Q1 results show how the largest ad companies are weathering uncertainty around the Iran war and AI spending

Disney’s results show consumers are still spending: The company’s high-demand streaming services are keeping viewers on board despite economic shocks.

Partnership could make streaming ads easier to buy and measure as marketers seek more accountability.

Music streaming apps hit saturation: As downloads stall, platforms bulk up bundles to justify higher fees and retain paying fans.

70% of marketers worldwide say generative AI is the most important consumer trend they're watching, nearly 6x the share tracking the metaverse (12%), according to November 2025 data from Mediaocean.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the three big questions surrounding Netflix right now: Will leaving Warner Bros. Discovery behind be a good long-term move? Can Netflix double its advertising revenue this year? And will the streaming giant be okay after its co-founder Reed Hastings leaves the company? And more. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Senior Analyst Ross Benes and Senior Editor of our Marketing and Advertising Briefing, Daniel Konstantinovic. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

Charter sheds 51,000 pay TV subscribers in Q1: Cord-cutting accelerates as streaming and digital redraw viewing habits, necessitating marketers adapt.

Comcast rides sports lift: Super Bowl and Olympics drove 135% ad jump, masking modest core gains and proving live events anchor CTV dollars.

NBCU accused the ratings firm of undercounting TV after a delayed update favored streaming and rattled marketers.

A $40 million deal folds eyes-on-screen data into Viant’s DSP, letting advertisers transact on attention—not just impressions.

US streaming TV advertising is seeing a significant influx of new advertisers and increased budgets. While Hulu maintains its ad revenue lead, a growing number of brands are diversifying their spend across multiple platforms to reach viewers.

Consumers turn to search engines first for answers to health-related questions, even as social, video, and AI tools gain ground. Meanwhile, streaming TV is reshaping healthcare ad reach. Digital drives health-related action—but trust gaps shadow every channel.

Comcast unveils Outcomes+ to streamline TV ads; AI-driven targeting and attribution aim to unify streaming and linear buys in one measurable platform.

Disney's Oscars ad inventory cleared early at higher rates, proving live TV still commands premium demand.

Digital TV dominates ad tiers, yet linear still delivers sports scale and stronger brand lift.

AI-optimized non-skip ads promise full views, but success hinges on premium creative, not forced frequency.

Doctors watch less TV than the average US adult, but favor CTV and on-demand—which are prime time for targeted pharma messaging.

Live sports boosted cable viewership in January, but streaming’s dominance signals marketers must balance CTV precision with linear scale.

Media habits keep evolving as digital gains ground faster than traditional declines. Video is absorbing more attention, screens are doing more of the work, and the central battle is for a share of limited consumer time.