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Search and online display formats now account for four-fifths of UK adspend, reports The Media Leader

General

Oct 30, 2025

The UK advertising market is projected to grow 7.3% year on year to £12bn in Q4, with total 2025 adspend expected to rise 8.2% to £46bn, according to the AA/Warc report. Growth is driven largely by search and online display formats, supported by AI-powered digital performance.

SMEs are fuelling much of this growth but often lack structured marketing plans or clear ROI measures, relying heavily on easy-to-use ad platforms like Google and Meta.

Video-on-demand and retail search remain key growth areas, while traditional TV is forecast to decline 5.2% in Q4 despite strong overall festive spending.

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The Trade Desk Taps Shopsense AI to Turn More of the Open Web Into Shoppable Ad Inventory, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 30, 2025

The Trade Desk has partnered with Shopsense AI to bring contextual sponsored product ads to publisher content across the open internet. The integration allows brands to place shoppable ads beside relevant articles or videos, such as sports gear next to fitness content.

Shopsense uses AI to analyse images, text and video, identifying products and turning them into ad opportunities.

This move expands The Trade Desk’s retail media ambitions, merging storytelling with performance marketing and enabling advertisers to integrate shoppable placements across web, audio and connected TV for more relevant, commerce-driven experiences.

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Walmart develops AI tools to help suppliers better understand customer data, reports Digiday

General

Oct 30, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Walmart will introduce several AI tools for Scintilla, its rebranded first-party data platform for suppliers and merchants. The updates, announced at the Inspire conference in Arkansas, aim to improve how partners use Walmart’s customer and operational data.

New features include a conversational assistant to explain metrics, AI-generated summaries of customer surveys, and smarter marketing recommendations.

These tools will help suppliers interpret customer behaviour, refine campaigns, and act on insights faster. Walmart also plans to enhance ad targeting through Scintilla’s integration with Walmart Connect, aligning with the company’s broader move into AI-driven retail media.

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US Treasury's Bessent says China has approved TikTok transfer deal, reports Reuters

M&A

Oct 30, 2025

China has approved the transfer agreement for TikTok, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed, signalling progress after months of uncertainty. The deal follows talks between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping and is expected to advance in the coming weeks.

Under the agreement, ByteDance will retain less than 20% of TikTok U.S., with a mostly American-led board overseeing operations.

The app’s algorithm will be retrained and monitored by U.S. partners to meet national security standards. However, U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns about ByteDance’s ongoing involvement through licensing arrangements.

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WPP Cuts Guidance Again as CEO Says Turnaround Will Take Time, reports WSJ

General

Oct 30, 2025

Leadership Transitions

WPP shares plunged after the company cut its annual guidance for the second time, citing client losses and weaker third-quarter results. New CEO Cindy Rose, who succeeded Mark Read in September, said a turnaround would take time as WPP undergoes a strategic review to restore growth.

The firm now expects like-for-like revenue to fall 5.5–6% and profit margins to drop to around 13%.

Rose pledged to simplify operations, strengthen data and AI capabilities, and revive WPP Media, while noting early progress through new partnerships and leadership changes. A full strategic update is expected early next year.

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YouTube TV Flexes Muscles Again in Showdown With Disney, reports WSJ

General

Oct 30, 2025

YouTube TV, with about 10 million subscribers, is in tense negotiations with Disney over carriage fees for channels including ESPN and ABC, risking a blackout if no deal is reached. The dispute centres on pricing and YouTube TV’s push for shorter contracts as its market power grows.

Recent conflicts with NBCUniversal, Fox, and TelevisaUnivision show YouTube TV’s increasing influence and willingness to challenge programmers.

As traditional pay-TV providers shrink, YouTube TV’s rapid expansion has made it a dominant distributor, seeking lower costs and better terms while media companies argue their content deserves higher fees.

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Comcast Earnings For H1 2025 Show -2.7% YoY Revenue Decline, Net Income Down By -9.1% YoY

-3% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 30, 2025

WSJ reports:

Comcast lost 104,000 US broadband customers in the third quarter, marking its tenth consecutive quarterly decline, though losses were smaller than expected. Broadband revenue rose slightly to $6.43 billion as competition from mobile carriers intensified.

The company gained 414,000 new mobile lines, with Xfinity Mobile revenue up 14% to $1.25 billion, partly offsetting declines in traditional cable TV, which lost 257,000 subscribers.

Theme parks delivered strong growth, with revenue up 19% driven by the new Epic Universe park. Peacock held steady at 41 million subscribers, though streaming revenue fell 10% due to the absence of last year’s Olympics.

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Roblox Earnings For Q3 2025 Show +48.0% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Up By +7.0% YoY

+ 48% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 30, 2025

Gaming / Metaverse

Bloomberg reports:

Roblox reported record third-quarter results, with daily active users surging 70% year-on-year to 151.5 million, surpassing forecasts. Bookings reached $1.92 billion, driven by hits like Grow a Garden, 99 Nights in the Forest, and Steal a Brainrot.

Engagement beyond top titles also rose sharply, though average spending per user declined as costs increased.

Despite growth, Roblox faces regulatory challenges after bans in several Middle Eastern countries and lawsuits over child safety. The company has introduced stricter safety measures and joined a US youth online safety partnership to strengthen its long-term trust and reputation.

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Reliance, Google Pact Offers Gemini AI Free on Jio for 18 Months, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 30, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Reliance Industries has partnered with Google to offer Jio subscribers 18 months of free access to Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro and other AI tools, along with 2TB of cloud storage. The offer, valued at 35,100 rupees, will initially target users aged 18 to 25.

The move aims to attract India’s vast English-speaking population amid intensifying competition from OpenAI and Perplexity AI.

The partnership also positions Reliance Intelligence as a key Google Cloud partner to expand Gemini Enterprise adoption across Indian businesses, as Jio prepares for its public listing next year.

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Meta Looks to Raise at Least $25 Billion From Bond Sale, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 30, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is planning to sell at least $25 billion in investment-grade bonds, one of the largest U.S. corporate bond offerings of 2025, to fund its expanding artificial intelligence investments.

The move follows CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s pledge to accelerate AI spending, with capital expenditure expected to reach up to $72 billion this year and grow even faster in 2026.

The sale comes amid falling borrowing costs and increased demand for AI infrastructure financing. Meta’s shares fell 14% after the announcement, as investors weighed the company’s aggressive expansion plans against potential long-term returns and rising competitive pressure.

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YouTube offers voluntary buyouts as company reorganizes around AI, reports CNBC

General

Oct 29, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube is offering voluntary buyouts to U.S. employees as it restructures its product organisation to prioritise artificial intelligence. CEO Neal Mohan said it marks the first major reorganisation in a decade, aligning with Google’s wider AI productivity push.

No jobs are being cut, but teams are being reshaped under three new divisions.

Christian Oestlien will lead subscriptions, Johanna Voolich will oversee viewer products, and all will report directly to Mohan. The move mirrors broader industry shifts as major tech firms, including Amazon, restructure operations to manage costs and accelerate AI-driven growth.

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Omnicom Responds To Rumors That It Will Sunset DDB, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 29, 2025

Omnicom Group has responded to reports that it may retire the DDB brand following its $13.5 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group, expected to close by late November. The company said it is still assessing its agency structure ahead of final approval.

Industry reports suggest Omnicom could consolidate its creative operations under BBDO, TBWA and McCann, potentially ending DDB as a standalone brand.

Founded in 1949, DDB has a storied creative legacy but recent challenges. The move would align with wider industry trends towards streamlining networks and integrating creative, media and data capabilities under fewer global brands.

