Comcast’s streaming ad platform aims for SMBs: Universal Ads will launch with partners like Roku and WBD as competition for SMBs increases.

Global cinema thrives: Record openings, strong international performance, and theatrical-streaming hybrids signal a box office comeback.

Why Nielsen’s first-party data approval matters: Its deal with Amazon could lead the streamer to dominate NFL advertising and rights in coming years.

Nielsen’s dominance begins to crack: A survey shows advertisers gaining confidence in the measurement firm’s biggest competitors.

They argue that “click to cancel” is costly and unnecessary, setting up a showdown over consumer protections and industry compliance.

Paramount ditches Nielsen, goes all-in on VideoAmp: The shakeup could help VideoAmp gain ground in Upfronts as it seeks a potential buyout.

VideoAmp could gain an edge in Paramount, Nielsen fallout: Though Nielsen has weathered tough Upfront seasons, its latest dispute could deal a major blow.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how much time folks are spending with TVs and CTVs, how many ad dollars are going to both, and which of the streaming platforms will make the most from ads going forward. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Ross Benes.

Total upfront ad spending will grow this year, even though upfront TV commitments will decline.

In part one of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss some more predictions for 2024 that are too specific to be 100% certain about but could still come true, including: what will actually end up happening with Paramount, what Nordstrom will do next to get back on track, and where folks will be watching the NBA over the next 10 years. Tune in to the discussion with our vice presidents of content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna and analyst Max Willens.

Nearly half of US adults who have made a purchase via shoppable commerce have done so on social media, according to our February 2024 survey conducted by Bizrate Insights. But budding partnerships between brands and streamers may shift more commerce toward connected TV (CTV) platforms, especially around live events. For example, Paramount piloted a shoppable experience during the CMT Music Awards, NBCUniversal launched a new shoppable ad format ahead of this Summer’s Olympics, and Amazon added shoppable ads to its Amazon Prime platform.

Major players like TikTok, Meta, and Google unveiled new partnerships, AI innovations, and streamlining solutions. Here are three key developments you may have missed.

Paramount is playing catch-up when it comes to ad innovation: The media giant is exploring a number of initiatives to fuel its aggressive streaming goals.

Paramount’s restructuring and layoffs bely their challenged market position: Pluto TV and Paramount+ are attractive streaming assets, but may not be enough to help them increase market share.

Around 60% of US TV viewers think the number of ads on Hulu, Discovery+, and HBO Max is reasonable. Fewer of them feel the same about Paramount+ and Peacock, while live TV is considered the biggest offender in this respect.