Media & Entertainment

This year has the makings for a major year in advertising, with big events like the Olympics and the presidential election on the calendar. But don’t expect 2024 to follow the same patterns as 2020 or 2016. Following duel strikes and in the midst of streamer consolidation, this year media planners need to be agile aware of changes in consumer sentiment and content. Here are five trends media experts think you should watch.

Are chatbots the next digital billboards? Startup Adzedek is providing a pay-per-click ad system to AI providers. It’s a revenue lifeline that comes with PR baggage due to AI’s mouthiness.

Disney and Reliance merge Indian businesses, creating an $8.5 billion juggernaut: The joint venture is set to dominate India's entertainment with 40% market share.

Media giants from 17 European countries sue Google for €2.1 billion, claiming ad market manipulation and revenue loss. Intensifying litigation could topple Google’s long-standing practices.

Apple shareholders vote down AI ethics standards: They’re getting impatient with Apple over its generative AI hesitation. The tech giant is focusing on quality over quantity to uphold its reputation.

Honda fuses its personal mobility venture with VR: Its full-body device could provide novel immersive experiences at commercial venues, but the vision for VR is smaller, lighter devices.

Paramount reports Q4 profit surge as Paramount+ grows: Strategy shifts towards efficiency, global focus amid industry challenges

Despite the platforms’ efforts to distance themselves from news and political content, social media remains a major source of information about politics and current events. It’s also a focal point for discussions on hot-button topics like the election, and an important political marketing channel.

OpenAI slams NYT while Google invests in AI news: Tech companies need news outlets, but questions over fair compensation and journalistic integrity loom large.

But Google isn’t the only company with a misbehaving AI: Microsoft and OpenAI chatbots have been generating problematic output too, but the burden is on Google to show its winning tech.

64% of US adults think disinformation and “fake news” are most widespread on social media, according to a September 2023 survey from UNESCO and Ipsos.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the main problems folks are facing today when it comes to building creatives, how to overcome them, and what the creative problems of the future might be. "In Other News," we talk about the generative AI (genAI) priorities for marketers this year and what will actually replace cookies. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Bill Fisher and Aarjav Thakore, senior product manager at StackAdapt.

Key sectors increased podcast ad spending in 2023: Our Industry KPI data shows that travel, services, and alcohol significantly bolstered their investment.

While OpenAI is for Copilot and consumers, Mistral’s AI is being pitched as a service for Azure Cloud customers. Its AI diversification is raising regulatory eyebrows.

The gaming giant is cutting 900 jobs from its PlayStation division, reducing headcount in various studios as it reassesses the industry’s changing landscape.

Google DeepMind showcases Genie, a gaming and robotics catalyst: The AI model represents an innovative breakthrough that could be a stepping stone to artificial general intelligence.

Disney faces investor challenge: Blackwells Capital calls for AI-focused restructuring to boost stock, sparking a debate on technology's role in entertainment.

US streaming growth slows, signaling a market shift: Platforms must now focus on retention over rapid expansion to adapt.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the potential audiences for some of the world’s biggest sporting events; how brands and marketers can better monetize these audiences; and how TV and streaming rights might shake out in the near future. Join host Bill Fisher, our analyst Paul Briggs, forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, and vice president of content Paul Verna for the discussion.

Amazon debuts at Upfront Week, showcasing its ad-supported streaming services and more: It’s a strategic move to expand its digital advertising reach.