The Monopoly Report
Episode 25: Rob Leathern - Why We Haven't Fixed Online Advertising Yet
Apr 9, 2025
Rob Leathern, a seasoned entrepreneur and former product leader at Google and Facebook, dives into the chaotic world of online advertising. He outlines a bold 10-step plan to improve the ad space, while candidly discussing why these changes are unlikely to materialize. Trust and transparency emerge as critical themes, highlighting the historical pitfalls of misleading practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges of retargeting, the need for collaboration in the industry, and the delicate balance publishers must maintain between ad revenue and user experience.
34:29
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Quick takeaways
- Rob Leathern emphasizes the need for stricter ad labeling and accountability to enhance transparency and boost consumer trust in online advertising.
- The podcast discusses the critical necessity to limit retargeting practices, highlighting the industry's struggle to implement effective measures amidst complexities in ad effectiveness.
Deep dives
Addressing Systemic Issues in Advertising
The discussion highlights longstanding systemic problems in the advertising industry that have not yet been effectively resolved. As Rob Leathern pointed out, compiling a list of these issues serves not only as a reflection of his experience but also as a framework for understanding potential solutions. Over the years, he has noticed that the nature of advertising has evolved substantially, making it necessary to revisit these challenges. This reflection aims to stimulate conversations about improving advertising practices while addressing both regulatory and non-regulatory factors at play.
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