Like other banks before it, PacWest is looking for ways to stay afloat as its stock price sinks.

For today’s bank failure: A deal that would have created a top-10 US bank goes under.

There’s a gap between consumer wishes and brand DEI efforts: Consumers are saying more than ever that brands should prioritize social issues and inclusion.

Paramount to shed “noncore” assets after tough earnings: Streaming losses widened, raising questions about whether it can survive the digital future.

Microsoft assures advertisers that AI won’t change the business: Early ad formats and channels mimic existing ones, but it’s far from a permanent solution.

The battle against TikTok took center stage at this week’s NewFronts, as Meta, Snapchat, and YouTube unveiled new ad products tied to short-form video. While none of them can compete with TikTok’s lock on the youth market or the enormous amount of time its users spend on the app, these new ad products are an attempt to bring Reels, Spotlight, and Shorts into greater parity with TikTok’s ad formats.

Influencer marketing is getting more expensive. While rates vary based on factors such as the platform, the content type, and creator follower counts, the overall trend for pricing is up.

Next year, Snapchat’s ad revenues will increase by 10.4% worldwide after a year of almost no growth. Its ad revenues will rise from $3.80 billion this year to $4.20 billion next year, but they’ll still make up just 0.6% of total digital ad revenues worldwide.

On today's episode, we discuss what to make of Google's start to the year, whether it can defend against AI-infused competitors, and how worried we should be about YouTube. "In Other News," we talk about whether ad spending is actually doing just fine and check in on how folks feel about cookies going away. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Evelyn Mitchell.

Eurozone retail sales contracted in March: Persistent inflation caused food sales volumes to drop 6.8% YoY, while non-food sales posted a smaller decline.

TikTok is going all-in on in-app purchases; Meta is focused on shoppable ads; and YouTube hopes to gain a competitive advantage through its strong creator relationships. All of this is happening as we forecast US retail social commerce sales will grow nearly 30% this year to hit $68.92 billion

To counter a 20% YoY drop in sales, Ford discounts its EV Mustangs. In the crowded EV market, competitors can stand out with lower prices or longer range.

CPG brands hike prices to pad their margins: Companies are leveraging data to minimize the share of consumers who trade down to less expensive options. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)

Uber and Instacart expand retail media offerings: Both companies are giving CPGs more advertising opportunities. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)

Canadians want hybrid healthcare services, too: Convenience and quick access to care matter even in a public healthcare delivery system. Would responses be different if Canadians had to pay out of pocket?

CVS lays out its healthcare vision: We examine how the retailer plans to integrate its healthcare services—and if another acquisition is forthcoming.

ChatGPT’s popularity, its impact on businesses, and potential for misuse are pushing governments and regulators to set limits. Where do they even begin?