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Musk Lawyer Vows Legal Fight to Unwind OpenAI’s Restructuring, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 29, 2025

Elon Musk’s lawyer vowed to continue his legal battle against OpenAI, criticising California and Delaware attorneys general for approving its shift to a for-profit structure. OpenAI recently granted Microsoft a 27% stake and became a public benefit corporation, maintaining nonprofit oversight.

Musk, who co-founded rival xAI, claims CEO Sam Altman abandoned OpenAI’s founding mission as a charity.

A US trial is set for March, with Musk’s team arguing the restructuring aims to evade accountability. California’s attorney general confirmed the move does not affect Musk’s ongoing case, allowing the lawsuit to proceed as planned.

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YouTube Will Use AI to Sharpen Lower-Resolution Videos on TVs, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 29, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

YouTube will use artificial intelligence to upscale low-resolution videos, improving clarity on TV screens. The feature will first enhance content under 1080p, with 4K upscaling planned soon. Viewers can opt out, and original files will remain unchanged.

Upscaled videos will be clearly labelled, aiming to improve viewing quality as TV becomes YouTube’s fastest-growing platform.

The company is also increasing thumbnail file limits to 50MB and testing larger video uploads for higher fidelity. These upgrades reflect YouTube’s push to match the quality of rivals like Netflix, while balancing creator concerns about AI altering their content.

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Microsoft Earnings For Q3 2025 Show +18.4% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +12.5% YoY

+ 18% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 29, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Reuters reports:

Microsoft reported record first-quarter capital spending of $35 billion, surpassing forecasts and signalling higher investment ahead to expand AI and cloud capacity. Shares fell 4% as investors grew wary of soaring costs and potential AI overvaluation.

Despite concerns, cloud revenue rose 40%, driven by Azure’s strong performance, with forecasts remaining above expectations. Capacity constraints are expected to persist until mid-2026.

Quarterly revenue reached $77.7 billion, with profit beating estimates. Microsoft’s deepened partnership with OpenAI continues to fuel growth, reinforcing its AI leadership while balancing long-term investment discipline across its enterprise and research priorities.

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Meta Earnings For Q3 2025 Show +26.2% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -82.7% YoY

+ 26% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 29, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Reuters reports:

Meta reported third-quarter revenue up 26% to $51.2 billion, but costs rose 32%, driven by heavy AI investment and a nearly $16 billion one-time tax charge. Excluding the charge, net income reached $18.6 billion.

Shares fell 8% as CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans for even greater capital spending in 2026 to fund AI data centres and pursue superintelligence.

Meta raised its 2025 capital expenditure forecast to up to $72 billion and continues to expand its AI-driven ad tools. Its apps now reach 3.5 billion daily users, helping sustain strong ad revenue despite rising expenses.

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Alphabet Earnings For Q3 2025 Show +15.9% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +33.0% YoY

+ 16% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 29, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Bloomberg reports:

Alphabet reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter sales of $87.5 billion, driven by growth in its cloud division as AI startups increasingly rely on Google’s infrastructure. Net income reached $2.87 per share, exceeding analysts’ forecasts.

Shares rose up to 7.5% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor confidence in Alphabet’s AI strategy and cloud performance.

The company raised its annual capital expenditure forecast to as much as $93 billion, with heavy investment in AI infrastructure, research and talent. These efforts aim to integrate its Gemini large language model across Google’s key products and strengthen its position against rivals Amazon and Microsoft.

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Criteo Earnings For Q3 2025 Show +2.3% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +552.3% YoY

+ 2% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 29, 2025

Primary Source Earnings Report

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Expert Opinions

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YouTube looks to improve its TV app with QR codes for shopping, AI-powered upscaling, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 29, 2025

YouTube has unveiled new TV-focused updates, including shoppable QR codes, AI-powered video upscaling and enhanced search features, to strengthen its dominance in living-room viewing, where it already leads over Netflix and Disney.

Creators can now tag products in videos, letting viewers scan QR codes to buy directly, with tests underway to showcase items at specific moments.

AI tools will upscale lower-resolution videos to HD, with 4K support coming soon, while improved discovery prioritises results from individual creators’ channels. These updates aim to enhance viewing quality and boost creator revenue from YouTube’s growing TV audience.

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Paramount Lays Off Thousands of Workers, Including at CBS, reports WSJ

General

Oct 29, 2025

Paramount will lay off around 2,000 employees this week as CEO David Ellison restructures the company following its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. The cuts target redundancies and roles misaligned with new priorities, affecting divisions including CBS News.

Ellison is refocusing CBS on appealing to politically centrist audiences and recently appointed journalist Bari Weiss as editor in chief.

The company has also made several rejected bids to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Under Weiss, CBS News plans major changes aimed at producing balanced, reality-focused reporting, amid notable departures such as veteran anchor John Dickerson.

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Altman touts trillion-dollar AI vision as OpenAI restructures to chase scale, reports Reuters

General

Oct 29, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has outlined plans to massively expand AI infrastructure following a new funding deal with Microsoft that removes capital-raising limits. He aims to develop 30 gigawatts of computing capacity worth $1.4 trillion, eventually adding one gigawatt weekly, though details remain unclear.

Altman’s ambitions include scaling OpenAI’s annual revenue from $20 billion to hundreds of billions, with an IPO now seen as the most likely path.

Despite criticism over financing tactics and disputes with Elon Musk, Altman remains focused on positioning OpenAI as a transformative force capable of reshaping global technology and society.

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It’s Easier Than Ever to Turn Your Dial to a Live Event, reports NYT

General

Oct 29, 2025

Sports Marketing

Major US broadcasters are increasingly shifting to live programming, including sports and events, to retain audiences amid streaming competition. NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox are moving content such as NBA games, the VMAs and college sports from cable to broadcast TV to boost reach and advertising.

Executives say live shows offer shared, real-time experiences that streaming cannot replicate.

NBC now airs sports on Sundays and Tuesdays year-round, while Fox and ABC plan similar expansions. Networks also view live events as ways to drive engagement across their streaming platforms, with rising ratings for shows like the Oscars and Dancing With the Stars.

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Long held brand affinity beats short-term activations - WPP and Oxford University, reports The Media Leader

General

Oct 28, 2025

A global study by WPP Media and Oxford University’s Saïd Business School found that 84% of consumer choices stem from long-held brand affinity, not short-term marketing. This challenges performance marketing by showing that influence occurs well before purchase.

The report emphasises brand priming, where repeated exposure builds unconscious bias, making consumers loyal to familiar brands. Marketers are urged to focus on confirming existing preferences rather than chasing new ones.

It also highlights that combining owned, shared, earned and paid media is nearly three times more effective than paid media alone, promoting a holistic approach to long-term brand building.

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Netflix CTO says more vertical video experiments are coming, but streamer is not competing with TikTok, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 28, 2025

Netflix is testing vertical video on mobile to explore new content formats, CTO Elizabeth Stone said at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The feature, aimed at offering “snackable” entertainment, lets users scroll through clips from Netflix originals to inspire full viewing.

Stone hinted that Netflix may expand the feed to include user-shared Moments, short clips from shows or films that foster social engagement.

Netflix will also experiment with podcasts, following a deal with Spotify, with co-exclusive content across platforms. Stone stressed Netflix won’t imitate TikTok but will focus on entertainment that complements its existing shows and films.

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The Trade Desk Announces CRO Shakeup Ahead of Q3 Earnings, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 28, 2025

Leadership Transitions

The Trade Desk will replace CRO Jed Dederick with Anders Mortensen on 4 November. Mortensen, formerly a managing director and VP at Google, will report to CEO Jeff Green and focus on scaling commercial strategy using Kokai, Koa AI, Unified ID 2.0 and OpenPath, with emphasis on CTV and retail media.

Dederick, a 13-year veteran and CRO since January 2024, will support the transition through 2025. Green praised his role in TTD’s growth from start-up to leading independent DSP.

