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FTC, Ad Companies Agree to Settlement Terms in Boycott Probe, reports WSJ

General

Apr 15, 2026

The FTC and eight US states have proposed a settlement with major advertising groups over allegations they coordinated boycotts against platforms including Elon Musk’s X.

The complaint says Publicis, WPP and Dentsu worked with third-party organisations to steer ad spending away from certain sites using brand safety standards that allegedly harmed conservative viewpoints.

Under the proposed consent order, the agencies would face limits on using politically biased criteria in ad placement decisions. WPP and Dentsu said the agreement does not change their commitment to compliance, and WPP denied wrongdoing.

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Snap to Cut 16% of Its Workforce in Quest for Profitability, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 15, 2026

Snap is cutting about 1,000 full-time jobs, or 16% of its workforce, as Evan Spiegel seeks to reduce costs and move the company towards profitability.

Spiegel said the changes are intended to improve efficiency and were partly enabled by advances in artificial intelligence. Snap is also closing more than 300 open roles and expects to cut its annualised cost base by over $500 million.

The move comes as Snap faces pressure from weak share performance, user growth challenges and activist investors, despite reporting an estimated 12% rise in first-quarter revenue.

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EU age verification app ready as Europe moves to curb children's social media access, reports Reuters

General

Apr 15, 2026

Advertising To Children

The European Commission says its age verification app for online platforms is ready and will soon be available, as European countries step up efforts to limit children’s access to social media.

The app will work on phones and computers, using passports or ID cards to confirm age anonymously. Brussels also plans a coordination system to support national age-verification schemes across Europe.

At least a dozen European countries are considering or introducing age limits for social media. A final decision on possible EU-wide legislation is expected after recommendations from a child safety panel later this summer.

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Netflix to refocus on ads, content after failed Warner Bros bid, reports Reuters

General

Apr 15, 2026

Investors will focus on Netflix’s content spending and advertising growth when it reports quarterly results, its first since abandoning a bid for Warner Bros Discovery.

Analysts expect first-quarter revenue to rise 15.5% to $12.18 billion, including $634 million from advertising. March price rises in the US may also help lift revenue and push more users towards the ad-supported tier.

After missing out on Warner Bros, Netflix may face stronger competition if Warner Bros and Paramount Skydance merge. Investors now expect it to lean further into sport and live events to grow advertising.

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Viant Will Buy TVision for $40M, reports AdWeek

M&A

Apr 15, 2026

Viant has agreed to buy TVision for $40 million, paying $22.5 million in cash and $17.5 million in shares.

The deal strengthens Viant’s ability to measure television audiences across linear TV, open connected TV and walled gardens in one system.

TVision uses a panel of 5,000 US households to track how many people are watching television and how engaged they are with ads or content.

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Amazon Ads Hands The IAB Tech Lab A Tool That Promises To Waste Fewer Bid Requests, reports AdExchanger

General

Apr 15, 2026

The IAB Tech Lab has announced that Amazon Ads is donating its Dynamic Traffic Engine as open-source technology to help improve real-time bidding efficiency.

The tool helps DSPs signal their inventory preferences to SSPs in real time, allowing sellers to send more relevant bid requests and reduce wasted traffic. This should improve performance, lower infrastructure costs and make supply shaping more precise.

Publishers may benefit from better bids if they can match buyer demand, while advertisers gain cleaner inventory flows. The system could also reduce unnecessary internet traffic and its related energy use.

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TelevisaUnivision Joins The Streaming Self-Service Bandwagon, reports AdExchanger

General

Apr 15, 2026

TelevisaUnivision has made its streaming inventory available through fullthrottle.ai’s self-serve platform, joining a wider shift towards easier, data-led connected TV buying.

The partnership aims first to simplify access for advertisers seeking US Hispanic audiences, then to improve targeting and performance through better data and measurement. Fullthrottle uses first-party data and clean-room matching to help target households and link campaigns to sales outcomes.

For buyers, the self-serve model should reduce inefficiencies, improve reach and frequency management, and make streaming media investments easier to justify through clearer performance evidence.

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Google AI Max moves out of beta: Marketers sound off on the inevitable migration, reports Digiday

General

Apr 15, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Google’s AI Max is leaving beta and will absorb Dynamic Search Ads, automatically created assets and campaign-level broad match settings, further pushing search advertising towards automation.

From September, advertisers will no longer be able to create new DSA campaigns in Google Ads, marking a broader shift from keyword-led buying to intent-based auctions.

Marketers appear more accepting of AI Max than earlier automated tools because it offers greater reporting and controls. Even so, some remain wary about issues such as cannibalisation, irrelevant spend and reduced clarity over how the AI makes decisions.

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Google sued by rival app store Aptoide over alleged monopoly, reports Reuters

General

Apr 14, 2026

Aptoide has sued Google in the US, accusing it of illegally monopolising Android app distribution and billing and shutting out rival app stores.

The Portuguese company says Google’s practices have prevented it from putting greater pressure on prices and policies, despite offering lower commissions to developers and lower costs to users.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages. It adds to Google’s wider antitrust troubles, following earlier action by Epic Games and separate US cases over its search and app store businesses.

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Italy court allows class action against Meta over Facebook data scraping, reports Reuters

General

Apr 14, 2026

A Milan court has approved a class action against Meta over a Facebook data-scraping incident affecting users between 2018 and 2019.

The case was brought by Italian consumer group CTCU, which is seeking compensation for users who lost, or feared losing, control of their personal data in breach of GDPR rules.

Meta says the ruling is only procedural and does not establish any legal wrongdoing. A legal source estimated that around 35 million Facebook users in Italy could potentially be affected.

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Google, Microsoft, Meta All Tracking You Even When You Opt Out, According to an Independent Audit, reports 404 Media

General

Apr 14, 2026

An audit by webXray found that many popular websites in California still set ad cookies after users opt out of tracking, raising possible privacy law concerns for Google, Meta and Microsoft.

The report claims Google failed to honour opt-out signals most often, with Meta and Microsoft also showing significant failure rates. It also said Google-certified consent tools often failed to block cookies properly.

All three companies disputed the findings, arguing the audit misunderstood how their systems work. The report says enforcement remains too weak and that preventing these cookies could be achieved with relatively simple technical changes.

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Layoffs Hit Disney: 1,000 Jobs Cut as Josh D’Amaro Unveils Streamlining Push, reports The Hollywood Reporter

General

Apr 14, 2026

Disney is cutting about 1,000 jobs as new chief executive Josh D’Amaro begins reshaping the company a month into the role.

The layoffs are expected to affect the unified marketing group, studios, television, ESPN, product and technology, and some corporate functions. Disney says the cuts are part of efforts to streamline operations and build a more agile, technology-enabled workforce.

D’Amaro said the changes are not a reflection of employees’ contributions but of how Disney is reallocating resources. The company is aiming for a more connected “One Disney” structure as it adapts to industry change.

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Macron Leads EU Push to Coordinate Social Media Bans for Minors, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 14, 2026

Advertising To Children

Emmanuel Macron and several EU leaders are due to meet remotely to coordinate efforts to restrict minors’ access to social media.

