The Big Story

It's Thanksgiving, so we are sharing our podcast feed by posting an episode of AdExchanger Talks. Recorded right after the closing arguments of US vs. Google, ad tech antitrust edition, Digital Content Next CEO Jason Kint shares insights from inside the courtroom.

The odds of RFK Jr. implementing a ban on TV drug ads are slim, says our guest this week, BranchLab’s Josh Walsh. Still, pharma advertisers could face other regulatory changes over the next four years. Plus: We break down Forrester’s picks for the top 10 SSPs.

Jessica Alter, co-founder of the nonprofit Tech for Campaigns, believes political campaigns should model their digital ad strategy on that of seed-stage startups. She joins the podcast this week to talk through this year’s unexpected election results.

Join Jordan Lieberman, CEO of Powers Interactive, a pioneer in political ad tech, and Antonio Miller, Research Manager at Activision Blizzard Media, as they dissect the impact of ad dollars in the 2024 election. They explore how gaming immersion changes consumer behavior and the challenges of aligning campaigns with digital platforms. The conversation delves into the shift towards addressable media in political advertising, the evolution of voter dynamics, and the crucial role of authenticity in today’s election landscape.

In this discussion, Nikhil Lai, a Senior Analyst at Forrester, shares insights from his latest report on creative ad tech, revealing the growing divide between creative directors and performance marketers. He emphasizes the role of generative AI in revolutionizing ad production and the need for collaboration in the industry. Meanwhile, Antonio Miller from Activision Blizzard Media dives into how gaming enhances consumer engagement through immersive attention metrics, uncovering the unique marketing opportunities present in the gaming landscape.

The podcast dives into the rise and implications of curation in programmatic buying. It critiques whether curation is just a rebranded ad network and explores its potential to either save or harm the open web. Discussions reveal challenges for small publishers and the shift to subscriber models. It also highlights millennials' preference for text over visual content, raising questions about engagement. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and genuine value in curated advertising strategies.

James Hersher and Anthony Vargas dive into the fascinating world of Amazon Ads straight from the Unboxed conference in Austin. They discuss Amazon's innovative ad tech developments, including the Performance Plus product, positioning it against competitors like Google and Facebook. The duo also sheds light on the ongoing battle between brand safety and news publishers, highlighting challenges faced by outlets, particularly during politically charged times. Their insights reveal a complex landscape for future advertising strategies.

James Hersher, a Senior Editor at AdExchanger, brings his deep insights into the ad tech industry. He delves into the rising tension between The Trade Desk and independent ad tech firms, discussing the implications of its market dominance and initiatives like Open Path. The conversation shifts to Advertising Week, highlighting AI's future and a lighthearted Ad Tech Jeopardy game. Hersher also addresses Google's evolving cookie policy, emphasizing transparency and privacy challenges in the landscape.

 It’s a wrap on the US v. Google antitrust case, at least for now. Then, behind the IP infringement claim on the OpenRTB spec that ruffled feathers at the IAB Tech Lab.

Hear what the ad tech industry is saying about Google’s antitrust trial. Then, a rundown on how the election is playing out for political advertisers and news publishers.