The Digiday Podcast Cannes survival tips, WBD split, ad spend outlook and WPP’s big AI bet
Jun 10, 2025
Jim Cooper, Editor-in-chief at Digiday, offers insights from his Cannes Lions experiences, sharing tips for surviving the festival's blend of glam and networking chaos. He discusses crucial strategies for balancing professional commitments with social events, cautioning on the importance of self-care. The conversation also touches on Warner Bros. Discovery's split, an optimistic outlook for ad spending, and WPP’s ambitious plans for AI in advertising. Prepare to navigate Cannes with style, hydration, and savvy!
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Warner Bros. Discovery Split Explained
- Warner Bros. Discovery will split into streaming/studios and cable TV companies by mid-2026.
- The cable TV segment gets saddled with debt and has limited growth potential.
Ad Spend Outlook Brighter Than Feared
- The advertising spending forecast is brighter than expected but remains uncertain ahead.
- Pause on tariffs and a strong jobs report underpin this cautiously optimistic outlook.
Cannes: Meeting Hub by the Sea
- Cannes is a hub of intense meetings along the crescent-shaped Quasette by the water.
- Despite the party reputation, serious deal-making dominates the days.