The Refresh News: June 2nd - Interview with James Rosewell on Saving the Open Web + AI Anxiety and Media Upheaval on The Refresh weekly news

In this episode, AdTechGod interviews James Rosewell, co-founder of Movement for an Open Web, discussing the evolution of the open web, the implications of the Privacy Sandbox, the importance of web browsers, and the future of regulation in the digital advertising landscape. They explore the impact of political changes on antitrust initiatives and the need for market certainty, while also providing resources for listeners to stay informed about these developments.

Takeaways

• James Rosewell founded Movement for an Open Web to address concerns about the Privacy Sandbox.

• The open web must offer advertisers a good return on investment and protect content rights.

• Privacy Sandbox can now compete on its merits without coercion from Google.

• Web browsers play a crucial role in the digital advertising ecosystem.

• Regulation is needed to ensure fair competition in the browser market.

• Political changes are influencing antitrust motivations in the US.

• Market certainty is essential during the appeal process for Google.

• The European Commission is taking steps towards divestiture of Google.

• Funding models for web browsers need to be reevaluated.

• Resources are available for those wanting to learn more about the open web movement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Open Web Movement

01:29 The Birth of Movement for an Open Web

04:09 Antitrust and Privacy Sandbox Insights

06:02 The Role of Web Browsers in Advertising

10:00 Regulation and the Future of Browsers

12:10 Political Changes and Their Impact

14:00 Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

16:33 Resources for Further Learning

AI Anxiety, Media Shakeups & the Social Disconnect

In this episode of The Refresh, Kait breaks down a pivotal week in Adland marked by existential questions around AI, massive corporate restructuring, and the steady evolution of streaming. From WPP's dramatic rebrand and layoffs to the Meta antitrust trial's conclusion and fresh Nielsen numbers, the episode weaves together the mounting pressure of rapid technological change and its human cost.

Key Discussion Points:

• WPP rebrands Group M as “WPP Media” under an AI-first strategy, but the move triggers confusion and layoffs impacting up to 45% of staff.

• The broader advertising industry is facing an AI reckoning, as companies move faster than ever with minimal oversight or infrastructure for displaced workers.

• Meta’s antitrust trial wraps, with the FTC accusing the company of a “buy or bury” strategy—highlighting internal emails and challenging definitions of competition.

• Despite social media’s waning ability to foster community, creator marketing continues to boom—but may need reevaluation for long-term brand building.

• Nielsen’s April report shows streaming now holds 44% of total TV usage, with ad-supported content making up 72% of viewership; Grey’s Anatomy tops the charts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices