Media Intelligence

Join Kate, Jeff, and Nidhi as they unpack advertising's evolution in the AI era. The team examines recent ad tech developments and how TV advertising is shifting with new technologies and viewer behaviors.They discuss content creators' growing influence in advertising and share insights on economic trends affecting consumers. The conversation explores Warner Brothers Discovery's split and its implications for the media landscape.They also analyze European broadcasting partnerships and the rising valuations of sports content in today's competitive marketplace.00:00 Introduction & Weather Chat01:52 AI Revolution in Advertising05:10 Breaking Down Ad Tech Announcements08:39 TV Advertising's Transformation12:10 The Influencer Effect13:09 Economic Trends & Consumer Pulse14:40 WBD Split: Media's Big Shakeup17:16 Media M&A Landscape20:06 European Broadcasting Alliances23:24 Sports Content: The New Gold Rush26:48 Looking Ahead: Industry Forecast

Kate Scott-Dawkins from WPP Media sits down with Brian Berner, Global Head of Ad Sales at Spotify, during Cannes Lions 2025. They discuss the evolution of advertising, Spotify's innovative strategies, and how AI is shaping both consumer experiences and ad creation. The conversation provides insights into global advertising trends, Spotify’s growth in emerging markets, and the future of technology in marketing.00:00 - Welcome to Cannes: Setting the Stage for Innovation03:15 - From Campus Ads to Spotify: Brian Berner’s Ad Journey08:45 - Advertising in Flux: Trends Reshaping the Industry14:30 - AI at Spotify: Revolutionizing Personalization and Ads20:10 - Cracking Emerging Markets: India, Brazil, and Beyond25:50 - The Next Frontier: Voice, Wearables, and Consumer Attention31:20 - Wrapping Up: Spotify’s Vision for the Future of Advertising

Kate Scott-Dawkins, Jeff Foster, and Nidhi Shah from the WPP Media Intelligence team discuss key highlights from their newly released advertising forecast report, This Year, Next Year, MidYear Forecast. The podcast covers global advertising trends, including market projections, shifts in media consumption, and the transformative impact of AI on the industry.Check out an interactive overview of the report here: http://www.wppmedia.com/news/tyny-midyear-2025?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=tynyTakeaways:Global advertising revenue is forecasted to reach $1.08 trillion by 2025.Retail media is expected to surpass total TV revenue by 2025.The advertising market shows resilience despite economic uncertainties.Search advertising continues to grow globally at 7.4%.Content-driven advertising is now the largest segment of media.User-generated content has surpassed professionally produced content in ad revenue.AI is transforming the advertising landscape significantly.Marketers need to consider how to engage with bots in the future.Trust and transparency are crucial in AI-driven advertising.The advertising industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies.00:00 - Introduction and Rebranding01:01 - Global Advertising Forecast for 202502:16 - U.S. Market Insights: Retail Media vs. TV04:38 - UK Trends and Digital Growth06:29 - Introducing the New Media Taxonomy10:49 - Industry Feedback on the New Framework13:08 - User-Generated Content Surpasses Professional Content14:17 - The Creator Economy and Revenue Streams16:07 - AI’s Transformative Impact on Advertising19:48 - Marketing to Bots and the Future of Web Traffic23:20 - Ethical Considerations for AI in Advertising24:46 - Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

In this episode, Kate Scott-Dawkins is joined by Jeff Foster and Nidhi Shah to discuss the team’s work on the upcoming This Year, Next Year advertising forecast report, set to release publicly on June 10th. The trio dives into key developments in media, technology, and advertising, including major announcements from Google I/O, Xiaomi's rise as a media owner, and the evolving role of AI in content creation and ad strategies. They also reflect on industry trends like programmatic buying in legacy media and the growing importance of live sports for streaming platforms.00:00 - Introduction and Team Updates01:52 - Paramount’s Rugby Deal and the Value of Live Sports03:44 - Xiaomi’s Growth, Smart EVs, and Advertising Strategy07:36 - Google I/O Announcements and AI Innovations12:58 - AI’s Impact on Advertising and Market Shifts17:08 - Legacy Media Trends and Programmatic Buying21:20 - What’s Next? Wrapping Up and Personal Highlights

