Next in Media Emily and Mike Talk AI in Media Buying, Agency Layoffs, and Trade Desk Bounceback
May 13, 2025
Emily Riley, an AdTech consultant and former analyst, joins to discuss the robust comeback of The Trade Desk, suggesting that initial fears about the ad tech market might have been exaggerated. She and Mike explore the transformative impact of AI on media buying, balancing automation with the need for personal relationships. They dive into the complexities of Connected TV advertising, emphasizing how major brands are reshaping the landscape. Additionally, they highlight the disruptive potential of AI in search advertising and the challenges of maintaining data accuracy.
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Trade Desk's Market Resilience
- The Trade Desk's recent strong performance indicates a possible stabilization in the ad tech market.
- Their success is partly due to innovations like OpenPath, reflecting growth in direct buying opportunities.
Agency Shifts and AI Integration
- Agencies are restructuring, reducing media planners while integrating AI into operations.
- There's uncertainty about fully trusting AI to make multimillion-dollar ad decisions without human oversight.
Transparency vs. AI Automation
- AI promises automation but often reduces transparency in ad buying.
- The challenge is balancing automation efficiencies with the human relationships that matter in big-ticket ad sales.