The talks reflect concern over fragmented national approaches, with countries proposing different age limits and age-verification systems. Macron wants a common EU approach to strengthen enforcement.

At least seven EU countries are considering measures, driven by concerns over mental health, cyberbullying and harmful content. France is pushing a ban for under-15s, while the EU is already scrutinising addictive platform features such as autoplay and constant notifications.

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Dentsu Revamps Its AI Platform for an Agentic Future, reports AdWeek

General

Apr 14, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Dentsu has overhauled its main AI platform, Dentsu.Connect, to prepare for a future in which marketing and media workflows are increasingly automated by AI agents.

After unifying its data and technology teams in 2024, Dentsu brought them into Dentsu.Connect to create a shared data layer and strengthen marketing operations with AI tools.

The latest version goes further by acting as a central platform where workflows such as media planning, strategy and audience building can connect, communicate and learn from one another.

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Publicis Group CEO rules out building a Trade Desk rival amid ongoing dispute, reports Digiday

General

Apr 14, 2026

Publicis has told clients to pull spend from The Trade Desk over transparency concerns, but has not yet said where that money should go instead.

Chief executive Arthur Sadoun made clear the answer will not be a Publicis-built rival platform. He said creating a new self-serve DSP would distract from the group’s AI-focused strategy and do little to help clients grow.

The stance reflects Publicis’s wider bet that data, services and client relationships matter more than owning the buying platform itself. It also avoids adding to scrutiny over agency transparency and media profits.

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Creator content has become critical for retail media networks, reports Digiday

General

Apr 14, 2026

Retail media and the creator economy are becoming more closely connected, as retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy and Albertsons bring creator-led content into brand campaigns.

They are also using shopper and sales data to identify the most effective creators and prove campaign performance, helping brands link creator activity more directly to conversions and purchases.

The appeal is clear: creator content can feel more engaging and culturally relevant than standard ads, while retail media offers the scale and measurement brands increasingly demand. Together, they promise stronger storytelling backed by clearer sales accountability.

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Publicis Posts Top-Line Growth Despite Hit From Middle East War, reports WSJ

General

Apr 14, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Publicis expects faster top-line growth this quarter, saying clients are continuing to spend despite the war in the Middle East and growing economic uncertainty.

The group reported first-quarter organic net revenue growth of 4.5%, slightly ahead of expectations, with strong performances in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific offsetting weakness in the Middle East and Africa.

Arthur Sadoun said demand for AI-powered marketing services remains strong and reiterated full-year guidance of 4% to 5% organic growth. He added that Publicis remains focused on winning business, making acquisitions and improving profitability through AI.

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Arthur Sadoun reassures Publicis that layoffs and asset sales aren’t its playbook, reports AdAge

General

Apr 14, 2026

Arthur Sadoun has told Publicis staff the company will keep investing in people and future growth rather than following rivals he says are focused on cuts, buybacks and asset sales.

He used the message to distinguish Publicis from competitors and argue that strong talent, integrated services and differentiated capabilities matter even more in an AI-driven market.

The comments came alongside first-quarter results showing revenue growth and steady guidance. Sadoun said Publicis sees employees as its greatest asset and will continue training them for the future rather than becoming a “synthetic” company.

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OpenAI investors question $852bn valuation as strategy shifts, reports FT

General

Apr 14, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI’s $852 billion valuation is facing growing scrutiny as it shifts focus towards enterprise AI and stronger competition from Anthropic, despite retaining a lead in consumer use through ChatGPT.

Some investors worry the company is becoming unfocused, pursuing too many initiatives while preparing for a potential IPO. Anthropic’s rapid growth in coding tools has intensified those concerns.

OpenAI argues it still has strong investor backing, major funding and a computing advantage. It is narrowing priorities, expanding business tools such as Codex, and aiming for enterprise revenue to match consumer income.

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Google AdSense Will Experiment With New Ad Technology Partners, reports Search Engine Roundtable

General

Apr 13, 2026

Google plans to test an updated list of commonly used ad technology partners for AdSense publishers from on or after 20 April 2026.

If the experiment proves beneficial, the revised partner list may be adopted more broadly from on or after 5 June 2026. Google says the update will reflect partners most widely used by publishers and meeting its privacy standards.

Publishers can review the list in their AdSense privacy settings. Those who do not want automatic updates or to join the test can opt out and manage a custom partner list instead.

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Google Faces Mass Arbitration by Advertisers Seeking Billions, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 13, 2026

Google faces potential claims worth billions as advertisers prepare mass arbitration proceedings over search and ad-tech businesses that courts have ruled were illegal monopolies.

Because advertiser contracts require arbitration, companies are joining together rather than pursuing class actions. Lawyers behind the effort say a significant number of advertisers have already signed up, with initial claims expected imminently.

The claims could become one of the first major mass arbitrations brought on behalf of corporate plaintiffs. Google says it has strong arguments against the claims and will defend itself vigorously.

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OpenAI touts Amazon alliance in memo, says Microsoft has limited our ability to reach clients, reports CNBC

General

Apr 13, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI’s revenue chief Denise Dresser said its partnership with Amazon is driving strong enterprise demand, while its longstanding relationship with Microsoft has limited access to some customers.

The company is expanding beyond Microsoft’s cloud to reach businesses using Amazon Web Services, as it competes with rivals such as Anthropic and Google in the fast-growing enterprise AI market.

Enterprise now makes up about 40% of OpenAI’s revenue and is expected to match its consumer business soon. The company is positioning itself for growth and a potential IPO amid intensifying competition.

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Meta Expected to Unseat Google as World’s Largest Digital-Ad Player, reports WSJ

General

Apr 13, 2026

Meta is expected to overtake Google this year as the world’s biggest digital advertising business by net ad revenue, according to Emarketer.

The forecast credits Meta’s growth to products such as Reels and to AI, which is helping improve recommendations, increase watch time and support new advertising tools. Its ad growth is expected to outpace Google’s again this year.

Google remains dominant in search, but faces rising competition from Amazon, AI firms and social platforms. Even so, Meta, Google and Amazon are together expected to tighten their grip on the wider digital advertising market.

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EU Appoints Former Von der Leyen Aide to Top Competition Job, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 13, 2026

The European Commission has appointed Anthony Whelan to lead its competition policy arm at a time of rising tensions with the US over Big Tech regulation and changes to merger rules.

A lawyer and longtime EU official, Whelan previously advised Ursula von der Leyen on digital policy and has held senior roles in the Commission’s legal and competition teams.

He takes over as Brussels reviews its antitrust and merger framework and pursues major cases involving US technology companies, including investigations linked to Google’s news and AI practices.

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Hollywood stars sign open letter opposing Paramount-Warner Bros deal, reports Reuters

M&A

Apr 13, 2026

More than 1,000 filmmakers, actors and industry figures have signed an open letter opposing Warner Bros Discovery’s proposed $110 billion merger with Paramount Skydance.

The signatories warn the deal would reduce competition, cut opportunities for creators, threaten jobs and leave audiences with higher costs and less choice. They argue previous consolidation has already narrowed the range of stories being funded and released.

