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The Streaming Revolution:
How Giants Like
Netflix Are Circling
Back to Cable’s Shadow
The age of streaming dawned with a promise, a vision of a horizon where content was king, and viewers were no longer shackled by the constraints of traditional cable. But as the years have rolled on, those early
promises seem to have evaporated, much like morning mist under the blazing sun. Today, we stand at a curious juncture where the once-revolutionary pioneers, like Netflix, echo the missteps of the very institutions they vowed to replace. Netflix, the
harbinger of the streaming renaissance, transformed our living rooms into theaters and broke the weekly episode mold, giving birth to the binge-watching era. But when Ted Sarandos, its co-CEO, revealed the underwhelming performance of their advertising tier, it wasn't just a company hiccup. It was an industry-wide siren, a warning that the titans of streaming might be treading on thin ice. This shift can be, in part, attributed to the creeping specter of "enshittification." An amalgamation of corporate greed, complacency, and a relentless drive for quarterly profits has started to eclipse the initial focus on user experience. The signs are all too familiar: tightening policies (akin to Netflix's battle against password sharing), ceaseless price
hikes, and nebulous fees, all designed to satiate Wall Street's ever-growing hunger. Amazon's recent moves serve as a glaring example. Once celebrated for its disruption, Amazon now charges its loyal Prime subscribers $15 monthly (or an annual $139) for a gamut of services, including streaming. However, the recent introduction of ads to this premium experience, followed by the audacious
offer to remove them for an additional fee, smacks of the very tactics traditional cable was lambasted for. The move, while potentially boosting short-term revenues, seems like a dance on the precipice of consumer tolerance. It underscores a disturbing trend where market vibrancy, competition, and customer contentment are sacrificed at the altar of immediate fiscal gains. In an idealized world, the explosion of streaming platforms should've ignited a fierce battle for supremacy, spurring innovations and competitive pricing. But the present landscape paints a different picture. Blinded by Wall Street’s relentless demand for quarterly returns, many streaming giants seem hell-bent on extracting every ounce of value, often at the expense of product quality and consumer
goodwill. The consequences of this approach are manifold: a proliferation of pointless mergers, dilution of once-esteemed content (HBO's recent quality dip stands out), and an overarching disregard for user experience. This bleak scenario is further exacerbated by industry-wide
layoffs and a glaring reluctance to remunerate creatives fairly for their contributions. The irony? Those at the helm of these corporate behemoths, exemplified by figures like Warner Brothers Discovery CEO David Zaslav, often appear to be navigators lost at sea. Despite their lofty titles and salaries, many give no indication of genuinely understanding, or even caring for, the intricate
tapestry of their industry, employees, or consumers. The culmination of these missteps? Spiraling costs, subpar product quality, stagnant wages, widespread industry turmoil, and the damning shadow of "enshittification." But perhaps the gravest danger lies in the industry's inability, or unwillingness, to recognize its trajectory. The blunders and myopia that plagued traditional cable and
left it vulnerable to disruption are eerily mirrored in today's streaming landscape. One can't help but wonder: Are these giants, with their complacency and hubris, setting the stage for history to repeat itself? As we navigate this evolving landscape, the hope remains that the
streaming world will course-correct, returning to the user-focused vision that once made it revolutionary. But for now, as the lines blur between the old and new guards, consumers and industry stakeholders watch with bated breath, waiting to see how this story unfolds.
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All the news you need today, in a format that isn't TL:DR summarized for the busy executive.
The FTC, under Lina Khan's leadership, is up against the tech titan, Amazon 🛍️. But it's like David vs. Goliath, if David had his hands tied and was distracted by other giants 🤷. With former FTC star lawyers now working for Amazon 🔄 and a budget that's peanuts compared to what tech giants earn in hours 🥜⏳, the odds look daunting.
Yet, while Amazon might be cruising, the FTC's bite, even if not victorious, can cause some discomfort. Khan's ambition to reign in Big Tech might be hampered by a classic problem: a shoestring budget 🎯💸. Is Congress playing puppeteer from behind the curtain? 🎭🧵.
Advertising Week New York 🗽 kicks off with appearances from iconic brand mascots and dives deep into emerging ad
trends, especially AI post-ChatGPT's fame 🤖. Located at The Penn District 🏙️, this gathering boasts AI-focused talks from big shots like Mondelez and the NFL 🏈. There's a special spotlight on retail media, which is booming 📈, featuring insights from giants like Target and Best Buy. Attendees, which could reach 60k (both in-person and online 🖥️), get a blend of tech, media, and brand insights. Tips for newcomers: plan your sessions 📅; the big names attract big crowds! And for those
juggling work and the event, there are plenty of nooks to multitask 📞. All in all, whether you're a marketing titan or a small biz, this year's Advertising Week promises value and variety! 🚀📊🎤.
