On today's podcast episode, we discuss what the verdict is on Netflix's sports streaming experimentation and how small and mid-sized advertisers are spending more on CTV ads. Tune in to the conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Ross Benes and Vice President Paul Verna. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
Many notable data points emerged from this busy week, including Google's search usage, resounding global trust in influencer recommendations, and most Americans don't know they're using AI-enabled products (even though 99% recently have).
Apple pulls its AI news alerts after hallucinations misrepresent major stories. The controversy shows Big Tech’s ongoing struggle to make AI both useful and trustworthy.
As media struggles with declining traffic, the AP is cashing in on AI licensing deals. But smaller AI companies may struggle to compete in this high-cost content arms race.
The FTC restricts use of minors’ data: The rule requires two instances of parental consent to collect data, but it may not survive the next administration.
Amazon scores a win with “Beast Games”: The reality series from controversial YouTuber MrBeast attracted 50 million viewers.
Thailand finds itself in the luxury spotlight as China’s luster fades: The country’s booming luxury travel market and growing number of ultra-wealthy shoppers is heightening the appeal.
The AI agent era is here: Businesses are using AI agents to streamline operations and reduce staffing costs. As adoption rises, balancing efficiency with customer trust will be the real challenge.
Disney+ Hotstar to stream Coldplay’s record-breaking India concert: The event signals its push beyond sports to premium live entertainment.
AI firms are paying for raw footage, offering creators extra cash—but with low payouts and growing privacy concerns, is this a good deal or a short-term play?
Snapchat launches ‘Find Your Favorites’ campaign: Creator-focused strategy aims to grow engagement and revenue amid TikTok's uncertain US future.
The Trade Desk bolsters its data by acquiring Sincera: The deal hints at a future for DSPs, which face increased competition from sellers.
While Google faces mounting pressure from Bing’s ChatGPT integration and other generative AI (genAI) search platforms, degradation of its own search results, including those shown in its AI Overviews, could be exacerbating migration away from Google.
We explore best practices that can help FIs build bonds with younger customers.
With Flashes and a video app in the works, Bluesky is positioning itself as the go-to alternative for users abandoning Meta’s ad-heavy platforms.
Healthy consumer spending and higher interest income drove gains. But consumers’ financial health isn’t on a glide path yet
Partnership negotiations will have to deal with the program’s list of hurdles
MFA sites still plague open web exchanges: AI allows bad actors to rapidly produce fraudulent websites and use bots to drum up fake pageviews, muddying the ad ecosystem.
Solid December sales cap a year of healthy retail growth: But 2025 could be a different story, as tariff concerns keep all but the wealthiest consumers from spending freely.