The merger would combine two major studios and their streaming platforms. Regulators in the US and Europe are expected to examine its effects on consumers and the creative sector.

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UK to probe Paramount-Warner Bros deal in coming weeks, competition watchdog says, reports Reuters

M&A

Apr 13, 2026

Britain’s competition watchdog is expected to open an investigation in the coming weeks into Paramount Skydance’s planned $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery.

The CMA said the film and television industries are economically important and it must assess whether the deal could harm competition. Interested parties have until 27 April to submit comments.

The proposed merger, announced in February after a bidding battle with Netflix, is also facing industry opposition. More than 1,000 writers, actors and directors have signed an open letter criticising the deal.

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Social media platforms need to stop never-ending scrolling, UK's Starmer says, reports Reuters

General

Apr 13, 2026

Responsible Media

Keir Starmer has said social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok should act to stop young users spending hours endlessly scrolling videos.

The UK is considering measures including a possible ban for under-16s, as well as testing curfews, app time limits and other restrictions to assess their effects on sleep, family life and schoolwork.

Starmer said addictive algorithms are a serious problem and that parents want government action. Ministers are also seeking views from families and teenagers as part of a wider online safety consultation.

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Roblox Adds Youth Accounts as Push for Social Media Bans Grows, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 13, 2026

Advertising To Children

Roblox is introducing new account types for children and teenagers as it seeks to strengthen safety measures and avoid being caught by proposed social media bans.

Roblox Kids, for ages five to eight, will limit access to carefully rated games and disable chat by default. Roblox Select, for ages nine to 15, will allow a broader range of games and chat features.

The company says age checks and stricter controls will create safer experiences, while developers targeting younger users will face extra verification requirements.

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X says it’s reducing payments to clickbait accounts, reports TechCrunch

General

Apr 12, 2026

X is cutting payments to accounts that flood users’ feeds with clickbait, rapid-fire aggregation and repetitive “breaking news” posts.

According to product chief Nikita Bier, aggregators had payouts cut to 60% this cycle and will face a further 20% reduction next time. He said X will not limit speech or reach, but will stop rewarding manipulation.

The move follows complaints from some affected accounts, including prominent conservative posters. It also comes amid wider debate over X’s creator economy, traffic quality and the platform’s influence on online news distribution.

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FTC in Settlement Talks With Ad Companies in Boycott Probe, reports WSJ

General

Apr 12, 2026

The FTC is discussing a possible settlement with major advertising groups over whether they coordinated ad boycotts against platforms including Elon Musk’s X in breach of antitrust law.

Under the proposed deal, firms such as Dentsu, Publicis and WPP would agree not to steer client spending away from platforms because of political content. Advertisers would still be free to avoid specific sites themselves.

Any settlement would reportedly involve no admission of wrongdoing and may still fall through. The talks reflect wider tensions between brand safety practices, platform politics and competition law.

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OpenAI Accuses Musk of Ambush as $100 Billion-Plus Trial Looms, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 11, 2026

OpenAI says Elon Musk has abruptly changed what he wants from his lawsuit against the company just weeks before the trial is due to begin.

In a late-night court filing, OpenAI described the move as a legal ambush designed to disrupt proceedings and create confusion for the defendants.

The company also argued that Musk is trying to reshape the public narrative around his case at the last minute.

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Apple Hires Uber’s Asia-Pacific Government Relations Chief, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 11, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Apple has hired Mike Orgill, Uber’s former head of public policy and government relations for Asia-Pacific, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the region.

The move comes as Apple continues to diversify its supply chains away from China, with India becoming increasingly important for device production. Vietnam and Indonesia are also seen as key markets and potential manufacturing bases.

Apple also reorganised its global affairs division last year to reshape management of government teams across Europe, India, China and other parts of Asia.

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Stagwell Brings in Growth Chief to Step Up Push for Big Clients, reports AdWeek

General

Apr 10, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Stagwell has appointed Nicole Souza as chief growth officer for North America as it looks to deepen relationships with large-scale clients.

Souza joins from Publicis Groupe’s creative division after a year in which Stagwell increased new business by 25% and added brands including Starbucks, PepsiCo and Target.

The appointment reflects Stagwell’s strong growth ambitions for 2026. Chief executive Mark Penn has forecast 10% revenue growth, and the company says more senior hires are planned to strengthen its growth leadership team.

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Meta must face youth addiction lawsuit by Massachusetts, court rules, reports Reuters

General

Apr 10, 2026

Massachusetts’ highest court has ruled that Meta must face a lawsuit accusing it of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram features to addict young users.

The court said federal protections for online platforms do not necessarily block claims focused on Meta’s own business conduct, rather than user-posted content.

The case centres on features such as push notifications, likes and endless scrolling, which the state says exploited teenagers’ vulnerabilities. Meta denies the allegations and says it takes significant steps to protect young users.

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Elon Musk's xAI sues Colorado over state's new AI law, reports Reuters

General

Apr 10, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

xAI has sued Colorado to stop a new state law regulating artificial intelligence systems from taking effect on 30 June.

The company argues the law, which covers high-risk AI used in areas such as jobs, housing, healthcare and finance, violates the First Amendment and would force changes to Grok to reflect the state’s views.

The case deepens the wider dispute over whether AI oversight should be led by individual states or by Washington. xAI says state-by-state rules could damage innovation, competition and US AI leadership.

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Proxy adviser Glass Lewis recommends Warner Bros shareholders vote for Paramount deal, reports Reuters

M&A

Apr 10, 2026

Glass Lewis has urged Warner Bros Discovery shareholders to back its $110 billion merger with Paramount Skydance, saying the deal offers immediate and relatively certain cash value.

The proxy adviser acknowledged risks, including antitrust scrutiny, but said the overall balance favours approval. Shareholders are due to vote on 23 April, with the deal expected to close in the third quarter.

However, Glass Lewis recommended voting against executive payout proposals. It raised serious concerns about golden parachute terms that could hand chief executive David Zaslav up to $887 million.

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EU weighing tighter regulation for OpenAI under Digital Services Act, reports Reuters

General

Apr 10, 2026

Responsible Media

The European Commission is assessing whether ChatGPT should be classified as a large online platform under the Digital Services Act after OpenAI reported user numbers above the relevant threshold.

OpenAI said ChatGPT search had around 120.4 million average monthly active users in the EU over the six months to the end of September 2025, well above the 45 million threshold.

If designated, ChatGPT would face tougher regulatory obligations. The Commission said large language models may fall within the DSA, but decisions must be made case by case.

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YouTube raises subscription prices in US for the first time in 3 years, reports Reuters

General

Apr 10, 2026

YouTube has increased subscription prices in the United States for the first time in three years, with rises of up to $4 from the next billing cycle.

The individual YouTube Premium plan will now cost $15.99 a month, while the family plan rises to $26.99. YouTube Lite and YouTube Music Premium are also becoming more expensive.

YouTube said the changes will help maintain key features such as ad-free viewing, background play and access to its music library. The move follows wider price increases across the streaming industry.

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WPP Taps Estee Lauder's Anne-Isabelle Choueiri as Chief Transformation Officer, reports AdWeek

General

Apr 10, 2026

Leadership Transitions

WPP has appointed Anne-Isabelle Choueiri as chief transformation officer to help deliver its Elevate28 turnaround plan and return the business to growth by 2028.