TTD reports Q3 on 6 November, targeting $717m revenue (+14% YoY) after Q2 revenue of $694m.

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OpenAI's new browser sparks privacy, security concerns, reports Axios

General

Oct 28, 2025

OpenAI’s new AI-powered browser, Atlas, has sparked privacy and security concerns over its extensive data collection and potential vulnerability to prompt injection attacks. Experts warn that its memory features, which store user activity and preferences, could expose sensitive information.

Unlike traditional browsers, Atlas routes searches through ChatGPT and can autonomously perform online tasks, heightening risks if manipulated by malicious websites.

OpenAI insists Atlas does not retain financial, medical or personal data and includes safeguards against abuse. However, security researchers caution that AI browsers remain highly susceptible to manipulation and that key risks are still unresolved.

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OpenAI completes restructure, solidifying Microsoft as a major shareholder, reports CNBC

General

Oct 28, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has finalised its recapitalisation, confirming a structure where the nonprofit OpenAI Foundation controls its for-profit arm, OpenAI Group PBC, valued at around $500 billion. The Foundation now holds a 26% stake, worth $130 billion, while employees, investors, and Microsoft hold the rest.

Microsoft’s 27% stake, valued at $135 billion, accompanies a new agreement for OpenAI to purchase $250 billion in Azure services, though Microsoft loses its exclusive compute rights.

The Foundation will invest $25 billion in health and AI resilience projects, and both companies can now pursue Artificial General Intelligence independently under updated partnership terms.

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Amazon laying off about 14,000 corporate workers as it invests more in AI, reports CNBC

General

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon will lay off around 14,000 corporate employees as part of its ongoing cost-cutting drive, with further reductions expected next year. The cuts aim to make the company leaner and more efficient while it invests heavily in generative AI and cloud infrastructure.

The layoffs affect multiple divisions, including AWS, ads, devices, and HR, representing roughly 4% of Amazon’s corporate workforce.

CEO Andy Jassy has warned that AI adoption will reshape roles across the business. Amazon’s workforce surged during the pandemic, but it has since moved to streamline operations and refocus spending on high-growth areas like AI.

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Dutch court gives Meta more time to change timeline settings, reports Reuters

General

Oct 28, 2025

A Dutch court has ordered Meta to give Facebook and Instagram users an easier way to opt out of algorithm-driven feeds showing recommended content.

The ruling, based on the EU’s Digital Services Act, requires Meta to offer a simple opt-out option and ensure users’ choices for chronological or non-profiled timelines remain in effect.

Meta, which has appealed the decision, was granted an extension until 31 December to implement the changes. A hearing for the appeal is scheduled for 26 January 2026.

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Meta, TikTok and Snap say they oppose Australia's youth social media ban but will comply with it, reports Reuters

General

Oct 28, 2025

Advertising To Children

Meta, TikTok and Snap will comply with Australia’s new law banning users under 16 from social media, beginning 10 December. Platforms risk fines of up to A$49.5 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to enforce it.

The companies, which oppose the law, will contact over one million underage users to delete or store their data until they turn 16. Automated systems will detect accounts falsely claiming to be older.

Meta, TikTok and Snap say the ban could harm youth by pushing them to unsafe online spaces, but confirmed they will meet compliance obligations.

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Snap aims to boost retention with new features for Snapchat+ subscribers, reports Reuters

General

Oct 28, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Snap is introducing new personalisation features for its paid tier, Snapchat+, to increase engagement and retention amid growing competition from TikTok and Instagram.

The updates include naming AI-powered Bitmoji Pets, collaborative wallpapers for chats and group chats, and expanded customisation options. Snap says users who personalise their app have retention rates over 10 points higher than average.

Snapchat+ now has more than 16 million subscribers, doubling since early 2024. CEO Evan Spiegel aims to make direct revenue a key growth driver as Snap focuses on premium features and improved monetisation.

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PayPal's ChatGPT Integration Deepens OpenAI's Agentic Commerce Push, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 28, 2025

Starting in 2026, PayPal’s payment system will be integrated into OpenAI’s ChatGPT, allowing users to make purchases directly through the chatbot using their PayPal wallets.

The partnership also enables merchants to process payments via OpenAI’s checkout tools, giving them access to ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly users. It uses OpenAI’s Agentic Commerce Protocol, allowing AI agents to complete purchases securely.

PayPal will support payment validation and logistics, while ChatGPT Enterprise will be offered to PayPal’s 24,000 employees. The announcement drove PayPal’s stock up nearly 10% as it deepens its investments in AI partnerships.

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Brands Rush to Reddit, Boosting Ad Spend and Gaming AI Search, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 28, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Advertisers are increasingly investing in Reddit as its audience and influence on AI search results grow. Daily users rose 21% year-on-year in Q2 2025, while ad revenue surged 78% to $500 million. Brands are also using organic posts and revived threads to boost visibility in AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.

Reddit encourages advertisers to combine paid and organic activity, offering ad credits and insights into engagement-driven visibility. Content licensing deals with Google and OpenAI now make up around 10% of revenue.

Agencies report rapid spending growth, though Reddit’s effectiveness varies by industry and audience relevance.

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Amazon targets as many as 30,000 corporate job cuts, sources say, reports Reuters

General

Oct 27, 2025

Amazon will cut up to 30,000 corporate jobs starting Tuesday, its largest layoff since 2022, as it seeks to reduce costs and streamline operations after pandemic overhiring. The cuts, nearly 10% of corporate staff, will affect divisions including HR, operations, devices and AWS.

CEO Andy Jassy aims to cut bureaucracy and boost efficiency through AI-driven automation, which analysts say is enabling the reductions.

The move follows Amazon’s push for stricter return-to-office policies and comes ahead of Q3 earnings. Despite layoffs, the company expects strong holiday sales and plans to hire 250,000 seasonal workers. Shares rose 1.2% Monday.

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Meta Shifts Metaverse Executive to AI Following Job Cuts, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 27, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Meta has reassigned metaverse chief Vishal Shah to lead AI product development within Meta Superintelligence Labs under Nat Friedman, following recent layoffs. Shah will focus on integrating Meta’s AI technologies, including its chatbot, into apps and wearables.

Gabe Aul will now oversee all metaverse projects, while Ryan Cairns continues to lead Quest hardware and Meta’s VR operating system, reporting directly to the CTO.

The move reflects CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s prioritisation of AI investment, with Meta spending heavily to rival OpenAI and Google. Around 600 AI roles were cut last week to streamline operations ahead of the company’s Q3 earnings report.

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Paramount Plans to Keep a Merged Warner Bros. Largely Intact, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Oct 27, 2025

Paramount Skydance plans to preserve much of Warner Bros. Discovery’s structure if a merger proceeds, retaining creative teams while consolidating marketing and distribution. Warner’s HBO Max would merge with Paramount+, creating a stronger streaming library without selling major assets or networks.

CEO David Ellison aims to expand film production to 30 titles annually and leverage AI to boost output, maintaining a strong focus on theatrical releases.

The Writers Guild and Senator Elizabeth Warren oppose the deal, warning of reduced competition. Paramount has offered a $2.1 billion breakup fee to regulators should the merger fail to gain approval.

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Meta’s Threads Adds Disappearing Posts for Unfiltered Thoughts, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 27, 2025

Meta’s Threads is introducing “ghost posts,” disappearing updates that vanish after 24 hours to encourage users to share more spontaneous, unfiltered thoughts.

These posts will appear in the main feed but disappear from profiles, with replies sent privately rather than publicly. Meta says the feature reduces pressure for permanence and polish.

The move builds on the success of ephemeral sharing through Instagram Stories and private messaging, reflecting growing user preference for more casual, temporary communication over permanent public posts.

