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.
Amid plummeting sales and rising competition, Nintendo hopes its new handheld console will reignite fan loyalty. But will it have the power to compete?
Tubi will get a big boost from a free Super Bowl broadcast: Fox is looking to grow its FAST service with free access to the big game.
Media layoffs surge: The Washington Post lost $100 million last year, while Vox and HuffPost cut staff as publishers face financial pressures.
OpenAI and Axios partner up: The AI firm will fund four local newsrooms in exchange for access to the publisher’s material.
NBC launches early NBA campaign: $2.4 billion annual rights deal includes WNBA games, Peacock exclusives, and 'Sunday Night Basketball' debut in 2026.
Repetition can make for a successful campaign, like when Temu played the same ad five times during last year’s Super Bowl and saw a 45% spike in app downloads, per Harris Poll. However, overexposure runs the risk of irritating your audience.
Search and advertising come under fire as the CMA takes a proactive approach to regulation while the US DOJ focuses on punitive remedies.
Prime Video may take a stab at streaming news: A successful election night broadcast has the streamer exploring options.
Biden’s proposal to restrict AI chip exports to 120 countries faces backlash from Nvidia, which says the policy risks stifling innovation and harming economic growth.
“Daily Listen” creates bite-size AI-generated podcasts from user history but could generate biased summaries and cut into publishers’ revenues.
Meta, Amazon join list of companies ditching DEI efforts: Evidence shows consumers reward commitment to social causes, but companies are making political calculations.
Venu Sports is officially dead: Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox are scrapping the controversial sports streaming service to focus on existing products.
President-elect Trump’s plans to cut EV incentives and expand oil production could drive up vehicle costs, undermining Biden’s clean-energy policies.
Social fuels streaming: Netflix invests in BookTok sensation “Twisted Love” as TikTok reshapes publishing and adaptation strategies.