Reporting to CEO Cindy Rose, Choueiri will focus on embedding AI, technology and operational change across the company, while helping staff adapt to the transformation. She joins from Estée Lauder, where she led transformation and AI strategy.

The appointment follows WPP’s recent revenue decline and broader restructuring. The group aims to become more efficient and connected for clients, while targeting major cost savings over the next three years.

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Google Ads drops Display and Video planning from Performance Planner, reports Search Engine Land

General

Apr 9, 2026

Google has reduced the scope of its Performance Planner tool, removing support for Display and Video campaigns and for impression share-based planning metrics.

The change suggests Google is moving further away from impression-led planning and pushing advertisers towards conversion-focused strategies and automated, performance-driven campaign types.

As a result, advertisers may find it harder to forecast and optimise upper-funnel activity such as awareness campaigns within Google’s native tools. Existing plans using the removed campaign types or metrics can no longer be viewed or edited.

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Meta transfers top engineers into new AI tooling team, reports Reuters

General

Apr 9, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Meta is moving top software engineers into a new Applied AI Engineering unit as part of a wider reorganisation linked to looming layoffs.

The transfers, once voluntary, are now mandatory for selected staff. The new team is intended to build tools and evaluations that speed up the creation of AI agents able to write code and handle complex tasks.

The move reflects Meta’s broader push to become more AI-native, cut layers of management and improve efficiency as it invests heavily in AI infrastructure and automation.

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Samsung Ads offers streaming ad exposure insights in Europe, reports The Media Leader

General

Apr 9, 2026

Samsung Ads has launched TotalView in beta in the UK and Germany, with wider European rollout to follow. The tool shows which Samsung smart TV homes have seen advertising across streaming services.

It combines data from linear TV, streaming apps, BVOD, FAST channels and Samsung home screen ads to give advertisers a more unified view of campaign reach.

TotalView is designed to help planners find incremental audiences, improve targeting and retarget exposed households. Samsung says it offers a fuller picture of TV performance across its smart TV ecosystem.

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OpenAI projects $100 billion in ad revenue by 2030, reports Axios

General

Apr 9, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI expects advertising to become a major revenue stream, projecting $2.5 billion this year and $100 billion by 2030, according to investor presentations.

The company says its ad pilot reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue in under two months. It believes chatbot advertising could be especially valuable because users often state their needs directly.

The strategy may help fund OpenAI’s heavy computing costs and support future growth. However, it also raises concerns that advertising could undermine trust by shifting chatbots away from serving users first.

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Meta, Amazon, X.AI Pressed by Key Senator on Child Exploitation, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 9, 2026

Responsible Media

A leading Senate Republican has opened an inquiry into Meta, Amazon, xAI and several other tech companies over how they report suspected online child sexual exploitation.

Senate Judiciary Committee chair Chuck Grassley sent letters to eight companies, also including TikTok, Snap, Discord, Roblox and Grindr.

He is seeking more information about what steps they are taking to improve reporting and strengthen their response to child exploitation concerns.

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Florida AG opens probe into OpenAI ahead of potential IPO, reports Reuters

General

Apr 9, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Florida’s attorney general has launched an investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT, citing concerns over whether its data and AI technology could fall into the hands of hostile foreign actors.

He also alleged ChatGPT has been linked to criminal behaviour, including child abuse, suicide encouragement and possibly assisting a recent school shooter at Florida State University.

OpenAI did not immediately comment. The investigation comes as the company prepares for a potential IPO and amid wider scrutiny of how its products affect children and public safety.

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Meta Removes Law-Firm Ads Recruiting Clients to Sue It, reports WSJ

General

Apr 9, 2026

Meta has begun removing adverts on Facebook and Instagram that lawyers use to recruit plaintiffs for lawsuits against Instagram and other social media platforms.

The company said it is defending itself against the litigation and will not allow trial lawyers to profit from its platforms while alleging they are harmful. It also plans to block similar adverts in future.

The move follows recent trial losses and comes as Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap face thousands of claims alleging their platforms were designed to addict young users and contribute to mental health problems.

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Amazon CEO Presses His Case for Big AI Spending, reports WSJ

General

Apr 9, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Andy Jassy said Amazon will focus on expanding rural delivery, investing in robotics and accelerating its use of generative AI as key drivers of future growth.

He described AI as a transformative technology and said Amazon plans to spend about $200 billion in capital expenditure in 2026, mainly on AI infrastructure. He also expects AI costs to fall over time, encouraging wider adoption.

Jassy also highlighted Amazon’s satellite internet project, robotics in fulfilment centres, drone delivery and ultrafast shipping. He said the company is investing heavily to improve service in rural and underserved areas.

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Omnicom wins IBM’s global media account, reports AdAge

General

Apr 9, 2026

IBM has awarded its global media account to Omnicom after a review, according to people familiar with the matter. The review was handled by Michael Kassan’s 3C Ventures.

WPP Media, the incumbent, chose not to defend the business. Ogilvy, IBM’s longtime creative partner, is also not taking part in the company’s separate creative review.

IBM’s global media spend was estimated at $190 million in 2025, down sharply from $330 million in 2024. The win adds to a recent run of media business gains for Omnicom.

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Code in OpenAI's Ads Manager Suggests the Company Is Building Conversion Tracking Into ChatGPT, reports AdWeek

General

Apr 9, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI appears to be expanding its advertising business beyond the US while also preparing to make ChatGPT more useful for performance advertising.

Code found in its ads manager suggests future support for click- and conversion-based campaigns, even though the system currently only supports impression-based ads.

The infrastructure, reportedly code-named Bazaar and built on a wider system called Tapestry, could eventually allow advertisers to track actions such as app installs or purchases.

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Disney Planning Layoffs Under New CEO Josh D’Amaro, reports WSJ

General

Apr 8, 2026

Disney is preparing to cut up to 1,000 jobs, with many of the layoffs expected in its newly consolidated marketing department.

The move reflects wider pressure on the company as it adjusts to lower profits from streaming, weaker box office returns and stronger competition from technology groups such as Amazon and YouTube.

The cuts are part of ongoing cost-saving and restructuring efforts that began before new chief executive Josh D’Amaro took over. Disney is also merging operations across divisions, including Disney+ and Hulu, to improve efficiency and fund digital growth.

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Meta Debuts First AI Model From New Superintelligence Group, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 8, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Meta has unveiled Muse Spark, its first AI model from the new Superintelligence Labs led by Alexandr Wang. Unlike Meta’s earlier open-source approach, this model is closed and will power the Meta AI chatbot.

The launch is an early test of Mark Zuckerberg’s costly AI overhaul, aimed at helping Meta catch up with rivals such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Google. The company says Muse Spark is smaller and faster, with larger models still in development.

Meta may eventually sell API access and consider subscriptions, though the chatbot remains free for now. The model will also support features across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

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The Publicis-Microsoft Deal is Bigger Than You Think, reports AdWeek

General

Apr 8, 2026

Microsoft has named Publicis Groupe its global media agency of record and said the two companies will also form a new AI partnership combining tools, technology and data.