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Trump says US, China are going to come away with deal, reports Reuters

M&A

Oct 27, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects the U.S. and China to reach a trade deal during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Japan, Trump expressed respect for Xi and optimism about the talks, saying, “We’re going to come away with a deal.”

He added that discussions with China “will be very interesting” and noted he may also sign a final agreement on TikTok on Thursday.

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Publicis Wins TJX U.S. Media Assignment, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 25, 2025

TJX has appointed Publicis to handle its U.S. media planning and buying duties following a review that began earlier this year, while the global review remains ongoing.

The remit covers major brands including TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and HomeGoods, previously managed by WPP’s Mindshare since 2017.

TJX spent $617 million on advertising in fiscal 2025, with an estimated $410 million in global media spend during 2024, of which $344 million was allocated to the U.S., according to COMvergence.

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Netflix shuts down game studio behind Squid Game: Unleashed, reports Reuters

General

Oct 24, 2025

Gaming / Metaverse

Netflix has closed Boss Fight Entertainment, the studio behind its mobile game Squid Game: Unleashed, marking a shift in its gaming strategy.

Boss Fight, acquired by Netflix in 2022, will see its existing titles, including Netflix Stories, remain available on the platform despite the studio’s closure.

The move aligns with Netflix’s new focus on developing party, narrative, kids and mainstream games. Co-CEO Greg Peters highlighted Squid Game: Unleashed as an example of the type of narrative-driven content the company aims to build around its entertainment properties.

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Expert Opinions

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Amazon Offers Free DSP Face-Off for Media Buyers, Leaked Slides Show, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 24, 2025

Amazon is ramping up efforts to grow adoption of its demand-side platform, Amazon DSP, by offering agencies free head-to-head performance tests against rival platforms.

According to leaked materials, Amazon will cover the costs of ad inventory, technology and measurement tools for the comparative trials.

The tests will run dual campaigns across both DSPs for four to six weeks with identical budgets and timing. Amazon described the initiative as a way to “empirically demonstrate” its platform’s superior performance and help agencies optimise their programmatic advertising strategies through controlled, data-driven analysis.

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X’s advertising boss leaves in latest departure from Elon Musk’s businesses, reports FT

General

Oct 24, 2025

Leadership Transitions

John Nitti, X’s global head of revenue operations and advertising innovation, has left the company after just 10 months, adding to a string of senior departures under Elon Musk’s leadership.

His exit follows that of several top executives, including former CEO Linda Yaccarino and multiple finance chiefs, amid growing frustration over Musk’s unpredictable management style.

Executives reportedly struggled with Musk’s direct control and abrupt decisions, such as banning advertising hashtags, while advertisers remain wary of his relaxed content policies and confrontational tone, despite X claiming improved ad metrics through its xAI technology.

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EU preliminarily finds Meta, TikTok in breach of transparency obligations, reports Reuters

General

Oct 24, 2025

Responsible Media

The European Commission has accused Meta and TikTok of breaching the EU’s Digital Services Act by restricting researcher access to public data and failing to provide simple tools for users to report illegal content.

The Commission said Meta’s Facebook and Instagram use “deceptive interface designs” that make flagging harmful material difficult, potentially undermining content moderation.

Both companies can review the findings and propose remedies, but if violations are confirmed, the EU may impose fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue under the DSA’s transparency and accountability rules for online platforms.

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The great TID controversy takes another turn as Prebid moves to clarify its position, reports Digiday

General

Oct 24, 2025

Prebid.org has clarified how its open-source tool Prebid.js handles Transaction IDs (TIDs) after criticism from The Trade Desk and others over changes that limited TID visibility across exchanges.

The August update, making TIDs specific to each supply-side platform, sparked backlash from demand-side platforms claiming it reduced transparency and hindered duplicate bid detection.

Following industry debate, Prebid announced a new option allowing publishers to choose between global or SSP-specific TIDs. The group said the update aims to balance buy-side transparency with publisher control, easing tensions over governance in programmatic advertising standards.

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Brands Are Paying More For Ads That Do Less, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 23, 2025

Shutterstock’s 2025 Creative Impact Report reveals that marketing spend rose 33% between 2023 and 2024, yet purchase intent increased only 17%, creating a growing 20% “impact gap” since 2023.

The report attributes this to brands failing to adapt to changing consumer behaviour and relying on outdated, volume-based strategies amid media saturation and ad fatigue.

Emotional connection and cultural relevance now drive impact, with AI offering both opportunities and risks. Shutterstock, which recently merged with Getty Images, urges brands to focus on quality, audience understanding and creative authenticity to maintain effectiveness in an increasingly volatile landscape.

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Court Preserves Block On FTC Probe Of Media Matters, reports MediaPost

General

Oct 23, 2025

A U.S. appeals court has upheld a temporary order blocking the Federal Trade Commission from investigating Media Matters over alleged “unlawful advertiser boycotts.”

The 2-1 ruling found the watchdog likely to prove the probe violated its First Amendment rights, describing the FTC’s actions as potentially retaliatory following its report on ads appearing beside extremist content on X.

The court said the FTC failed to show it would succeed in overturning the injunction. The case continues, with Media Matters needing to prove retaliatory intent to secure a permanent ruling in its favour.

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Meta Layoffs Included Employees Who Monitored Risks to User Privacy, reports NYT

General

Oct 23, 2025

Meta is laying off 600 employees from its artificial intelligence division to speed up product development, according to chief AI officer Alexandr Wang.

Additionally, over 100 workers from the company’s risk review team, responsible for privacy and regulatory compliance, are being cut as Meta shifts from manual to automated review systems.

The restructuring is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s broader overhaul to boost efficiency amid competition from OpenAI. Critics within Meta have raised concerns that automation could weaken oversight, especially given the company’s ongoing obligations under a 2019 Federal Trade Commission consent order on user privacy.

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YouTube TV Customers Risk Losing Access to Disney’s ESPN and ABC, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 23, 2025

Disney’s ESPN and ABC channels may be removed from YouTube TV next week if the companies fail to reach a new carriage agreement.

Talks over programming rates are ongoing, with Disney insisting it deserves fair compensation for its content, while YouTube TV has not yet commented publicly.

YouTube TV, which offers over 100 channels for $83 per month and has up to 10 million subscribers, has faced similar disputes before, including with NBCUniversal and TelevisaUnivision, both of which were ultimately resolved.

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Amazon Launches New AI Shopping Tool in US for the Indecisive, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 23, 2025

Amazon is testing a new AI-powered feature, Help Me Decide, designed to simplify shopping by recommending a single product when users appear overwhelmed by too many options.

Using large language models, the tool analyses a shopper’s purchase history, product descriptions and reviews to make tailored suggestions, with clear explanations and price comparisons.

Initially available to a random group of US customers, the feature aims to streamline decision-making and enhance personalisation. Its launch follows Amazon’s wider push into AI shopping tools, including its Rufus chatbot, as rivals like Walmart explore similar integrations with ChatGPT.

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Apple Loses UK Class Action Over Excessive App Store Charge, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 23, 2025

Apple has lost a UK class-action case after a court ruled it abused its market dominance by charging excessive App Store commissions.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal found Apple failed to justify its fees, forcing millions of iPhone and iPad users to overpay for apps and subscriptions.

Lead claimant Rachael Kent estimates Apple may owe more than £1.5 billion in damages to around 20 million users. Apple denied wrongdoing, calling the ruling “flawed” and arguing that the App Store supports developer success and competition.

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Consumers seek $2.36 billion from Google after privacy verdict, reports Reuters

General

Oct 23, 2025

Google faces a new demand from U.S. consumers to surrender an additional $2.36 billion in profits, following a $425 million jury verdict over alleged secret data collection.

