The Big Story

James Herscher, a Senior Editor known for his insights on marketing dynamics, dives into the transformative impact of AI on GroupM's restructuring. He discusses the looming threat of one-click campaign planning and its implications for agency jobs. The conversation highlights the shifting payment models in advertising, the need for simpler data insights, and the balance between automation and human expertise. As AI reshapes the industry, Herscher emphasizes the evolving landscape for new graduates and the future of marketing roles.

Does a connected TV DSP need lower take rates? Inside the battle among DSP’s to take on The Trade Desk’s dominant market position. Plus: an on-the-ground report from the TV NewFronts.

Emarketer is predicting tariffs could lead to a $2.78 billion to $4 billion decline in linear TV upfront spending, but CTV spending will be flat to up. Emarketer analyst Ross Benes unpacks these findings. Plus: At the Possible conference, optimism reins.

Google’s SSP and ad server businesses have been ruled monopolies. Plus, Google Chrome isn’t going to change its third-party cookie opt-ins, preserving their utility for marketers. Go inside this momentous news.

Temu pulled back on its US ad spend this week, as tariffs loom. Plus, in France, the ATT prompt was deemed anticompetitive and, as a result, will likely need to be changed.

The Trump tariff situation is in constant flux, creating uncertainty that spells doom for any potential growth in US ad spending this year. Plus, how retail media and other emerging channels could be threatened by tariff turmoil.

What’s old is new. Time is a flat circle. Trends are cyclical. Choose your idiom, because this week’s episode grapples with two topics that are back in style (so to speak): bot traffic and the tantalizing dream of scaling programmatic in-game advertising.

Alison Schiff, managing editor and expert in ad tech and data privacy, dives into the upheaval triggered by the IAB Tech Lab's proposal to move ad auctions to the server. She discusses the balance between consumer privacy and industry norms, humorously reflecting on journalistic mishaps. The conversation highlights the shifting dynamics in digital advertising, the critical role of trust, and the perception of data privacy as either a badge of honor or a baseline expectation. Schiff also addresses the complexities surrounding programmatic advertising and the industry's transparency challenges.

Alphonso shareholders won their lawsuit against LG Ads, clearing the way for an IPO. Then, as TikTok counts down the days until its stay of execution expires, Oracle might buy a minority stake.

Guest Brian Wieser, a principal at Madison and Wall and a respected voice in advertising, discusses the significant impacts of U.S. tariffs on the ad industry. He highlights how supply chain disruptions are forcing advertisers to rethink spending strategies. Alongside him, James Hercher from AdExchanger delves into Publicis' acquisition of Lotame, revealing how this move aims to strengthen client-consumer relationships in a rapidly evolving market. Expect insights on navigating ad tech transformations and the implications of rising production costs.