The Digiday Podcast

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.

Carly Carson, Head of Integrated Media at PMG, shares insights from Cannes Lions 2025, where she reflects on the industry’s struggles and innovations. She discusses the crucial role of human intuition in AI applications and warns about data quality—"garbage in, garbage out." Carson also highlights the shifting landscape of ad spending, urging marketers to adapt to new consumer behaviors in video and retail. The conversation emphasizes building genuine relationships and co-creating future strategies amid economic challenges, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Rachel Lindsay, former Bachelorette and co-host of the Higher Learning podcast, shares her journey as a content creator and emphasizes the need for genuine connections at events like Cannes. Roman Wasenmüller, Spotify's head of podcast business, discusses the platform's support for creators and the importance of diverse revenue streams. They delve into the evolving monetization landscape, the transition from audio to video content, and how collaboration can enhance the creative experience while building trust within the community.

A few years ago, Twitter Beach was one of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity places to be. Nowadays, the beach and Twitter execs are harder to find. Instead of the flashy fireside chats and branded lounges, X’s execs are found behind closed doors, quietly courting marketers and media buyers against a backdrop of lawsuits, Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM)’s disbanding and political crosshairs. It’s a clear sign that the platform’s role in the ad ecosystem– and culture overall–has dramatically shifted. In this episode of the podcast, platforms reporter Krystal Scanlon joins host Kimeko McCoy about Twitter, now X, and what its retreat from the Cannes beachfront says about its relationship with advertisers, as well as TikTok’s head in the sand mentality around the ban.

Peggy McCann, Chief Media Officer at GSD&M, dives into the vibrant world of retail media networks at this year’s Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. She highlights their rise, emphasizing how they’ve evolved from mere conversion tools to key players in the entire marketing funnel. McCann discusses the importance of first-party data and emotional connections with consumers. As advertising faces economic challenges, she underscores the need for flexible strategies and collaboration between brands and retail partners to truly drive engagement.

Patricia Corsi, the Chief Growth Officer at Kimberly-Clark, shares her insights on navigating the buzz of AI at Cannes Lions 2025. With a background at Bayer, she emphasizes the importance of cutting through the hype to focus on impactful marketing. Corsi discusses innovative strategies for brand messaging, particularly for Kimberly-Clark's adult care brand Poise, and reflects on the festival's evolution as a business hub for creativity and collaboration. Her perspectives on networking and the transformative role of AI in marketing are particularly engaging.

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!