Steven's Newsletter - April 14th, 2025
News you may have missed last week, info to make you smarter and games
📰 News:
Walmart Connect:
Walmart is asking consumer packaged goods brands to increase their retail media ad spend by at least 25% compared to last year, despite some brands experiencing stagnant sales. One global brand declined to renew its annual deal due to underwhelming performance, while others are exceeding the request — including one brand that raised spend by 75%. Walmart’s push highlights growing pressure on brands to invest more in retail media, regardless of ROI concerns. (AdWeek)
Adalytics:
A recent Adalytics report examined how digital ads may still appear on invalid traffic sources, even when verification tools from providers like HUMAN Security, Integral Ad Science, and DoubleVerify are used. The report explores challenges in detecting certain types of bot activity and notes that limited access to user agent data may affect real-time verification. The findings highlight ongoing efforts across the industry to improve ad quality and transparency. (AdExchanger)
The Trade Desk:
The Trade Desk is promoting its CTV operating system, Ventura, with an unusually generous model aimed at smart TV manufacturers: OEMs get to keep most of the ad revenue, while TTD runs the platform at break-even. Unlike Amazon, Roku, or Google, Ventura doesn’t take a cut of inventory or subscriptions, avoids co-mingled supply, and allows OEMs full control over monetization, branding, and user experience. This modular, transparent approach is designed to bring supply path optimization (SPO) to CTV and empower OEMs and publishers, though Ventura still faces a steep road to widespread adoption. (AdWeek)
The Trade Desk is facing two class-action lawsuits that raise concerns about data privacy practices related to user tracking and profiling. The lawsuits cite the use of Unified ID 2.0 and the Adsrvr Pixel in digital advertising workflows. The company has not yet publicly responded, and the legal proceedings are in early stages(Adweek)
Spotify:
At its first-ever Spotify Advance advertising event, Spotify launched the Spotify Ad Exchange (SAX) to support programmatic buying. SAX allows real-time ad buying via partners like The Trade Desk, Google DV360, and Magnite. Spotify also announced new integrations with DoubleVerify, IAS, AppsFlyer, and Kochava to enhance third-party measurement and improve advertiser transparency. (AdTechRadar)
Disney:
Disney is expanding programmatic access to its live streaming content across Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, and ABC News. This includes support for Instant Deals via Google’s DV360, powered by Disney’s Real-Time Ad Exchange (DRAX). These enhancements aim to streamline media buying and improve access to Disney’s premium inventory.(AdTechRadar)
Paramount:
Paramount has partnered with iSpot and Circana to help measure the impact of TV ads on in-store sales for CPG advertisers. Circana will provide purchase data that integrates into iSpot’s measurement platform, covering Paramount’s digital and linear channels. The initiative is designed to provide more visibility into campaign performance and real-world outcomes for CPG marketers.(AdTechRadar)
CTV:
Industry discussions around fraud in connected TV (CTV) advertising continue, as experts look for better ways to define and address it. Simulmedia CEO Dave Morgan has cited concerns about discrepancies between inventory sold and actual viewership. Proposed improvements include stronger verification practices, Know Your Customer (KYC) standards, and enhanced accountability.(AdExchanger)
WPP:
WPP announced its acquisition of InfoSum, a provider of data clean room technology. The move is expected to support WPP’s continued investment in secure data infrastructure and AI-powered marketing solutions. InfoSum’s platform will help WPP clients collaborate on data-driven marketing while maintaining user privacy. InfoSum’s CEO will remain with the company and take on an additional leadership role at GroupM. (AdTechRadar)
Comscore:
Comscore received expanded MRC accreditation for household-level TV measurement, including data by age and gender across both national and all 210 local markets. This builds on Comscore’s prior accreditations and offers advertisers and broadcasters a more granular view of TV audiences (AdTechRadar)
Omnicom:
According to media reports, Omnicom has been offering incentives to agencies for placing ads on X (formerly Twitter), amid broader changes in the platform’s advertising business. These efforts reflect ongoing attempts by platforms and agencies to align media investment strategies with evolving audience and brand needs. (Adweek)
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