expert Opinions

No items found.