The Digiday Podcast

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.

Brandon Edelman, known as Brand Flakes on TikTok, shares his journey as a full-time content creator, revealing the secrets behind his brand partnerships and the challenges of post-TikTok life. Krystal Scanlon discusses the implications of Linda Yaccarino's departure from X, the impact of WPP's leadership changes, and how AI is transforming the advertising landscape. The conversation dives into the evolving role of creators and the importance of navigating content creation with passion and authenticity.

Michelle Khare, a YouTuber renowned for her show Challenge Accepted, shares her journey of elevating content while riding the wave of potential Emmy nominations. She discusses the intricate challenges behind high-stakes productions and the balance between audience engagement and personal passion. Meanwhile, co-hosts Kimeko McCoy and Tim Peterson dive into Paramount's settlement with the Trump administration and the ongoing tensions between European publishers and Google's AI initiatives, alongside TikTok's strategies for maintaining relevance in the U.S.

Danielle Pistotnik, a talent manager at Select Management Group and executive producer of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," shares insights into the evolving reality TV landscape. She discusses the challenges of creating a show centered on TikTok creators and navigating traditional media. The conversation touches on Meta's acquisition strategies, FTC approvals affecting advertising, and Netflix's expansion into French networks. The dialogue captures the intersection of social media influence and conventional entertainment, highlighting fresh perspectives in the creator economy.