The media account was previously held by Dentsu. ADWEEK reports Publicis won the business without a pitch, although Dentsu will continue handling Xbox media planning and buying and some production work.

Industry estimates suggest Microsoft’s media spend was about $700 million in 2025, though one senior source said the part won by Publicis is worth $1.2 billion.

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Jeff Shell Officially Out as Paramount’s President, reports Variety

General

Apr 8, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Jeff Shell is leaving his role as president of Paramount Skydance to focus on a lawsuit brought by professional gambler R.J. Cipriani, who claims Shell owes him $150 million and shared confidential company information.

Paramount Skydance said an independent investigation found no securities law violations and described Cipriani’s claims as baseless. Shell has filed a counterclaim, accusing Cipriani of extortion and defamation.

Shell’s exit follows another high-profile departure from NBCUniversal in 2023. Although he helped lead the Paramount-Skydance merger, he was reportedly struggling to find his place in the company’s evolving leadership structure.

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YouTube starts showing 90-second unskippable ads to TV viewers, reports 9to5 Google

General

Apr 8, 2026

YouTube appears to be testing much longer unskippable ads for TV viewers, with some users reporting ad breaks that last 90 seconds before skipping becomes possible.

The move seems aimed at attracting more traditional television advertisers and follows other recent efforts to make the platform more ad-friendly, particularly on connected TVs.

Viewers have reacted negatively, with some turning to third-party tools or comparing the experience unfavourably with earlier versions of YouTube. The change also highlights Google’s broader push to position YouTube more like a mainstream streaming service.

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As YouTube grows on TV, it eyes more interactive video across formats, reports TechCrunch

General

Apr 8, 2026

YouTube is stepping up its push into TV viewing, with job listings showing plans to make its living-room experience more interactive across live streams, Shorts and subscription features.

The company is exploring tools such as chat, gifting, multi-device controls and second-screen interaction, as TV now accounts for a growing share of YouTube watch time in the US.

The move reflects YouTube’s stronger position on television, but making TV genuinely interactive remains difficult. Viewers still engage less actively on big screens than on mobile or desktop.

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Sundar Pichai sees Google Search evolving into an agent manager, reports Search Engine Land

General

Apr 7, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Sundar Pichai says Google Search is moving beyond links and answers towards completing tasks, with AI coordinating actions across tools instead of simply returning information.

He said many information-seeking queries will become multi-step, agentic experiences, with users running longer tasks and adapting their behaviour in AI-powered search.

Pichai also said Search and Gemini will coexist rather than merge into one product. They may overlap in some areas, but will increasingly serve different purposes as Google expands AI-driven search.

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One in five ChatGPT clicks go to Google, reports Search Engine Land

General

Apr 7, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT referral traffic rose 206% between January 2025 and January 2026, but most sites still receive very little traffic. More than 30% of outbound clicks go to just 10 domains, with Google alone taking 21.6%.

ChatGPT is also relying less on live web search, triggering it in 34.5% of queries, down from 46% in late 2024. Most prompts are conversational rather than traditional keyword searches.

The study suggests ChatGPT visibility does not translate evenly into visits. While engagement is increasing, chances to gain citations and traffic remain limited for most publishers.

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Google AI Overviews: 90% accurate, yet millions of errors remain, reports Search Engine Land

General

Apr 7, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Google’s AI Overviews answered a factual benchmark correctly 91% of the time in February, up from 85% in October, according to analysis by the New York Times and Oumi.

Despite that improvement, Google’s scale means millions of inaccurate answers could still appear daily. The study also found sourcing had worsened, with many correct answers not properly supported by cited links.

Examples included errors involving Bob Marley, Yo-Yo Ma and Dick Drago. Google disputed the findings, saying the benchmark was flawed and not representative of typical searches.

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Media Planning Group launches to train next generation of planners, reports The Media Leader

General

Apr 7, 2026

The Media Planning Group has launched as a new membership body for media planners and strategists, aiming to support training, debate and practical guidance for the next generation of talent.

Modelled alongside the APG, it was inspired by the Advertising: Who Cares? initiative and responds to concerns that junior planners are often under-trained and overly influenced by social media-led thinking.

MPG will offer courses, debates and guides on media strategy. Its first training session is on 19 May, with a launch debate on 23 April about whether black-box planning is the future of media.

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Elon Musk Asks for OpenAI’s Nonprofit to Get Any Damages From His Lawsuit, reports WSJ

General

Apr 7, 2026

Elon Musk has amended his lawsuit against OpenAI so any damages would go to its charitable arm, not to him personally. He also wants Sam Altman removed from the nonprofit board.

Musk is seeking more than $150 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, arguing OpenAI abandoned its nonprofit mission and misled him during its shift towards a for-profit structure.

OpenAI dismissed the case as harassment driven by rivalry. The dispute has intensified ahead of trial, with OpenAI also urging regulators to investigate Musk’s alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

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TikTok Ad Leader Weiss to Step Down in Latest High-Profile Exit, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 7, 2026

Leadership Transitions

TikTok advertising executive Khartoon Weiss is leaving after nearly six years to pursue a new opportunity. She most recently led the company’s global brands and agency business in North America.

Her departure follows several senior exits over the past year, including creators chief Kim Farrell, advertising leader Blake Chandlee, policy executive Michael Beckerman, music chief Ole Obermann and general counsel Erich Andersen.

The move comes after TikTok’s turbulent US regulatory period. Although ByteDance spun off key parts of the US business in January, it still controls advertising and marketing, while continuing to restructure teams and leadership.

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Wendy’s is adding media to WPP’s remit, reports AdAge

General

Apr 7, 2026

Wendy’s has moved its U.S. media business to WPP Media, ending a long relationship with Publicis’ Spark Foundry. The brand says the change will support its turnaround and strengthen ties with WPP’s VML, its longstanding creative partner.

The switch follows weak performance, including a 5.2% fall in U.S. same-store sales last year. Wendy’s wants a more integrated creative and media model to speed execution, reduce duplication and link marketing more closely to sales.

WPP’s deal includes data control through a private network and pay tied partly to results. The win also boosts WPP’s own recovery efforts.

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Three Top Executives Including Ian Colley Are Leaving The Trade Desk, reports AdWeek

General

Apr 7, 2026

Leadership Transitions

The Trade Desk is losing three senior executives, marking a notable leadership change at the demand-side platform.

Chief marketer and executive vice-president Ian Colley said he is leaving after more than seven years to pursue a new opportunity. He said the company had strengthened its position as the leading independent DSP and champion of the open internet.

Anna Sayre, who has worked in marketing at The Trade Desk for a similar length of time, will replace him.

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Disney and Mediaocean sound the death knell for the IO, reports Digiday

General

Apr 7, 2026

Disney and Mediaocean are launching Prisma Direct in Q3 to simplify buying Disney ad inventory through a single API-driven workflow. It aims to automate planning, trafficking and billing, reducing manual insertion orders and operational friction.

The partnership promises greater efficiency for agencies and brands, while helping publishers cut intermediary costs and retain more revenue. Buyers can also access premium Disney inventory more directly within existing workflows.