In this episode, Kate Scott-Dawkins and Jeff Foster discuss the busy earnings season, highlighting key economic trends, advertising growth, and the impact of AI on major companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google. They explore the challenges faced by Snap and Spotify, Comcast's revenue struggles, and the future of subscription models in consumer behavior. The conversation also touches on global market trends and regulatory impacts, concluding with insights into cultural moments that shape media consumption.TakeawaysThe earnings season has been particularly busy with significant economic news.US hiring trends remain positive despite economic uncertainties.Meta is focusing on AI to enhance its advertising business.Snap's advertising growth is mixed, with stagnant user growth in key markets.Amazon continues to lead in advertising growth alongside Meta.Google's advertising performance shows signs of recovery, particularly in search.Microsoft's growth is driven by advertising within its personal computing segment.Apple's services revenue is steadily increasing, but hardware sales face challenges.Subscription models are expected to play a larger role in consumer purchases by 2030.Cultural moments, especially sports, continue to drive media consumption globally.00:00 - Introduction & Overview02:55 - Economic Trends & Consumer Sentiment05:49 - Earnings Reports: Meta & Amazon09:14 - Advertising Insights: Snap & Spotify12:07 - Digital Ad Landscape: Google & Microsoft14:56 - Future of Media: Subscription Models & Predictions17:59 - Comcast & Peacock: Performance Analysis21:07 - Market Trends: Global Insights & Regulations23:52 - Wrap-Up & Cultural Reflections

In this episode, Kate Scott-Dawkins and Jeff Foster break down Netflix's latest earnings report. They highlight the impressive 13% revenue growth and discuss Netflix's bold ambition to hit a $1 trillion market cap. They also look at how advertising revenue, a strong market, and smart content investments can help the company grow.Kate and Jeff discuss the potential of AI to reduce production costs. They take a closer look at the ongoing antitrust trials involving Meta and Google and what these cases could mean for the media world in the future.00:00 – Introduction & Podcast Preview• Kate and Jeff welcome listeners and outline the topics for the week.00:40 – Netflix Earnings Overview• Discussion of Netflix’s 13% revenue growth, the missing subscriber count, and overall earnings call highlights.02:00 – Ad Revenue Goals & Forecasting• They cover the leaked goal of reaching a $1 trillion valuation and $9 billion in ad revenue by 2030, plus initial strategy insights.03:30 – Live Events & Video Podcasts• Conversation about Netflix’s strategy around live events (NFL games, Oscars, etc.) and the evolution of video podcasts.06:00 – Market Trends & Margins• Analysis of Q1 dynamics, pricing adjustments, margin strength, and resilient consumer behavior in home entertainment.09:42 – Ad Revenue Modeling Details• A detailed walkthrough of the modeling assumptions—from a small ad revenue base in 2024 to the ambitious 2030 target.17:12 – AI & Content Innovation• Discussion on how AI is reshaping film production (e.g., de-aging effects) and its potential cost-saving impacts.19:21 – Tech Trials & Antitrust Updates• Coverage of antitrust trials affecting Meta (Instagram/WhatsApp) and Google’s ad tech practices, plus implications for future strategy.25:20 – Weekend Recommendations & Wrap-Up

In this episode, Kate Scott-Dawkins, Jeff Foster, and Nidhi Shah explore the escalating US-China tariff situation, its impact on industries like automotive and technology, and how businesses are navigating uncertainty. They also discuss the resilience of the financial services sector, shifts in consumer behavior, and the broader implications for globalization and advertising trends.Disclaimer: Since recording this episode, a 90-day pause on tariffs has been announced, along with adjustments to tariffs on China. While these developments may temporarily ease tensions, the topics discussed—such as long-term impacts on industries, consumer behavior, and globalization—remain highly relevant.Key Topics Discussed:US-China Tariffs: Impacts on key industries like autos, apparel, and tech.Globalization Under Strain: Challenges to specialization and self-sufficiency.Financial Services Resilience: Growth despite inflation and economic uncertainty.Advertising Trends: Small business challenges and the rise of "Made in America" messaging.Sports Advertising: Super Bowl, World Cup, and Olympics sustaining demand.Chapters:00:00 - Disclaimer 00:16 - Episode Overview and Tariff Discussion 02:18 - US-China Tariffs: Impacts and Retaliation 05:45 - Industry-Specific Challenges: Autos, Tech, and Apparel 09:51 - Globalization Under Strain and Manufacturing Shifts 12:00 - Small vs. Large Business Responses to Tariffs 15:25 - Impact on Sports and Live Event Advertising 19:30 - Financial Services Sector Resilience and Outlook

