Microsoft’s Activision acquisition nears its conclusion: There are a few roadblocks left to clear, but the odds of a merger are higher than ever.

All the metrics we track for connected TV (CTV) are climbing, including time spent, ad dollars, and users. All this is happening as linear viewership declines, and for the first time, non-pay TV viewers have surpassed pay TV this year, according to our forecast. Here’s what advertisers need to know to keep up with this shifting landscape.

Restaurants are cutting their virtual brands: Some, like Red Robin and Applebee’s, are looking to save resources as customer behavior shifts, while others have fallen victim to Uber Eats’ crackdown.

Babies R Us’ comeback couldn’t come at a better time: With all buybuy Baby stores set to close, the relaunched retailer has a clear runway to grow—assuming Target and Walmart don’t get in the way.

Hackers exploit Microsoft flaw to target US government: Microsoft’s security flaws and lack of free premium protective features for customers triggers criticism and could undermine its cloud revenue ambitions.

Google’s biggest threat is its talent brain drain: After losing a cohort of key AI researchers, the tech giant’s simplicity sprint could continue to empower the competition.

On today's episode, we discuss what to make of Meta's new Threads app, whether the internet is becoming more like TikTok, the argument against "click to cancel," ad-supported versus ad-free video streaming, how shipping works, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood and analysts Zach Goldner, and Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf.

Under First Citizens, SVB rebuilds its brand: Recommitting to supporting startups is part of its uphill battle.

Amazon’s BNPL partners—Affirm and Citi—likely benefited from growing consumer demand for the tool

A slew of payment providers are ready to integrate its capabilities, reflecting skyrocketing softPOS demand

Adobe takes AI image generator global: Firefly tool, having created 1 billion assets, expands to over 100 languages.

Stress tests revealed robust banking health but unmasked the strain on consumer finances. We think it’s in banks’ best interest to bolster financial support.

After 11 months of US ad declines, Standard Media's US Ad Market Tracker showed 2.5% growth in May, signaling a potential rebound. Even with mixed signals and uncertainties, there is at last a sign of hope, our analyst Paul Verna said on a recent episode of “Behind the Numbers.”

We expect back-to-school sales to rise 2.9%: While that’s a far cry from rates over the past two years, it is markedly higher than in 2019.

Retail sales in Brazil fell 1.0% YoY in May: We expect sales to grow 4.4% this year.

Digital ad spend worldwide will hit $601.84 billion this year, up 9.5% from $549.51 billion in 2022, according to our forecast.

What patients fear the most about hospitals: “Profits over patients” is a running narrative that hospitals must flip. Addressing patients’ sky-high medical bills is a good first step.

Trends in US time spent with media: Our latest report, US Time Spent with Media Forecast 2023, shows where consumers are shifting their media attention in 2023 and where they’ll be watching in 2025. Here’s what healthcare marketers need to know.

Generative AI is not ready for primetime in healthcare: The enthusiasm around AI’s ability to revolutionize healthcare is cooling off, but it’s not likely to hit the trough of disillusionment. Here’s why.