Plaintiffs claim Google continued gathering app activity data from users who disabled tracking, calling the original damages “insufficient” to stop ongoing harm.

Google denies wrongdoing, arguing collected data was anonymised and users retained control. It plans to appeal and has asked the court to decertify the 98 million–user class, saying individual factors like app use make the claims unsuitable for collective action.

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New Zealand parliament to debate teen social media ban, reports Reuters

General

Oct 23, 2025

Advertising To Children

New Zealand plans to introduce a bill banning social media use for children under 16, requiring platforms to implement age verification measures similar to Australia’s 2024 law.

Proposed by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, the bill has party support but lacks confirmation from coalition partners and no introduction date has been set.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has voiced concern about social media’s impact on youth mental health, while civil liberties group PILLAR criticised the proposal as ineffective and a threat to privacy and online freedom, calling it “lazy policymaking.”

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Ex-Dentsu Americas Boss Sean Reardon Returns to Publicis as Epsilon CEO, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 23, 2025

Leadership Transitions

Sean Reardon has rejoined Publicis Groupe as CEO of its data arm, Epsilon, marking the unit’s first chief executive appointment since 2021. He will work alongside executive chairman John Giuliani to drive growth and strategic initiatives, reporting to Dave Penski, CEO of Publicis Connected Media.

Reardon previously held senior roles at Publicis’ Zenith and Moxie before leading MiQ and later Dentsu Americas.

His appointment follows Publicis’ acquisition of data firm Lotame, now integrated into Epsilon, as the group strengthens its media and data capabilities amid major global account wins and leadership reshuffles.

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WPP cuts out the agency to help brands create their own ads with AI, reports Reuters

General

Oct 23, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

WPP has launched WPP Open Pro, an AI-powered marketing platform that allows brands to plan, create, and publish campaigns independently. It targets smaller businesses without full-service agencies while enhancing capabilities for existing clients.

The platform reflects WPP’s strategy under new CEO Cindy Rose to expand beyond traditional agency models as brands adopt AI for creative and planning work.

WPP Open Pro enables rapid, channel-specific ad creation using brand assets and AI-generated content, which can be published directly through WPP’s Open Media Studio or major platforms, marking a shift towards more accessible, tech-driven marketing solutions.

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CDP Hightouch Has A Shortcut For Making UIDs, reports AdExchanger

General

Oct 23, 2025

Hightouch has launched ID Express, a tool that converts email addresses and phone numbers into Unified ID 2.0 (UID2) identifiers in just a few clicks, simplifying privacy-safe audience targeting for advertisers.

Acting as a “composable CDP,” Hightouch connects brands’ data warehouses with ad platforms like The Trade Desk without storing user data. It automatically hashes personal information before securely converting it into UID2s for targeting and measurement.

The solution aims to make UID2 adoption faster and more affordable, helping brands improve frequency management, personalisation, and campaign efficiency across the open internet.

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Amazon’s next frontier in advertising: the cloud infrastructure it runs on, reports Digiday

General

Oct 23, 2025

Amazon has launched AWS RTB Fabric, a managed cloud network designed to power real-time bidding (RTB) for programmatic advertising. The system aims to make ad transactions faster, cheaper, and easier to integrate, cutting network costs by up to 80%.

Through its RTB Broker, AWS RTB Fabric connects ad tech partners across clouds in milliseconds, improving efficiency and scalability. Early adopters include YieldMo, TripleLift, Viant, and Amazon Ads itself.

The move strengthens Amazon’s ad infrastructure, intertwining AWS and Amazon Ads to dominate the underlying systems of digital advertising — securing both recurring revenue and strategic market control.

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E-commerce sites see low sales from ChatGPT traffic, new study finds, reports Digiday

General

Oct 23, 2025

A study by researchers from the University of Hamburg and the Frankfurt School found that ChatGPT drives traffic to e-commerce sites but converts far less effectively than traditional channels like Google Search or email.

Based on data from 973 retailers, ChatGPT referrals accounted for under 0.2% of total traffic and generated lower revenue per session, though performance has steadily improved over time.

Researchers attribute weak conversions to limited consumer trust, though OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout feature could help. Retailers such as Princess Polly plan to test the tool, valuing its potential for customer insights as much as direct sales.

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Taboola launches CTV product with Paramount, reports Axios

General

Oct 22, 2025

Taboola has partnered with Paramount Skydance to launch “Performance Multiplier,” a tool that helps extend the reach of Paramount’s small and medium-sized advertisers across the open web.

The product uses Taboola’s Realize AI technology and integrates into Paramount’s self-service Ads Manager, allowing advertisers to track clicks, sign-ups and purchases.

The deal marks Taboola’s entry into the $33 billion U.S. connected TV market and its first streaming partnership, combining CTV’s brand reach with measurable web performance to improve advertisers’ return on ad spend.

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YouTube sponsorships surge 54% as brands bet on creators, reports Axios

General

Oct 22, 2025

Sponsored videos on YouTube rose 54% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, with 65,759 videos generating 19.1 billion views, according to Tubefilter’s Gospel Stats.

Ground News led all brands with 1,863 sponsorships, followed by Squarespace, BetterHelp and DraftKings, while MrBeast topped creators with 1.4 billion sponsored video views.

The surge reflects a broader shift toward creator-driven advertising, as marketers invest more in influencer partnerships outside Google’s ad network. YouTube is also supporting this trend with tools for dynamic branded content, helping creators manage and monetise sponsorships more effectively.

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Omnicom Earnings For Q3 2025 Show +4.0% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -12.1% YoY

+ 4% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 22, 2025

Campaign reports:

Omnicom reported Q3 revenue of US$4.04 billion, up 4% year-on-year, including 2.6% organic growth. Operating income fell to US$530 million due to acquisition and restructuring costs tied to its IPG integration.

Media units performed well globally, though PR and experiential revenues declined amid a quieter event cycle. Asia-Pacific saw a 3.7% organic revenue drop after strong first-half growth, with weakness in China and Australia.

The US$13 billion Omnicom–IPG merger is nearing completion, pending EU approval. CEO John Wren said the combined company will form the world’s largest marketing group, driving efficiency, growth and long-term shareholder value.

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People Who Say They’re Experiencing AI Psychosis Beg the FTC for Help, reports Wired

General

Oct 22, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

The US Federal Trade Commission has received multiple complaints alleging psychological harm caused by interactions with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, including cases of delusion, paranoia and “AI psychosis.”

Some users claimed the chatbot reinforced existing mental health issues, simulating empathy, spirituality or intimacy, which allegedly worsened their conditions. Experts said such reinforcement could deepen psychotic beliefs rather than trigger them.

OpenAI said its latest models detect and de-escalate signs of distress, while critics urged stronger safeguards and clearer disclaimers. The FTC has yet to announce any action on the complaints, many of which also cite poor customer support.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Rebuffed Three Offers From Paramount, reports WSJ

M&A

Oct 22, 2025

Warner Bros. Discovery has rejected three takeover bids from Paramount, the latest valuing the company at $23.50 a share and offering CEO David Zaslav a joint leadership role with Paramount’s David Ellison.

Warner Discovery instead plans to split into two entities, separating its studio and streaming assets from its cable networks, though it is reviewing “strategic alternatives.”

Paramount remains interested in acquiring the whole company, while other potential bidders — including Comcast, Amazon, Netflix and Apple — are reportedly focused on parts such as Warner Bros. and HBO, pending any regulatory challenges.

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Apple hit with EU antitrust complaint over App Store policies, reports Reuters

General

Oct 22, 2025

Two civil rights groups, Article 19 and Germany’s Society for Civil Rights, have filed a complaint with EU regulators accusing Apple of breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA) through restrictive App Store and device policies.