WPP has acquired InfoSum, the world’s leading data collaboration platform, in a major step forward for its AI-driven data capabilities. InfoSum will join GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, to create a new generation of privacy-first, AI-enhanced marketing solutions powered by the industry’s most secure and scalable data infrastructure.This acquisition allows WPP clients to unlock the full potential of their first-party data while connecting securely with data providers and media partners. By integrating InfoSum’s patented cross-cloud technology into WPP Open, clients can build, train, and deploy custom AI models faster than ever—delivering smarter insights, better audience targeting, and measurable campaign improvements across the entire marketing ecosystem.With access to InfoSum’s extensive global data network—including signals from leading media platforms, retailers, and identity partners—WPP is redefining marketing intelligence and helping clients move beyond outdated identity-based solutions.This is “Intelligence Beyond Identity,” where privacy, performance, and innovation come together to shape the future of marketing.Learn more about this exciting partnership and what it means for WPP, GroupM, and their clients with Brian Lesser, Evan Hanlon, and Lauren Wetzel.⁠https://www.groupm.com/newsroom/wpp-acquires-infosum-in-major-investment-in-its-ai-driven-data-offer/⁠

In this episode hosts Kate Scott-Dawkins, Jeff Foster, and Nidhi Shah are joined by special guest Aisha Khan, Head of Client Engagement for GroupM Global Commerce. Their discussion covers advertising trends among the top media sellers, retail media innovation, economic impacts on advertising, and YouTube’s growing dominance in TV viewing. Note: As a group, the top 25 accounted for 72% of total advertising in 2024, up from 68% in 2023. If we exclude China (and the China-based ad sellers) concentration went up from 63% to 66%.00:00-Introduction01:13-Top 25 Media Sellers: Winners and Trends08:44-Retail Media Deep Dive with Aisha Khan19:10-YouTube’s TV Takeover and Nielsen Data24:33-UK Economy, Advertising Insights, and European Media Consumption30:14-Weekend Plans and Pop Culture Wrap-UpSome links:GroupM's This Year Next Year 2024 End of Year Report: https://www.groupm.com/this-year-next-year-2024-global-end-of-year-forecast/Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to hit the follow button, and rate us on your favorite podcast platform. And we’d love to hear from you—drop a comment or share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.

In this week's episode of This Week, Next Week, Kate Scott-Dawkins, Jeff Foster, and Nidhi Shah dive into the latest developments shaping media, entertainment, commerce, and economics. From the impact of potential U.S. tariffs on European alcohol imports to the evolving creator economy, we break down how these shifts are influencing advertisers and consumers alike.00:00 - Introduction & Topics Overview01:10 - Alcohol Tariffs: Europe vs US Trade Tensions 04:30 - Impact of Tariffs on Alcohol Advertising Budgets 08:15 - Spotify's Loud and Clear Report: Artist Royalties 11:45 - Music Streaming Trends: Growth and Challenges 14:20 - The Creator Economy: MrBeast and Media Upfronts 17:05 - Defining the Creator Economy20:40 - Recommendations: Playground Book, Big Technology Podcast 23:10 - Roblox, AI, and Gaming Innovation Some links:GroupM's This Year Next Year 2024 End of Year Report: https://www.groupm.com/this-year-next-year-2024-global-end-of-year-forecast/Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to hit the follow button, and rate us on your favorite podcast platform. And we’d love to hear from you—drop a comment or share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.