However, it does not replace core ad tech functions or DSPs. Instead, it reflects a broader shift towards workflow consolidation, with some seeing potential for tighter control and further supply-chain compression over time.

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Apple moves to take its App Store fight back to the Supreme Court, reports TechCrunch

General

Apr 6, 2026

Apple is preparing to take another part of its App Store dispute with Epic Games to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is challenging rulings that restrict how it charges for external payments.

The case stems from Apple’s 27% commission on purchases made outside its App Store. Courts said this undermined an earlier order requiring Apple to allow links to external payment options.

Apple argues the fee reflects the value of its wider App Store services, not just payment processing. Epic says it is an illegal delay tactic that discourages developers from using alternative payment systems.

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Meta to open source versions of its next AI models, reports Axios

General

Apr 6, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is preparing to release its first new AI models under Alexandr Wang, with plans to make some versions open source. However, it wants to keep certain elements proprietary and address safety risks first.

The strategy suggests Meta is not abandoning openness, but moving towards a hybrid approach. Some of its largest and most powerful models are expected to remain closed.

Meta hopes the new models will help it catch up with rivals and appeal strongly to consumers, while still promoting broad access through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.

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OpenAI urges California, Delaware to investigate Musk's anti-competitive behavior, reports Reuters

General

Apr 6, 2026

OpenAI has asked the attorneys general of California and Delaware to consider investigating Elon Musk and his associates for allegedly improper and anti-competitive conduct.

The request comes ahead of an April trial over Musk’s 2024 lawsuit, which accuses OpenAI and Sam Altman of abandoning the organisation’s founding mission as it shifts towards a for-profit structure.

OpenAI says the case seeks more than $100 billion in damages from its nonprofit foundation, which it argues could cripple the organisation and harm its efforts to ensure AGI benefits humanity.

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Netflix debuts new Playground gaming app for kids, reports Reuters

General

Apr 6, 2026

Gaming / Metaverse

Netflix has expanded its gaming push with Netflix Playground, a new app for children aged eight and under featuring games based on characters such as Peppa Pig and Sesame Street.

The app is designed to deepen family engagement and reduce churn by offering parents a safe, curated space. It includes parental controls, offline play, and no adverts, in-app purchases or extra fees.

Analysts say gaming has not yet become a major growth driver for Netflix, but the app may help address its weakness in children’s content compared with rivals such as Disney+.

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Gulf Funds Agree to Back Paramount’s $81 Billion Takeover of Warner, reports WSJ

M&A

Apr 6, 2026

Paramount has secured nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from three sovereign wealth funds, led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, to help finance its takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.

The funding also includes backing from Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi’s L’imad Holding. The investors are not expected to receive voting rights, and their involvement is not thought likely to trigger major US regulatory reviews.

The commitments strengthen Paramount’s financing for the deal, which is still awaiting regulatory approval. The takeover is valued at $110 billion including debt and could close as early as the end of July.

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The Trade Desk is changing how advertisers buy, and what they can see, reports Digiday

General

Apr 6, 2026

The Trade Desk is testing new automated “Trading Modes” that simplify campaign management by offering a choice between AI-driven buying and manual control.

Performance Mode uses Kokai and Koa to automate optimisation and bundles media, data and technology fees into a single CPM. Control Mode remains manual, with more transparency and temporary free access to Audience Unlimited. The beta is aimed at selected clients spending at least $20,000 to $30,000.

The move reflects pressure to make programmatic buying easier and more competitive with Google and Meta. However, some marketers worry that bundled pricing could reduce visibility into costs and weaken transparency.

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Google is fixing a Search Console bug that inflated impression counts, reports Search Engine Land

General

Apr 3, 2026

Google Search Console has been over-reporting impressions since 13 May 2025 because of a logging error. Google says clicks and other metrics were not affected.

The company is now rolling out a fix, and impression totals in the Performance report are expected to fall as reporting becomes accurate again.

The issue relates only to data logging, not actual search performance. Google expects the correction to take several weeks to complete.

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OpenAI COO Shifts Out of Role, AGI CEO Taking Medical Leave, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 3, 2026

Leadership Transitions

OpenAI is reshuffling its leadership as chief operating officer Brad Lightcap moves into a special projects role and two senior executives take medical leave.

Lightcap will focus on initiatives including OpenAI’s enterprise push, while chief marketing officer Kate Rouch is stepping down to focus on cancer treatment. Fidji Simo will also take several weeks of medical leave, with other executives covering her responsibilities.

The changes come at a crucial time as OpenAI considers a possible public listing, expands advertising in ChatGPT and faces intensifying competition, even as it says its leadership team remains strong and focused.

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Ireland Tests Digital ID to Verify Age of Social Media Users, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 3, 2026

Advertising To Children

Ireland has begun testing a digital wallet that includes age verification tools aimed at helping keep teenagers safer online.

The digital ID could be used to verify age on social media platforms as part of broader efforts to protect children and young people from online harms. Ireland is also considering wider restrictions on teenage social media use.

The wallet will eventually store digital versions of documents such as birth certificates and driving licences. All EU member states must introduce digital wallets by the end of 2026, though each country can decide how to use them.

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Italian court rules Netflix price-hike clauses are void, orders refunds, reports Reuters

General

Apr 3, 2026

A Rome court has ruled that Netflix unlawfully increased subscription prices for Italian users over the past seven years and must reimburse affected subscribers.

The court said the contract terms were unfair because they allowed price changes without giving a valid reason, breaching Italy’s Consumer Code. It ordered refunds, price reductions and, where appropriate, compensation.

Netflix said it will appeal. Consumer lawyers estimate long-term Premium subscribers could be owed about €500, while Standard subscribers could receive around €250. The ruling must also be publicised to inform customers of their rights.

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Turkey launches investigation into Google over advertising, billing practices, reports Reuters

General

Apr 3, 2026

Turkey’s Competition Board has opened an investigation into Alphabet and related Google companies over their advertising and billing practices.

The inquiry will examine whether Google’s commercial and billing arrangements in online advertising breach Turkish competition law.

The focus includes Google’s dealings with advertisers and advertising agencies, adding to wider international scrutiny of how major digital platforms manage their ad businesses.

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Transparency brought down The Trade Desk’s Publicis deal but it may not be enough to win its other clients, reports Digiday

General

Apr 3, 2026

The Trade Desk’s dispute with Publicis has prompted rivals to court advertisers with renewed pitches around transparency, but buyers appear largely unmoved.

Many agencies see the issue as one mainly about margins and control between large holding groups and DSPs, rather than a broader crisis demanding immediate platform changes. As a result, few buyers contacted by competitors said they had altered their DSP rosters.

Instead of relying solely on The Trade Desk’s troubles, some rivals are stressing product development, automation and performance gains. The message landing best is not outrage, but practical value.

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ChatGPT ads favor clarity over creativity, new data shows, reports Search Engine Land

General

Apr 2, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT ads are becoming more standardised, favouring short, structured copy that prioritises clarity, relevance and usefulness over storytelling. They target users already close to making decisions.