The complaint alleges Apple’s terms hinder interoperability and block third-party app stores, harming smaller developers and users.

It also criticises Apple’s requirement for a €1 million stand-by letter of credit from developers, which the groups say unfairly burdens small businesses. The European Commission has yet to comment, but violations of the DMA can result in fines of up to 10% of global revenue.

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Meta Cutting Roughly 600 AI Jobs as Company Aims to Move Faster, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 22, 2025

Meta is cutting around 600 jobs from its artificial intelligence division, Meta Superintelligence Labs, as part of efforts to accelerate decision-making and streamline operations in the fast-moving AI sector.

The newly established TBD Lab, which includes many recent high-profile hires, will not be affected by the layoffs. Impacted employees are being encouraged to apply for other internal roles.

Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang said the move will make teams more agile and impactful. Meta continues to invest heavily in AI under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership, including a $14.3 billion deal with data-labelling firm Scale AI.

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Britain takes aim at Apple and Google's dominance in smartphones, reports Reuters

General

Oct 22, 2025

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has designated Apple and Google as having “strategic market status”, granting it new powers to require changes that promote competition in smartphone ecosystems.

The regulator said the firms’ dominance across operating systems, app stores and browsers may restrict innovation and harm businesses reliant on their platforms.

While no immediate action has been taken, the CMA plans targeted interventions to ensure fairer competition. Google called the move “disproportionate”, while Apple warned that EU-style rules could harm user privacy, security, and experience, urging the UK to avoid replicating Europe’s regulatory approach.

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Reddit Sues Perplexity and Others Over Data Scraping to Train AI System, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 22, 2025

Reddit has filed a lawsuit against AI firm Perplexity and data-scraping companies Oxylabs, AWMProxy, and SerpApi, accusing them of illegally collecting and reselling Reddit content.

The complaint alleges the firms used disguised scrapers to evade detection and that Perplexity continued accessing Reddit data despite a cease-and-desist order. Reddit claims it verified this through digital tracking markers.

Reddit, which legally licenses data to OpenAI and Google, said the defendants chose to buy “stolen data” instead of negotiating. SerpApi and Oxylabs deny wrongdoing, stating their operations comply with laws on public data access.

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TikTok ad execs are finally talking, just enough to keep Q4 intact, reports Digiday

M&A

Oct 22, 2025

Advertisers remain uneasy about TikTok’s future as China has yet to approve its proposed U.S. framework deal, leaving uncertainty over how and when changes will take effect. TikTok has reassured agencies that nothing will shift before 2026.

The plan would see U.S. investors take majority control and license TikTok’s algorithm, but gaps in detail have caused confusion among marketers.

Some expect a smooth transition, while others warn of performance issues if the algorithm requires retraining. Until Beijing approves the deal, advertisers are cautious, balancing short-term spending with concerns about potential audience and engagement disruption.

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Google’s AdX unit has begun striking deals with media agencies, reports Digiday

General

Oct 22, 2025

Google’s Ad Exchange (AdX) is offering media agencies post-auction discount deals for the first time, marking a major shift in its long-standing approach to pricing transparency.

The discounts, introduced in early 2025, apply once agencies meet spending thresholds, with three tiers offering increasing savings for investments over $50–100 million.

The move comes as Google faces antitrust scrutiny in the U.S. and seeks to rebuild relationships with agencies through incentives and improved collaboration. While welcomed, agencies say AdX’s discounts remain less competitive than rival SSPs, suggesting Google is playing catch-up in programmatic advertising.

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Netflix Earnings For Q3 2025 Show +17.2% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +7.8% YoY

+ 17% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Oct 21, 2025

FT reports:

Netflix reported third-quarter revenue of $11.5 billion, up 17.2% year-on-year, driven by subscriber growth, higher prices and increased ad sales. However, shares fell 6% after profits were hit by a $619 million tax dispute in Brazil, reducing its operating margin to 28%.

The company said full-year revenue would rise 16% to $45.1 billion, though margins will remain under pressure due to the dispute.

Executives dismissed interest in acquiring legacy media networks like Warner Bros Discovery, despite speculation, saying Netflix remains focused on organic growth, expanding ad-supported tiers, gaming and AI-driven content recommendations.

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Google Ads quietly tests auto-setting New Customer Value, reports Search Engine Land

General

Oct 21, 2025

Google Ads is testing automatic assignment of “New Customer Values” in New Customer Acquisition campaigns, causing confusion among advertisers.

Some users discovered preset values added without notice or the ability to remove them, leading to skewed revenue reporting and unreliable performance data.

Google confirmed it is running an experiment to help advertisers improve results by optimising for higher new customer ratios but admitted values may be automatically adjusted. Advertisers, however, are criticising the lack of transparency and control, warning that such changes could undermine trust in Google’s reporting and campaign accuracy.

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Apple’s Fight With Epic Over Opening App Store Returns to Court, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 21, 2025

Apple is back in a US federal appeals court challenging an order that forces it to let developers link to cheaper payment options outside its App Store. The dispute stems from a 2021 ruling that Apple violated California law by restricting such links.

A judge found Apple “willfully” defied the order and referred the company for potential criminal investigation.

Apple argues its new 27% commission on external transactions complies with the law, while developers like Epic Games and Spotify say it breaches the ruling. The appeal is part of Apple’s wider battles with US and EU regulators over its market dominance.

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Apple Attacks EU Crackdown in Digital Law’s Biggest Court Test, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 21, 2025

Apple has launched a major legal challenge against the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing the law places “hugely onerous” and intrusive demands on its business. The company claims the rules violate its rights and threaten privacy, security, and intellectual property.

The case targets requirements for iPhone interoperability, the inclusion of the App Store under the DMA, and a probe into iMessage’s exclusion.

EU lawyers countered that Apple’s control over its ecosystem stifles competition and locks in users. Apple, already fined €500 million for App Store violations, faces the most significant test of the EU’s Big Tech crackdown.

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Omnicom Expects to Close IPG Takeover in November, reports AdWeek

M&A

Oct 21, 2025

Omnicom expects to complete its $13.5 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group by the end of November, creating the world’s largest advertising network by revenue, surpassing Publicis Groupe and WPP.

The deal has received approval from regulators in the U.S. and U.K., with only the European Union’s review still pending.

CEO John Wren said the merger will unite top talent and strengthen Omnicom’s capabilities across data, media, creativity, production, and technology, adding that early business wins demonstrate the strong growth potential of the combined group.

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IAB Shifts NewFronts Calendar, Adds Creator Upfront, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 21, 2025

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is moving its annual NewFronts event from late April and May to March, aligning it more closely with advertisers’ planning and investment cycles. The 2026 NewFronts will run from 23–26 March, with the main stage on 25 March.

IAB CEO David Cohen said the shift reflects market feedback and the evolving media landscape, giving buyers earlier access to premium streaming and digital inventory.

Alongside the change, IAB is expanding its autumn schedule to include CreatorFronts, Podcast Upfront, and PlayFronts, focusing on creators, podcasts, and gaming respectively.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Says It Is Evaluating Acquisition Offers From Multiple Parties, reports Variety

M&A

Oct 21, 2025

Warner Bros. Discovery is reviewing “strategic alternatives” after receiving unsolicited interest from several parties, including potential offers for the whole company or its streaming and studios arm.

The move follows reports that Paramount Skydance’s bids of $20 and nearly $24 per share were rejected as undervalued, though WBD’s stock rose 10% after the announcement.

The review will explore possible sales, mergers, or restructuring alongside the planned separation of Warner Bros. and Discovery Global by April 2026. CEO David Zaslav said the process aims to maximise shareholder value and recognise the company’s growing market appeal.

