The Digiday Podcast

Join Sam Han, the Chief AI Officer at The Washington Post, as he unpacks the intriguing role of an AI overseer in a media environment. He shares insights on how AI strategies optimize paywalls, resulting in a 20% boost in customer value. Dive into the evolving landscape of TikTok's U.S. operations and Disney's media controversies, alongside discussions about Meta's shift towards usage-based licensing. Han also touches on the challenges of recruiting top AI talent amidst fierce competition from tech giants.

Retail media networks have been striking deals and inking partnerships with social and streaming platforms to open up ad inventory across the internet. It’s a push to get advertisers to see RMNs as full funnel marketing channels as opposed to a search and display one trick pony. Now, if advertisers like Ferrero see it as such, that’s still up for debate (18:29). Also on this episode, why Paramount Skydance is eyeing a bid for Warner Bros Discovery (3:18), what the Amazon and Netflix DSP deal could mean for The Trade Desk (8:47) and inside the FTC’s latest big tech probe (14:30).

Jessica Davies and Sara Guaglione, both senior media experts at Digiday, dive into how AI is dramatically reshaping the search landscape for publishers. They discuss the rise of AI chatbots in online search and the implications for traffic and engagement metrics. The conversation touches on Google's legal challenges, Apple's push for its own AI search engine, and the call for regulatory action regarding new AI tools like Gemini. They explore how publishers can adapt to these rapid changes and the importance of maintaining quality in journalism.

Sara Jerde, Managing Editor at Digiday, breaks down a chaotic summer in media and marketing. She discusses the rise of AI competitors and how they're challenging traditional advertising channels. The conversation also touches on Google's looming antitrust trials and the significance of tariffs on the back-to-school season. Jerde highlights the shift back to TV bundles in streaming services and the ongoing negotiation struggles for publishers, revealing the intricate changes shaping the industry's landscape.

Michael Bürgi, Senior media buying editor at Digiday, and Seb Joseph, Executive editor of News at Digiday, delve into the complex relationship between AI and advertising agencies. They discuss how generative AI could disrupt client relationships, making agencies either more essential or less reliable. The conversation also touches on the shifting compensation structures and the potential job impacts within the industry as brands navigate their increasing reliance on AI. Expect insights on marketing strategies in this rapidly evolving landscape!

Kristi Argyilan, the global head of advertising at Uber and recognized as the godmother of retail media, discusses her unique career journey and the hurdles ahead in the advertising landscape. She explores the shift to digitized media strategies, emphasizing the importance of first-party data. Kristi highlights career adaptability in the age of AI and reflects on the evolving retail media industry, stressing the need for continuous learning and innovation. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on navigating professional challenges in a transforming digital environment.

Jennifer Wong, the Chief Operating Officer at Reddit, shares insights on the platform's ambitious plans to morph into a competitive search engine. She discusses the implementation of the Reddit Answers feature to boost search capabilities and highlights the role of AI in enhancing user experiences. The conversation also explores the dynamic landscape of streaming with Disney's integration of Hulu, alongside recent developments in the advertising sector, making for a riveting discussion on the future of media and technology.

Seb Joseph, the executive editor of news at Digiday, and Sara Guaglione, a senior media reporter, dive into Meta's ambitious superintelligence vision and discuss Amazon's hefty deal with The New York Times. They explore the ongoing TV upfront negotiations amid a shifting landscape in advertising and the role of AI in media. The duo emphasizes the need for publishers to unite against AI's influence, tackling issues around content control and compensation. Their insights showcase the evolving dynamics between traditional media and tech giants.

Alexander Lee, a senior entertainment media reporter, and Krystal Scanlon, a platforms reporter, dive deep into the evolving creator economy. They discuss the implications of the recent Paramount and Skydance merger, especially regarding diversity and corporate governance. The duo explores challenges faced by lifestyle creators, including TikTok's uncertain future and shifting audience interests. They also highlight a trend towards long-term collaborations in influencer marketing and the rising significance of platforms like LinkedIn for B2B engagements.

This week’s episode recaps what CBS's cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert says about the media business and takes a look at OpenAI's agentic AI offering. Then (24:20) Albert Thompson, head of digital innovation at ad agency Walton Isaacson, joins the show in a live recording from Digiday’s CTV Advertising Strategies event to break down why the CTV ad industry needs to prioritize more native ad formats.