Successful ads usually lead with the brand name and a clear benefit, using brief headlines and concise body text. Specific numbers, low-friction offers and direct calls to action tend to perform best.

The format rewards calm, credible messaging that mirrors user intent and feels helpful within conversation. For advertisers, precision and contextual relevance now matter more than creativity alone.

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Microsoft launches mid-class AI model as compute limits bite, reports FT

General

Apr 2, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft has launched a new midsized speech transcription model, which Mustafa Suleyman says is the most advanced in its class. He said Microsoft still lacks the computing power to build top-tier frontier models, so it is focusing on the mid-range for now.

The company wants greater AI self-sufficiency and less dependence on OpenAI. However, data centre constraints, equipment shortages, power limits and local opposition have slowed capacity growth.

Suleyman said Microsoft aims to reach the state of the art within two or three years while cutting AI costs and boosting demand.

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Active social media use drops as Brits become more cautious online, reports FT

General

Apr 2, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Ofcom says active social media use in the UK has fallen sharply, with people posting less often and becoming more cautious about what they share online.

Although social media remains widely used, behaviour is becoming more passive, with fewer people commenting, sharing or exploring new sites. Confidence in the internet has also dropped, and more users worry that posts could create problems for them in future.

The findings may strengthen support for restrictions on children’s social media use. Ofcom also found rapid growth in AI tool adoption, with some users interacting with chatbots in surprisingly personal ways.

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Bristol Myers Squibb and Gilead Sciences are putting their media accounts into review, reports AdAge

General

Apr 2, 2026

Two major biopharmaceutical media accounts currently linked to Omnicom are either in review or about to be reviewed.

Gilead Sciences has already launched a media review and Omnicom is defending the business, while Bristol Myers Squibb is expected to begin its own process soon, with requests for proposals likely by the end of the month. Both accounts were previously handled by IPG agencies before Omnicom acquired Interpublic.

The reviews involve sizable budgets. Bristol Myers Squibb spent $1.3 billion on advertising and promotion in 2025, while Gilead spent $1 billion, highlighting the importance of both accounts.

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Publicis Acquires 160over90, Makes Sports Its Next Big Bet, reports AdWeek

M&A

Apr 2, 2026

Sports Marketing

Publicis Groupe is buying sports and culture agency 160over90 as it doubles down on sports marketing as a major growth area.

The agency, previously part of WME, will join Publicis Sports and strengthen the group’s capabilities across major global events and brand partnerships. Publicis and WME are also creating a broader partnership around talent, intellectual property and brand opportunities.

Publicis says sport is its next big strategic bet, combining 160over90’s expertise with its own strengths in data, technology, media and influencer marketing. The group sees sports as increasingly valuable to marketers seeking scale, cultural relevance and human connection.

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Musk, SEC Say Fight Over Twitter Share Stockpile May Go to Trial, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Apr 2, 2026

Elon Musk and the US Securities and Exchange Commission are now heading towards trial over claims that he misled Twitter investors before his 2022 takeover.

Both sides said they had considered settlement and other forms of dispute resolution, but no longer believe those routes are suitable. They are now preparing for discovery and pre-trial proceedings.

The SEC alleges Musk disclosed his Twitter stake too late, allowing him to buy shares more cheaply and harming other investors. The case adds to mounting legal pressure over his handling of the Twitter acquisition.

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Spotify’s ad exchange grew its programmatic ad base, but buyers want more, reports Digiday

General

Apr 2, 2026

Spotify says its ad exchange has more than tripled its programmatic advertiser base since launch, reflecting strong growth in active advertisers and revenue.

The company is expanding its ad tools with features such as automated bidding, creative testing and new formats including sponsored playlists and carousel ads. Spotify says these changes help simplify buying and improve performance.

Agencies are more measured in their response. Some report growth and good results, but many still favour a mix of direct and programmatic buying, especially for podcast host-read ads. Spotify may need to grow interest in audio advertising more broadly to accelerate further.

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Trump defunding of NPR and PBS blocked by judge, but damage is already done, reports Ars Technica

General

Apr 1, 2026

News Publishing

A federal judge has ruled that Donald Trump’s executive order cutting off federal funding to NPR and PBS violated the First Amendment and cannot be enforced by executive agencies.

The judge said the order amounted to unlawful viewpoint discrimination, punishing the broadcasters for speech the president disliked. He described it as retaliatory and unconstitutional because it singled out two media organisations on the basis of their journalism.

The decision may have limited practical effect because Congress has already rescinded funding for public broadcasting. Still, the ruling is a significant legal rebuke and may shape future attempts to use government funding to pressure the press.

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WPP Media partners with Google on AI planning tools for YouTube, reports The Media Leader

General

Apr 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

WPP Media has partnered with Google to build an AI-assisted YouTube planning tool designed to make channel selection and creative adaptation faster and more efficient.

The system analyses more than 5,000 major YouTube channels for brand suitability and content integrity, while also using AI to turn existing video assets into shorter cutdowns tailored to YouTube ad formats.

The tool will initially be available to WPP clients in the UK before a wider rollout. It reflects WPP’s broader push to offer more integrated, AI-enabled services and to help clients extract more value from major platforms such as YouTube.

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Google Faces Demands to Prohibit AI Videos for Kids on YouTube, reports Bloomberg

General

Apr 1, 2026

Responsible Media

Child development experts and advocacy groups are urging Google to stop showing or recommending AI-generated videos to children on YouTube and YouTube Kids.

In a letter signed by more than 200 specialists, schools and organisations, they argued that much of this material is low quality, potentially misleading and harmful to children’s attention, development and ability to distinguish reality from fiction.

Google says it is trying to manage low-quality AI content and requires synthetic media labels, but critics argue those protections are inadequate for very young viewers. The pressure adds to wider scrutiny of YouTube’s algorithms and child safety practices.

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Italian bill proposes curbs on social media addiction, reports Reuters

General

Apr 1, 2026

Responsible Media

Italian senators have proposed a law to tackle social media addiction by increasing platforms’ responsibility for how content is distributed.

The draft, backed by the opposition Democratic Party, would require platforms to stop profiling users by default and provide more transparency over the algorithms that decide what people see. Supporters argue these design choices are central to addictive use.

The proposal reflects wider European scrutiny of digital platforms and a growing focus on algorithmic systems rather than content alone. Separately, Italy’s League party has proposed banning social media for children under 14.

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Microsoft moves its global media account to Publicis from Dentsu, reports AdAge

General

Apr 1, 2026

Microsoft has moved its global media account from Dentsu to Publicis Groupe after a closed review, according to people familiar with the decision.

The change is a significant blow to Dentsu, which had held the business since 2018 through Carat, although it is expected to keep Microsoft’s Xbox media work.

For Publicis, the shift is a major win. It also follows LinkedIn’s decision last year to place most of its global media business with Publicis, suggesting a wider strengthening of the group’s relationship with Microsoft-owned brands.

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OpenAI's new partner wants to build ads that can chat with you, reports Insider

General

Apr 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has chosen Smartly as its first creative adtech partner, marking a further step in building ChatGPT’s advertising business.

Initially, Smartly will help advertisers adjust ChatGPT ads in real time during pilot campaigns. Over time, the two companies hope to develop more interactive, conversational ad formats that better match ChatGPT’s interface.