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OpenAI launches an AI-powered browser: ChatGPT Atlas, reports TechCrunch

General

Oct 21, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered browser aiming to rival Google Chrome by changing how people search and work online. It will debut on macOS, with Windows, iOS, and Android versions to follow.

Atlas integrates ChatGPT directly, allowing users to chat with search results and use a “sidecar” panel for on-screen context. It also includes browser history for personalised responses.

An “agent mode” can perform simple web tasks for users, though it is limited to paid ChatGPT tiers. Despite strong features, experts question whether Atlas can challenge Chrome’s dominance among global users.

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Massive Legal Siege Against Social Media Companies Looms, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 20, 2025

Thousands of lawsuits accusing major social media firms of addicting young users and fuelling mental health issues are set to reach US courts. The cases target Meta, Snap, ByteDance, and Google, alleging their platforms cause depression, anxiety, and self-harm among youth.

The first trials begin in early 2025, with thousands more pending. Lawyers compare the litigation’s potential impact to tobacco and opioid cases, saying internal documents show companies knowingly targeted children.

Defendants deny wrongdoing, arguing plaintiffs lack evidence linking social media use to harm. If successful, the lawsuits could lead to multibillion-dollar settlements and major platform reforms.

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Florida attorney general issues subpoenas to Roblox over child safety, reports Reuters

General

Oct 20, 2025

Advertising To Children

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued criminal subpoenas to Roblox, accusing the gaming platform of being a “breeding ground for predators” that endangers children. He claims the company profits from minors while failing to ensure their safety.

The subpoenas aim to collect evidence about alleged criminal activity involving predators and victims on the platform.

Roblox said it enforces strict safety measures, including AI-powered monitoring and content moderation. The move follows increasing global scrutiny, with Iraq banning Roblox and U.S. states pursuing lawsuits over child protection failures.

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China consumers file antitrust complaint against Apple over app store practices, reports Reuters

General

Oct 20, 2025

A group of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users has filed a complaint with China’s market regulator, accusing Apple of abusing its market dominance by limiting app distribution and payments to its own platforms while charging up to 30% in commissions.

The filing alleges Apple violates China’s Anti-Monopoly Law by forcing in-app purchases through its system and restricting downloads to the App Store.

Led by lawyer Wang Qiongfei, the group argues Apple allows more flexibility in the U.S. and EU. The complaint comes amid rising U.S.-China trade and technology tensions.

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Disney+ Cancellations Jump After Kimmel Suspension, reports NYT

General

Oct 20, 2025

Disney+ and Hulu saw a surge in cancellations in September after Disney temporarily pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following backlash over the host’s comments about a conservative activist’s killing.

Around three million Disney+ and 4.1 million Hulu subscriptions were cancelled, more than doubling their usual churn rates.

Despite the drop, both platforms gained new subscribers, partly due to bundled offers and support from those backing Disney’s decision. Price hikes introduced soon after may have also influenced churn, but data suggests the controversy around Kimmel was the main driver behind the spike in cancellations.

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TikTok’s ongoing U.S. uncertainty has marketers rethinking next year’s budgets, reports Digiday

General

Oct 20, 2025

Despite TikTok’s U.S. future appearing secure, advertisers remain cautious, with many planning to reduce spending next year amid uncertainty over ownership, governance and performance under new management.

Marketers say they need clarity on the U.S.-based version before committing major budgets, fearing disruption to engagement and reach if the algorithm or structure changes.

TikTok’s reliance on U.S. ad revenue, forecast at $17.17 billion for 2026, adds pressure as competition intensifies from Meta’s Vibes and OpenAI’s Sora. Declining user time and emerging AI-driven rivals could further erode confidence, forcing brands to shift budgets to safer platforms like Meta and Google.

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Paramount Job Cuts Coming Earlier Than Expected, reports Deadline

General

Oct 17, 2025

Paramount is expected to begin layoffs the week of 27 October, ahead of its 10 November Q3 earnings call. Around 2,000 U.S. roles are likely to be cut in the first round, with further reductions continuing through year-end.

The restructuring follows Paramount’s merger with Skydance, which aims to deliver $2 billion in cost savings across all divisions.

President Jeff Shell said the process would be “painful” but intended to be a one-time event. Meanwhile, the company is reportedly preparing a potential $60 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.

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NBA Makes a Big Play to Help Viewers Stream Games More Easily, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 17, 2025

Sports Marketing

The NBA has launched a new “Tap to Watch” feature to help fans easily find and stream games as its new media deals with ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video begin.

Fans can click a “watch” button on NBA platforms to be directed to the correct streaming service, with links also appearing across social media.

The initiative aims to simplify viewing in an increasingly fragmented streaming landscape, supported by the revamped NBA app, NBA TV, and new flagship show The Association, all designed to guide fans to live games across multiple platforms.

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Google Ads to auto-generate videos from existing Demand Gen image ads, reports Search Engine Land

General

Oct 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Google is introducing an AI-powered update to its Demand Gen campaigns that automatically converts image and text ads into videos to boost reach and engagement.

The feature will apply to all image-only ad groups created before 27 August, with auto-generated videos starting to serve after 31 October unless advertisers opt out.

Using existing creative assets, Google will produce branded video variations optimised for multiple formats across YouTube, Shorts and Discover. The update offers advertisers broader exposure without extra production costs but requires careful review to ensure AI-generated videos meet brand and quality standards.

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Apple clinches exclusive US media rights for F1 races under five-year deal, reports Reuters

General

Oct 17, 2025

Sports Marketing

Apple has secured exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to Formula 1 in a five-year deal reportedly worth $140 million annually, surpassing ESPN’s previous $90 million contract.

Starting next year, Apple TV will stream all races, qualifying, and practice sessions, with some content available for free via the app.

The agreement strengthens Apple’s growing live sports portfolio, alongside Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball, as streaming platforms compete for premium rights to attract subscribers. The deal follows the success of Apple’s F1 film, which grossed over $628 million and will stream globally on Apple TV in December.

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Meta Is Testing Skippable Ads on Instagram Reels, Borrowing From YouTube’s Playbook, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 17, 2025

Instagram is testing skippable ads in Reels, allowing users to bypass ads after a short countdown — a format similar to YouTube’s in-stream ads. The test aims to see if the feature helps users discover businesses.

Meta confirmed that creators will not share in ad revenue from this format, unlike YouTube’s model.

The trial reflects Meta’s efforts to boost monetisation while maintaining user experience, as marketers increasingly prioritise social media spend. Analysts suggest skippable ads could provide valuable engagement data and support social commerce development without disrupting viewing or overloading users with ads.

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Google's Privacy Sandbox Is Officially Dead, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 17, 2025

Google has officially ended its Privacy Sandbox project, launched in 2019 to develop privacy-focused alternatives to third-party cookies. Ten remaining Sandbox technologies, including Topics and Protected Audience APIs, are being discontinued due to low adoption.

The move follows Google’s earlier decision to abandon plans to remove cookies from Chrome after repeated delays.

While retiring the Sandbox brand, Google will retain a few successful tools such as CHIPS, FedCM and Private State Tokens, continuing efforts to enhance user privacy across Chrome, Android and the web through industry collaboration and existing privacy-focused technologies.

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Sora 2 copyright calculations highlight new role for agencies as risk whisperers, reports Digiday

General

Oct 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI’s launch of Sora 2, a video generation tool, sparked backlash for its initial opt-out copyright policy, prompting a swift reversal to opt-in after criticism from rights holders.

The controversy underscores wider tensions around generative AI and copyright, as governments and companies debate how intellectual property laws should adapt.

Agencies now play a central role advising brands on legal and reputational risks linked to AI-generated content, from protecting trademarks to managing potential misuse. Many advertisers remain cautious, balancing opportunities for creative engagement with fears of brand damage or copyright infringement in the evolving AI landscape.

