Microsoft brings AI ad features to Copilot: It’s vying for ad dollars in an increasingly competitive chatbot space.

40-day boycott makes Target a target: The company is already dealing with fallout from February’s economic blackout, and another boycott could spell trouble.

First-party data is becoming essential: As third-party cookies disappear, brands like The New York Times, Disney, and McDonald’s are leveraging direct consumer relationships to improve ad targeting and measurement.

Oscars viewership falls 7% but improves across younger demographics: The ratings decline doesn’t necessarily mean that live events are a lost cause.

Pinterest will start labeling AI-generated images: The change is likely an attempt to maintain the platform’s user base without sacrificing the lucrative potential of AI.

Private equity is reshaping the agency landscape: As holding companies exit some service categories, PE firms see AI-driven agencies as high-growth investment opportunities.

Hulu’s technical breakdown at the Oscars sparks backlash: Subscribers missed key moments as the stream crashed early, exposing the platform’s struggles with high-profile live events.

Meta, TikTok under fire for data usage practices: The social media giants are facing lawsuits that could have long-term consequences.

Keyword blocklists restricted advertisers from 56% of Oscars content: The issue emphasizes the need for a more thoughtful approach to brand safety.

R/GA exits IPG, embracing AI-led innovation: A $50 million investment fuels its future as it competes against consolidating agency holding companies.

Sports drives growth for Disney and Fubo: Both saw success in recent months, largely attributed to their merger and emphasis on sports content.

Meta plans dedicated chatbot app: The move aims to compete with AI leaders ChatGPT and Gemini, but its success remains uncertain.

Nextdoor bets on AI-driven content to fuel long-term growth: The platform’s NEXT initiative will transform past user discussions into monetizable recommendations, prioritizing engagement over short-term ad revenues.

The Trade Desk and publishers push for a more efficient open internet: Media leaders see programmatic as a way to unlock ad opportunities while reducing reliance on walled gardens and improving supply chain transparency.

AppLovin faces fraud allegations from short sellers: Accusations of deceptive ad practices and data misuse put the firm under pressure; leadership denies the claims.

Consumers take part in one-day economic blackout: Today’s boycott may cause brands to reconsider their DEI stances.

Reels may get its own app: Instagram is reportedly exploring a standalone platform as it vies to draw attention away from TikTok.

WBD grows streaming profits as TV revenues decline: It added 6.4 million Max subscribers, but TV ad declines and cord-cutting continue.

Tech giants dominate Hollywood by securing marquee franchises: Companies like Amazon, Apple, and Netflix will outbid legacy media for top intellectual properties.

Paramount’s streaming growth offsets legacy TV decline: Streaming revenues surge, but ad revenue from linear TV continued to decline, highlighting the company’s shifting priorities.