The opportunity is significant, but so are the risks. OpenAI must improve relevance and performance without undermining trust, especially as it keeps ads separate from answers and avoids sensitive topics, while competing with more established digital advertising giants.

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As the Iran war drags on, ad markets are starting to sweat, reports Digiday

General

Apr 1, 2026

Fears are growing that a prolonged Gulf conflict and sustained high oil prices could tip the global economy into recession, with WARC warning that ad spend could fall by almost $50 billion this year.

Some marketers are already freezing budgets and planning contingencies. Yet the impact may vary, as performance channels such as search and retail media are seen as more resilient than traditional brand spending.

The bigger concern is that this crisis may last longer because key energy infrastructure is being damaged. That makes recovery harder and raises the risk of deeper, longer-lasting pressure on advertising, jobs and industry growth.

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Walmart-Vizio’s CTV measurement faces incrementality hurdle, reports Digiday

General

Apr 1, 2026

More than a year after buying Vizio, Walmart has begun explaining to advertisers how the deal could create a more connected TV advertising and commerce offering.

A unified Walmart login for Vizio devices is intended to support closed-loop measurement, tighter targeting and stronger links between ad exposure and purchases. Some brands are interested, but others say Walmart still has work to do on incrementality and attribution.

Even so, advertisers are testing the inventory, often for awareness rather than direct sales. The broader ambition is clear: Walmart wants to evolve from a retail media network into a wider advertising ecosystem that can better challenge Amazon.

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Publishers see double-digit growth from The Trade Desk’s OpenPath, but volatility remains, reports Digiday

General

Apr 1, 2026

Publishers say revenue from The Trade Desk’s OpenPath has mostly held up, with several reporting strong yields and periods of double-digit CPM growth over the past six months.

That performance has encouraged some to test OpenAds, helped by temporary duplicate bidding that can increase demand during onboarding. Publishers say OpenPath has also helped streamline supply paths, though revenue swings still occur and can be difficult to explain.

The wider picture is mixed. Some publishers welcome newer tools such as PubDesk and better communication, while others still complain about limited transparency, difficult contracts and a relationship that feels helpful only until problems arise.

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OpenAI Valued at $852 Billion After Completing $122 Billion Round, reports Bloomberg

General

Mar 31, 2026

Investment Rounds

OpenAI has completed a huge $122 billion funding round at an $852 billion valuation, with major backing from Amazon, Nvidia and SoftBank.

The money will support its expensive push for chips, data centres and talent, while giving the company flexibility as it prepares to operate more like a public company. OpenAI also said it is now generating $2 billion in monthly revenue, with enterprise sales rising fast.

At the same time, it is sharpening its business model through advertising, product consolidation and infrastructure partnerships, while discontinuing some projects such as Sora.

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Elon Musk must face class action over late disclosure of Twitter stake, judge rules, reports Reuters

M&A

Mar 31, 2026

A federal judge has allowed former Twitter investors to pursue a class action against Elon Musk over claims that he disclosed his early stake in the company too late.

The ruling increases Musk’s potential financial exposure because the investors can now sue collectively rather than individually. They argue that his delayed disclosure let him buy shares more cheaply while others sold at artificially depressed prices.

The case is separate from other legal actions linked to Musk’s Twitter takeover, including a recent jury verdict over his public comments about bots and ongoing settlement talks with the SEC.

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Roku launches a standalone app for Howdy, its $2.99 streaming service, reports TechCrunch

General

Mar 31, 2026

Roku has launched a standalone mobile app for Howdy, its $2.99-a-month ad-free streaming service, on iOS and Android in the United States.

Howdy, introduced in 2025, offers nearly 10,000 hours of programming from partners including Disney, Sony, Lionsgate and Warner Bros. Discovery, alongside some Roku Originals. Roku says the new app will let subscribers watch its low-cost catalogue on the go.

The move continues Howdy’s expansion beyond Roku devices, following its recent launch on Prime Video. Roku is positioning the service as an affordable complement to more expensive premium streamers.

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YouTube adds AI creator matching and ad formats to its partnerships platform, reports Search Engine Land

General

Mar 31, 2026

Influencer Marketing

YouTube has upgraded its Creator Partnerships platform with Gemini-powered creator matching, improved measurement and new ways to turn creator content into paid advertising.

The update is designed to tackle two major challenges in influencer marketing: finding the right creators at scale and proving return on investment. Brands can now choose from more than three million YouTube Partner Program creators with greater precision and visibility.

A key addition lets advertisers run creator-made content as Shorts and in-stream ads. YouTube says these formats can deliver an average 30% lift in conversions, strengthening its case as a serious performance channel for creator campaigns.

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Activist Investor Irenic Is Said to Build Stake in Snap, reports Bloomberg

General

Mar 31, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Activist investor Irenic Capital has built a stake in Snap and is pressing for changes to improve performance, arguing the company’s shares could rise substantially.

It has urged Snap to spin off or shut its smart glasses business, cut costs, reduce headcount, rethink pay and consider a larger share buyback. It also wants greater use of AI to strengthen advertising monetisation.

Irenic is additionally calling for governance reform, including voting rights for Class A shareholders. Snap said it engages with investors and remains focused on efficiency, profitability and long-term value.

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French Senate debates social media ban for children under 15, reports Reuters

General

Mar 31, 2026

Advertising To Children

French senators are voting on a proposed law to ban social media access for children under 15, in a move backed by President Emmanuel Macron and driven by growing concern about online harms.

Supporters say the aim is to force platforms to introduce reliable, privacy-preserving age verification and to reduce the impact of social media on children’s development. The government wants the law in place by September.

However, senators have already proposed softening the plan so that only platforms deemed harmful would be restricted, while others could remain accessible with parental approval.

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Spotify Debuts Carousel Ads and Branded Playlist Takeovers, reports AdWeek

General

Mar 31, 2026

Audio Advertising

Spotify is introducing interactive carousel ads and sponsored playlist takeovers as it tries to attract more advertising across the full marketing funnel.

The swipeable carousel format lets brands showcase up to six products within the app’s Now Playing view, reflecting Spotify’s shift towards a more visual experience through music videos and video podcasts. Sponsored playlists will give one advertiser exclusive branding and ad presence on selected major playlists.

Spotify is also adding A/B testing and automated bidding to its Ads Manager. The wider aim is to position the platform as more than an audio awareness channel and make it a stronger performance advertising option.

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Yahoo Moves Downmarket With DSP Performance Push, reports AdWeek

General

Mar 31, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Yahoo is developing new AI-powered tools for its DSP aimed at mid-market, performance-focused advertisers, in a move to make the platform easier to use and broaden its appeal.

The company has traditionally focused on larger enterprise clients, but these additions could help it attract a wider range of advertisers, including ecommerce and direct-to-consumer brands. Yahoo is hiring a dedicated team and appears to be targeting a launch later this year.

The expansion builds on recent growth in Yahoo’s DSP business, which has benefited from stronger privacy-safe targeting, AI experimentation and advertiser dissatisfaction with rivals such as The Trade Desk.

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