In the ongoing Justice Department's antitrust battle with Google, the ad industry's perspective has taken center stage. While Big Tech revelations have grabbed headlines,
antitrust expert Eric Posner suggests that a complete Google breakup might not be on the horizon. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's testimony revealed the challenges of entering the search market, citing Google's exclusive agreements with manufacturers like Apple and Samsung as roadblocks. Recent witness testimony from Google's own customers, Joshua Lowcock and JP Morgan Chase's Tracy-Ann Lim, emphasized the unique value of Google search ads, backed by intent data signals, making them practically
irreplaceable. 🚀💼🔍 Posner also noted the potential for follow-on private litigation, with advertisers seeking damages if Google is found guilty of prior anti-competitive practices. 💰🏛️
Breaking 🚨! X app is ringing in a new feature! 📞 It seems that Elon Musk's app is joining the ranks of WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger, gearing up to introduce phone calls through its
platform. And while video calls are off the table, voice calls are on the horizon. Is this a strategic play to tap into the market share of its communication app counterparts? 🤔 Or just Musk’s vision of X being the 'jack-of-all-trades' in the app world? 🌐 Plus, for those who push the content boundaries a tad too much, beware! 🚫 X's upcoming transparency notifications will flag NSFW content, potentially limiting its reach and visibility. So, content creators, tread cautiously! 🎥🔍
#AppUpdates #CommunicationShifts.
The&Partnership gets a new U.S. captain, Sam Lewis! 🎉🇺🇸 With a decade under his belt at the agency and some flashy achievements like AI-penned TV ads and big-name rebrands, Lewis is set to take the U.S. helm. 📺🍚 He's got tight ties with media buddies mSix&Partners and some big client names like Electronic Arts. 🎮💍
Worldwide CEO, Nick Howarth, will be his go-to, and founder Johnny Hornby is singing Lewis's praises, reminiscing about the Toyota and Mars Wrigley wins 🚗🍫. Pre-The&Partnership days, Lewis was a big shot at McCann Erikson with some iconic brands in his dossier. 🛍️💄 Lewis eyes the future, hinting at an AI-led branding revolution 🤖🎨. A quick peek into The&Partnership's wallet shows a cool $160 million from 2022. 💰📅
Netflix plays the "Ad Game" with Nielsen's shiny toy 📺📊! Integrating Nielsen One Ads, Netflix is leveling up its ad business by measuring its baby ad-supported tier against big kids like Hulu 🍼🆚🎩. One candle on the cake for Netflix's ad-version, boasting 10M global viewers and juicier profits 💰🎂. Opinion twist: Netflix's ad-adventure feels like a toddler in big shoes. To charge premium, it needs fancier steps (read: features).
But hey, with moves like the Nielsen jig, the streaming titan might just awaken its adzilla! 🎥🐉
📺✨ Crate & Barrel's younger sibling, CB2, is giving its popular Instagram content a second life on the big screen. How? By turning trending social posts into snazzy connected TV (CTV) ads. Because why limit a good post's shine to just one platform? CB2's mantra: If it's
buzzing on the 'gram, let it dazzle in the living room. 🛋️🔄📱 #RecycleTheBuzz
Musk's X (previously Twitter) sees its ad dollars fly away since the takeover 🚀💸. A staggering 78% YoY plunge in December 2022? Ouch! 😬 CEO Yaccarino offers a glimmer of 2024 profit hope with brands making a cautious comeback 👜🐢. Their new strategy? Subscription tiers that range from
"ad-full" to "ad-null" 🎢📺. Opinion twist: The X ad-drop saga isn't just a hiccup, it's a coughing fit! 🤧 Multiple subscription tiers might feel more like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Amidst chaotic changes and dwindling dollars, Yaccarino's CEO seat feels more like a hot potato 🥔🔥.
Google gives a cookie-less glimpse with its Privacy Sandbox, but leaves many in the
sandbox still building castles of confusion 🍪🏰. At a fancy techie conference, Alex Cone from Google took the stage to assure that Google's cookie-jar changes are transparent and under the UK watchdog's eye 🇬🇧🔍. What's with the new-fangled "Protected Audiences API" (previously called FLEDGE)? It’s like hosting ad auctions in your browser's living room instead of a noisy market square 🛋️🆚🏪. And yes, it plays nice with others. Opinion twist: Despite Alex's clarity concert, Google's
PR tune on Privacy Sandbox feels a bit off-key 🎵🤔. With the cookie clock ticking, will Google hit snooze again on its timeline? The plot thickens... 🕰️🍪🤷♂️.