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Walmart.com’s search results put ads front and center, a playbook Amazon pioneered, reports Digiday

General

Oct 17, 2025

Walmart has embraced sponsored listings across its website, with ads now appearing in 97% of searches — a sharp shift from its 2019 stance against paid search placements.

The retailer’s ad business generated $4.4 billion in 2024, up 27% year-on-year, and now contributes nearly a third of its operating income. Sponsored ads often dominate first-page results, mirroring Amazon’s ad-heavy model.

Brands are increasing spend to secure visibility, with Walmart search ad spending up 53% year-on-year. Despite the saturation, analysts say relevant ad placement has prevented consumer backlash, as Walmart’s e-commerce sales continue to grow strongly.

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Premium streaming ad views increase 27% in Europe, reports The Media Leader

General

Oct 16, 2025

FreeWheel’s H1 2025 Video Marketplace Report shows a 27% year-on-year rise in premium digital video ad views across Europe, driven by a 31% increase on connected TV devices. Broadcaster VOD content dominates, accounting for 76% of ad views.

Programmatic ad views surged 44%, now representing 19% of all premium ad views, with live content growing strongly. Viewing remains multiscreen, with CTV at 48%, mobile 21%, and STB VOD 21%.

In contrast, U.S. streaming is more CTV-heavy at 85%. Programmatic adoption continues to expand, with 14% more advertisers embracing automation and improved ad targeting boosting viewer experience.

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Spotify moves further into AI music with Sony, Universal, Warner partnership, reports CNBC

General

Oct 16, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Spotify has partnered with major music companies including Sony, Universal, Warner, Merlin and Believe to develop “responsible” AI products that respect artist rights and copyright.

The company is investing heavily in AI research, creating a dedicated lab and product team while outlining principles focused on fair compensation, artist consent and fan connection.

Existing AI features like its DJ and AI Playlist will expand, as Spotify seeks to combat copyright misuse and “spammy” AI-generated music. The partnership follows criticism of CEO Daniel Ek’s defence-tech investments and rising industry concerns about unauthorised use of artists’ voices and music in AI tools.

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Apple TV, Peacock streaming bundle to launch next week at $14.99 a month, reports Reuters

General

Oct 16, 2025

Apple and NBCUniversal are launching a streaming bundle next week, combining Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium for $14.99 per month, or $19.99 with Peacock Premium Plus.

The partnership offers U.S. customers over 30% savings and access to a broader range of original series, films and live events across both platforms.

Subscribers can sample select episodes from each partner’s shows directly within their apps, including titles like Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, Law & Order and Love Island Games. The collaboration marks a growing trend of streaming rivals joining forces to boost value and expand audiences.

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US lawmaker says licensing deal for TikTok algorithm would raise serious concerns, reports Reuters

M&A

Oct 16, 2025

House China Committee chair John Moolenaar has raised concerns over a proposed deal allowing ByteDance to license TikTok’s algorithm to new U.S. owners, warning it could leave China with undue influence.

The sale, mandated by a 2024 law, requires ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets by January 2025 or face a nationwide ban.

Under the plan, ByteDance would retain less than 20% ownership and one of seven board seats, with the algorithm retrained and monitored by U.S. security partners. Moolenaar, however, argued that only a completely new algorithm would ensure national security.

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Apple’s Head of ChatGPT-Like AI Search Effort to Leave for Meta, reports Bloomberg

General

Oct 16, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Apple’s head of AI-driven web search, Ke Yang, is leaving the company for Meta, marking another major loss for Apple’s struggling artificial intelligence division.

Yang recently led the Answers, Knowledge and Information (AKI) team, responsible for developing a more advanced, web-connected version of Siri, central to Apple’s AI overhaul planned for March.

His departure follows a wave of exits from Apple’s AI and machine learning group, including several researchers who have also joined Meta. The instability raises concerns over Apple’s ability to compete with OpenAI and Google in the rapidly evolving generative AI and search market.

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Meta Withdraws From MRC Brand Safety Audits, Loses Accreditation Just Months After It Was Issued, reports AdWeek

General

Oct 16, 2025

Meta has lost its brand safety accreditation from the Media Rating Council (MRC) less than four months after it was granted.

The MRC, an independent body that audits media organisations for advertising accuracy and brand safety, had in June accredited Facebook and Instagram feeds for content-level brand safety for the first time.

This certification indicated that ad placements within those environments were considered safe for brands. The MRC also renewed Facebook’s existing accreditation for in-stream video content at that time, but this latest decision marks a setback for Meta’s advertising credibility.

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Microsoft to avoid French antitrust investigation as rival says its complaint will be dismissed, reports Reuters

General

Oct 15, 2025

Microsoft is expected to avoid a French antitrust probe after regulators reportedly plan to dismiss a complaint by rival search engine Qwant.

Qwant accused Microsoft of abusing its dominance by imposing exclusivity restrictions and favouring its own services in search and advertising, hindering competitors’ growth.

The French regulator’s investigators have recommended rejecting Qwant’s complaint, though a final decision is due within weeks. Qwant said it may appeal or pursue the case through other authorities. Microsoft maintains the complaint lacks merit, noting that Google dominates the search market rather than itself.

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OpenAI makes five-year business plan to meet $1tn spending pledges, reports FT

General

Oct 15, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI is developing new revenue streams, debt partnerships and funding strategies to support more than $1 trillion in AI infrastructure commitments over the next decade.

Plans include government and enterprise services, AI shopping tools, video creation via Sora, and a personal assistant device designed with Jony Ive. It is also exploring advertising, consumer hardware, and data centre ventures under its Stargate project.

Despite $13 billion in annual recurring revenue, OpenAI reported an $8 billion operating loss in the first half of 2025. The company expects growth, lower compute costs, and creative financing to sustain its ambitious expansion.

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NBC News cuts 150 staffers amid Versant spinoff, reports Axios

General

Oct 15, 2025

NBC News has begun laying off around 150 employees, roughly 7% of its workforce, ahead of parent company Comcast’s planned separation of NBC from its cable networks.

Chairman Cesar Conde said the cuts were necessary to maintain NBC’s industry leadership but acknowledged their difficulty. Departments across the organisation were affected, with the diversity unit hit particularly hard.

Around a dozen roles will be repurposed, and affected employees are encouraged to reapply. The layoffs reflect wider pressures on journalism amid ongoing media consolidation, including anticipated job cuts following the recent Skydance Media and Paramount merger.

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With OpenAds, The Trade Desk is rewriting what it means to be buy-side, reports Digiday

General

Oct 15, 2025

The Trade Desk CEO Jeff Green said publishers are now central to the company’s strategy, with focus shifting to improving auction transparency to strengthen the open internet.

At the Prebid Summit, he defended the launch of OpenAds, a new auction system built on Prebid’s software that retains Transaction IDs for greater visibility. This has sparked friction, with some publishers viewing it as encroachment on their territory.

Green argued OpenAds aims to fix inefficiencies caused by intermediaries and reward quality publishers. The Trade Desk believes cleaner, auditable auctions will benefit both buyers and sellers through higher trust and performance.

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The Ad Context Protocol Aims To Make Sense Of Agentic Ad Demand, reports AdExchanger

General

Oct 15, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

A group of ad tech and AI firms, including Yahoo!, PubMatic, Triton Digital, Scope3, Optable and Swivel, have launched the Ad Context Protocol (AdCP) to create standards for AI agents in advertising.

The initiative aims to enable agent-to-agent communication across the ad supply chain, allowing campaigns to be planned and executed through natural language prompts. Publishers could use this system to offer tailored audience and inventory packages directly to advertisers.

AdCP seeks to simplify buying, reduce intermediaries and boost collaboration between advertisers and publishers, with testing and documentation expected within a year.

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