Advertising & Marketing

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what traveler media can do that retail media can’t, what makes travelers more receptive to personalized ads, and the possibilities that emerge once fast, free WiFi becomes ubiquitous on planes. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Principal Analyst Sarah Marzano, and the CEO of MileagePlus, United Airlines Richard Nunn. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Marketers are just starting to familiarize themselves with machine-to-machine (M2M) marketing, where a brand AI agent and a consumer AI agent navigate decision-making. The next step is preparing for this AI-driven method of influencing consumers, by examining how agents “understand” their brands and work to improve those impressions.

Internet adoption in Asia-Pacific will rise from 65.8% in 2025 to 70.2% in 2030, thanks to rapidly expanding infrastructure—particularly in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. But parts of the region are still lagging.

Chrome is the hottest browser no one can buy—yet: OpenAI, Yahoo, and Perplexity are lining up to bid if the DOJ forces a Google sell-off, eyeing a shortcut to AI search dominance.

Healthcare providers ages 50-70 are the most avid digital enthusiasts: HCPs are leaning into digital channels, but adoption varies among age cohorts. We dig into which digital channels they prefer, and implications for pharma companies looking to engage with HCPs.

CEO Aravind Srinivas says Comet will track user activity to build deep profiles for hyperpersonalized ads but risks alienating privacy-focused users.

2 in 5 brands plan to scale back Pride engagement: The change results from mounting conservative pressure—but some brands are reaffirming commitment.

WPP Q1 revenues decline 5% YoY: Another disappointing quarter could spell trouble ahead for the company if it doesn’t enhance its value proposition.

YouTube tests new AI features: The updates, including video carousels in search results and AI video summaries, promise innovation but require adaptation.

52% of US adults use a VPN to protect their IP address, according to a February 2025 CNET and YouGov survey.

Google halts plans to remove third-party cookies in Chrome: The move delays a major privacy shift but doesn’t stop the push for user-centric ad models.

Madwell sued by NYT for thousands in unpaid debts: The lawsuit serves as a warning and highlights the need for brands to vet the agencies they work with.

Peacock reduced losses, gained subscribers in Q1: The successes indicate that the streaming platform could become more enticing for advertisers.

Google’s core businesses remain strong in Q1: Browser scrutiny and AI search shifts could test the foundation of its power

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss (now that tariffs are here), how they’re impacting consumer behavior, some unexpected outcomes, and the numbers that will guide retailers in the months ahead. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Analyst Rachel Wolff and Senior Analyst Zak Stambor.

YouTube’s journey from zoo clip to video empire: A short upload about elephants was the starting domino in the rise of the internet’s most powerful platform.