Steven's Newsletter - May 19th, 2025
News you may have missed last week, info to make you smarter and games
🧩 Connections:
📰 News:
Fox One Streaming Service Set to Launch Ahead of NFL Season
Fox Corporation has announced the launch of its new streaming platform, Fox One, scheduled to debut in fall 2025, just before the NFL and college football seasons commence. This service will offer live and on-demand content from Fox’s extensive portfolio, including Fox News, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Business, Fox Weather, Big Ten Network, Fox Deportes, local Fox stations, and the Fox broadcast network
NBCUniversal Pitches Super Bowl, Olympics, and Versant at Upfront
NBCU’s Mark Marshall used the company’s upfront to spotlight a powerful sports calendar, with the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics both arriving in Q1 2026. He also detailed how the company plans to integrate inventory from Versant, its new cable spin-off, into its One Platform ad offering. NBCU highlighted its strength in live programming and emphasized its commitment to future upfronts with clients and agencies. Adweek
Netflix Introduces AI-Powered Ad Formats at Upfront
At its upfront, Netflix announced updates to its Netflix Ads Suite, including new interactive formats like midroll and pause ads generated via AI. These formats will allow advertisers to personalize creative to individual viewers, using both first-party and third-party data. Netflix also teased brand integrations tied to upcoming seasons of Wednesday and its growing lineup of live sports. Adweek
Microsoft Shuts Down Xandr DSP, Refocuses on AI-Powered Buying
Microsoft Advertising announced it will shut down the Xandr DSP by early 2026, citing misalignment with its evolving strategy. The company will instead focus on building a unified AI-driven media buying platform that prioritizes privacy, personalization, and performance. Digiday
Charter and Cox Merge to Create $34.5B Communications Powerhouse
Charter Communications and Cox Enterprises agreed to combine their broadband, mobile, and managed services divisions in a landmark $34.5 billion transaction. The deal includes a cash and equity exchange and positions the companies to better compete in enterprise and residential media. The new structure is expected to improve network reach and reduce operating costs. Yahoo Finance
PubMatic Sees CTV and GenAI Platform Drive Growth Despite Q1 Dip
PubMatic reported a 4% year-over-year revenue decline for Q1 2025, but emphasized growth in Connected TV and Supply Path Optimization. The company also introduced a GenAI-powered media buying tool to improve performance and campaign speed. Despite soft topline numbers, PubMatic maintained EBITDA profitability and ended the quarter with strong cash reserves. Investing.com
ESPN to Launch Standalone Streaming Service This Fall
ESPN is set to debut its direct-to-consumer streaming service, simply named “ESPN,” in September 2025. Priced at $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually, the service will provide access to all ESPN networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN on ABC. The platform will also feature personalized experiences, such as an AI-powered “SportsCenter,” and integration with ESPN’s fantasy sports and betting platforms. Bundling options with Disney+ and Hulu will be available at a discounted rate