A lot happens in a week, so every Friday we're going to analyze all the new data and provide you with some of the key takeaways. Welcome to the Friday 5.
AI-powered summaries from OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Perplexity misrepresent facts, yet audiences buy in—fueling misinformation and risking brand reputation
X plans first marketing campaign under Musk, but ad revenues will still drop: While brands like Apple are resuming advertising, but it has more to do with politics than ROAS.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how marketers (and consumers) currently feel about brand safety, how publishers are trying to assuage brands’ concerns, and what comes after ‘brand suitability’. Tune in to the conversation with Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, our Senior Director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman, Vice President Paul Verna, and co-founder and CEO of Mobian Jonah Goodhart. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
Retailers cut 6,419 jobs in January: That’s up 20% YoY, with more to come as chains like Joann plan to close hundreds of stores.
With the humanoid robotics market projected to hit $38 billion by 2035, tech giants see a clear path to monetization—offering tangible use cases beyond the AI arms race.
YouTube is the preferred platform for podcasts, and Netflix wants in: Marketers must recognize podcasts aren’t audio-only to effectively reach consumers.
The Trade Desk misses big in Q4: Results landed far below expectations, but a busy 2025 lies ahead.
Their ROOST initiative could pressure platforms to adopt stronger protections, reshaping digital safety and providing brand-safe environments for advertisers.
Thomson Reuters’ victory over Ross Intelligence sets a major legal precedent, challenging AI firms like on their use of copyrighted data for model training
Instead of only relying on pre-scheduled ad breaks, advertisers are finding ways to engage viewers when they hit pause.
Musk’s plan to ‘delete’ the consumer watchdog is underway.
Everyone is talking about Hims’ Super Bowl weight loss drug ad: The reaction has been largely negative. We examine why it’s a gamble that will likely pay off for Hims.
Doctors take issue with NYU Langone Health’s Super Bowl ad: They’re largely questioning the not-for-profit’s choice to pay $8M+ for the ad. We explore why health systems would be better off advertising in local markets than national TV events.
Nearly every major retailer (and many smaller ones) has already launched media networks, but it’s not just for retailers anymore. While networks beyond retail have already begun to launch, 2025 will see more financial institutions, payment networks, travel companies, fitness centers, and more launch or revamp their own media networks. And as commerce media expands, so do the places ads are being served.
Elon Musk’s takeover bid highlights OpenAI’s AI leadership but also fuels debate over its nonprofit roots, skyrocketing valuation, and long-term independence.