Google's unveiling a global upgrade: Demand Gen campaigns 🌎💼! Whether you're a YouTube addict catching up with your favorite NFL touchdown 🏈 or just cruising through a 60-second short, Google's got your
advertising cravings covered 🎥🍿. Vidhya Srinivasan, Google Ads' VP, hints: trust in creators matters, and YouTube's the place to be—beating out other social giants 🥊📺. Built with AI superpowers, 🤖, Demand Gen isn't just a swanky tool; it's the evolved form of Discovery campaigns. It's got new bells and whistles like inventory insights, and a smoother ad creation process. Short vids, carousels, you name it, it's there 🔄! Online shopping has evolved, with consumers now more likely
to go Google than your regular social site for product digging 🕵️♂️🛍️. Plus, with success stories like Naranja X raking in 3X click-throughs at cheaper rates, retailers and agencies are definitely intrigued 📈. Buckle up advertisers, Google's offering a revved-up ride! 🚀🎯
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The Ascendancy of Connected TV: A Dive into the Future of Advertising
In the dim light of modern living rooms, a battle is being waged: the evolution of television consumption. From black-and-white family gatherers to colorized rectangles of
entertainment, TVs have long been the center of home recreation. Today, the rise of Connected TV (CTV) marks a significant shift in how we view and interact with content. As Millennials, Gen X, Y, and even Gen Z make their mark, they’re tuning into CTV like never before. READ THE FULL STORY
The Murky Waters of Podcasting Ad Fraud
The digital soundscape of podcasts has experienced exponential growth. Millions worldwide tune in every day, taking solace in the intimate embrace of a podcast's
comforting audio. Like any influential medium, podcasts have piqued the interest of advertisers and with that, an influx of capital. But this golden age for podcasts, with its rapid expansion and significant revenue milestones, is facing the timeless ailment of the advertising world: fraud. READ MORE
ADTECH’S SECRET SAUCE: IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE CODE
If you're anything like me, it's all too tempting to get caught up in the glitzy allure of cutting-edge software and groundbreaking products.
Adtech companies, often driven by an unwavering belief in their innovative solutions as the ultimate game-changers, have been swept away by the irresistible current of technology. As the adtech industry continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors. According to Joe Zappa, the Founder of Sharp Pen Media, the key to this differentiation lies in the
quality of service and caliber of individuals backing the product. Adtech companies often place a steadfast faith in their software or product, but this can lead to a focus on features and functionality rather than the overall customer experience. By prioritizing customer service and investing in top talent, adtech companies can set themselves apart in a crowded marketplace. READ FULL STORY
IS THE OPEN MARKETPLACE DONE? THE SLOW EXODUS FROM OMP TO DIRECT-SOLD ADVERTISING Ah, the digital
age – a world where you can have 500 friends yet be terribly alone, and where advertisers think they’re omnipresent until they realize 70% of their audience is in the digital witness protection program. But in an age of hyper-targeted advertising, there’s a plot twist worthy of a classic film noir. The Open Marketplace (OMP) – the trusted intermediary between publishers and advertisers – seems to be on the ropes. Are its days numbered?
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE
FORTNITE: THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND FOR BRANDS AND GAMERS
There’s a war going on, and it’s not just between the players. It’s a war for attention, for loyalty, for hearts and minds. It’s a war that brands are waging on the virtual battleground of Fortnite, the colossus of gaming that has captivated millions of fans across the globe. In this article, I reveal the secrets of Fortnite advertising, the psychology behind its appeal, the tactics employed by savvy marketers, and the fine line between enchantment and annoyance.
READ THIS STORY
THE MEDIAMATH DEBACLE: IS THIS AD TECH’S THEATER OF THE ABSURD?
In the tumultuous world of business, where the unexpected often becomes the norm, the recent acquisition of MediaMath by Infillion has sent
shockwaves rippling through the industry. It’s a move that’s ignited more debates than a late-night political talk show. The burning question on everyone’s mind: Has Infillion just pulled off a brilliant coup or taken an audacious gamble with a hefty side of risk? It’s a high-stakes poker game, and we’re all spectators, wondering whether we’re witnessing a grand adventure or a fool’s errand. READ MORE OF THIS STORY
Nandini Jammi: The Woman Who Cost Breitbart 90% of Its Ad Revenue and Exposed Pubmatic’s Support for Hate Speech and
Disinformation Nandini Jammi is not your typical activist. She doesn’t march on the streets, hold up signs, or chant slogans. She doesn’t even have a catchy name for her cause. She just has a laptop, a Twitter account, and a mission: to stop the flow of money from advertisers to
publishers of hate speech and disinformation. Jammi is the co-founder of Check My Ads, a non-profit organization that helps brands regain control of their ad placements and avoid funding bad faith publishers. She is also the co-founder of Sleeping Giants, a grassroots movement that exposed how thousands of advertisers were unwittingly supporting Breitbart News, a far-right website that promotes white nationalism, misogyny, and
conspiracy theories. READ FULL ARTICLE
EMILIE COTTER TAKES THE HELM AS AUDI’S CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER In a pivotal move signaling Audi of America’s
determination to navigate the ever-evolving automotive landscape, the luxury automaker announced the establishment of a groundbreaking brand marketing team. Leading this visionary endeavor is the seasoned Emilie Cotter, who has been appointed as the Head of Brand Marketing and Communications, holding the esteemed title of Chief Marketing Officer. This strategic restructuring is set to harness the power of integration, aligning
brand strategy, marketing efforts, and external communications with a singular aim: to accelerate growth and propel consumers toward an electrifying automotive future. READ FULL HIRING ARTICLE
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