Magnite $MGNI CEO Michael Barrett - from linear TV to AI
Dec 30, 2024
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Michael Barrett, CEO of Magnite and former leader at Millennial Media and Yahoo, discusses the massive $200B shift from linear TV to streaming. He explores how retail media networks are reshaping advertising amidst Big Tech's dominance. The role of AI in transforming programmatic advertising, especially for small businesses, is a key topic. He also delves into challenges like advertising fatigue and data privacy, while shedding light on how the industry is evolving through collaborations and strategic partnerships.
The shift from linear TV to connected TV reflects changing consumer preferences, leading to a projected increase in advertising dollars for streaming.
AI's impact on programmatic advertising is lowering entry barriers for small businesses, enhancing ad quality and enabling a broader range of advertisers in the CTV space.
Deep dives
The Shift from Linear to Connected TV
Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting from traditional linear television to connected TV (CTV), with streaming services now surpassing linear TV in terms of hours watched. This trend is driven by the demand for higher-quality content and targeted advertising, particularly among younger and wealthier demographics who are less brand-loyal. As major broadcasters launch ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) services, they're adapting to this evolving market. Experts suggest that in three to four years, CTV is expected to surpass linear TV in advertising dollars as the industry adapts to this growing medium.
The Role of AI in Programmatic Advertising
Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize programmatic advertising by lowering the entry barriers for small and medium-sized businesses to advertise effectively. AI can streamline the process of creating high-quality ads that meet broadcasting standards, thus enabling many advertisers who previously relied on social media to diversify their ad spends into streaming platforms. This shift could potentially increase the number of advertisers in the CTV space from thousands to tens of thousands. The enhanced targeting capabilities provided by AI further promise to optimize ad effectiveness and better meet the needs of advertisers.
The Evolving Landscape of Retail Media Networks
Retail giants such as Walmart and Amazon are establishing their own retail media networks, changing how advertising dollars are allocated and consumed. This trend is creating opportunities for brands to leverage their loyalty data more effectively while streamlining advertising in the digital space. However, challenges remain as brands face the risk of over-saturation with ads on retail platforms, which could impact user experience and ad effectiveness. The complexity of these networks and how brands manage their advertising strategies will be crucial in navigating this evolving landscape.
The Impact of Privacy Regulations on Ad Tech
The rise of privacy regulations is reshaping the advertising technology landscape, with significant implications for data usage and targeted advertising. Marketers must navigate various restrictions placed on the handling of consumer data, which complicates traditional ad strategies. Publishers are increasingly being viewed as essential players in the data economy, as they offer valuable context and relationships with users. As privacy concerns continue to develop, the industry is moving towards a more balanced ecosystem where publishers can reclaim some control over data-driven advertising.
Michael Barrett is the CEO of Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising platform with a market cap of over $2.2 billion.
In this episode of World of DaaS, Michael and Auren discuss:
The $200B shift from linear TV to streaming
How retail media networks are reshaping advertising
Big Tech's dominance in digital advertising
How AI will change programmatic advertising
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You can find Auren Hoffman on X at @auren and Michael Barrett on LinkedIn.