In this episode of the Marketecture Podcast, hosts Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi engage with Art Muldoon, Co-Founder of ArcSpan, to discuss the changing landscape of publisher data in ad tech. They explore topics such as leveraging AI to scale first-party data, the evolving future of the open web, and the intricacies of curation and transaction IDs (TIDs), emphasizing how publishers can regain control and succeed in a dynamic environment. The latter part of the episode covers industry updates, including mergers and acquisitions, shifts in DSPs, AI-driven creative tools, legal challenges facing Google, and the completion of the TikTok US deal. Takeaways ArcSpan helps publishers unify data and scale audiences. Publishers should expand beyond logged-in users using AI and surveys. Third-party validation boosts buy-side confidence. The open web is evolving, not dying. Curation can be a revenue opportunity if it is transparent. TIDs raise questions about fairness. M&A shows AI merging with media solutions. DSP competition is intensifying. Agencies are shifting towards AI workflows. Legal pressures on Google are increasing. Chapters00:00 - Ari and Eric introduce Art Muldoon from ArcSpan.02:00 - Explanation of Aggregate, Amplify, Activate.06:30 - Strategies for making 100% of audiences addressable.09:30 - Market caution and publisher pain points discussed.12:00 - How ArcSpan builds confidence on the buy-side.15:00 - Is it an opportunity or are margins being siphoned?17:00 - Comparing gaming, news, and sports publishers.19:00 - Reformulation, AI’s role, and the future of publishing.21:00 - TIDs, Prebid, and the risks of arbitrage.25:00 - Partnerships: Rembrandt + Spaceback, Verve + Captify.30:00 - Amazon’s GenAI tools and Yahoo’s discount strategy vs. TTD.35:00 - Agency transformation insights.38:00 - Privacy remedies and lawsuits involving Magnite & Pubmatic.42:00 - Discussion on a US-led governance framework.45:00 - Reflections and a preview of next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi talk with Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of Integral Ad Science (IAS), about the latest shifts in digital advertising. They explore how the industry is moving from simple verification toward performance, why metrics like attention and carbon are getting more attention, what AI is doing behind the scenes, and how retail media and streaming are changing the game. Along the way, they dig into trust, complexity, and what brands really care most about today. Takeaways IAS has moved beyond verification, focusing on performance and transparency. Attention and carbon are part of the metrics mix, not replacements for existing standards. AI powers classification and validation at scale, speeding up processing and accuracy. Retail media and CTV are rapidly growing areas with unique challenges. Brands still prioritize simple goals: reach consumers, protect reputation, and drive outcomes. Chapters01:00 Open Web vs. Walled Gardens04:40 From Verification to Optimization07:30 Carbon as a Metric09:00 Attention Metrics12:00 Cutting through the Complexity12:40 AI in Practice16:15 Startups, Scale, and Data19:00 Retail Media’s Rise21:00 Trust and Perception Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, Ari Paparo interviews Ajit Thupil, Chief Product Officer of Bombora, discussing the unique challenges and strategies in B2B marketing. They explore how Bombora leverages data to enhance sales and marketing efforts, the importance of audience targeting, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Ajit shares insights on the competitive landscape and the significance of understanding the distinct nature of B2B compared to B2C marketing. Takeaways Bombora focuses on the P2P space, serving sales and marketing needs. B2B marketing involves long and complex sales cycles. Data is crucial for targeting the right accounts in B2B. Activation of data is available through major DSPs and social channels. Granularity in audience targeting helps overcome company size disparities. AI's role in B2B marketing is evolving but remains data-dependent. Understanding customer behavior is key to effective targeting. Frequency capping at the account level is essential for B2B campaigns. Bombora's partnerships with publishers enhance data quality. Specialization in B2B marketing differentiates Bombora from larger platforms. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bombora and Its Mission 03:07 Understanding B2B Marketing Dynamics 06:09 Data Utilization in B2B Marketing 08:47 Targeting Strategies and Audience Granularity 11:50 The Role of AI in B2B Marketing 14:58 Competitive Landscape and Challenges 18:01 Lightning Round and Fun Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Marketecture Podcast, hosts Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi discuss the recent Google search remedies and their implications for the market. They delve into the antitrust issues surrounding Google, the upcoming ad tech trial, and the complexities of Epsilon's SSP. The conversation also touches on Perplexity's struggles in advertising, OpenAI's strategic acquisition, and emerging trends in ad tech and AI. Additionally, they explore insights from the CTV landscape, including Roku's growth and the NFL Red Zone's new commercial strategy, concluding with a discussion on Paramount's potential acquisition of The Free Press. Takeaways Google's market share remains unchanged despite antitrust remedies. Data sharing with competitors raises privacy concerns. AI is a significant competitor to Google search. The ad tech trial may see Google settling sooner. Agencies are unaware of buying from competitors' SSPs. Perplexity's advertising efforts are still experimental. OpenAI's acquisition signals a strong move in ad tech. Roku surpasses broadcast TV in viewing share. NFL Red Zone's introduction of commercials sparks controversy. Paramount's potential acquisition of The Free Press indicates market value. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Overview of Google Search Remedies 03:00Antitrust Implications and Market Dynamics 05:54Ad Tech Trial and Its Consequences 08:53Epsilon's SSP and Agency Dynamics 11:42Perplexity's Advertising Challenges 14:48OpenAI's Acquisition and Strategic Moves 17:54Emerging Trends in Ad Tech and AI 20:43CTV Insights and NFL Red Zone Controversy 23:46Paramount's Potential Acquisition of The Free Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this emergency episode of the Market Texture Podcast, Ari Paparo and Alan Chapell discuss the recent ruling by Judge Metta regarding Google's monopoly status. They analyze the implications of the ruling, including the decision not to divest Chrome or Android, the impact of distribution deals, and the challenges of data sharing. The conversation also touches on the missed opportunity for choice screens, the future of Google's search monopoly, and the DOJ's approach to antitrust cases. The episode concludes with thoughts on potential settlements and the global implications of the ruling. Takeaways Judge Metta's ruling largely favored Google's proposals. Chrome and Android were not deemed necessary for divestment. Distribution deals remain intact, benefiting Google. Data sharing is complicated by privacy concerns. Choice screens were dismissed as ineffective by the judge. The ruling does not reduce Google's search monopoly. AI's rise may challenge Google's dominance in the future. The DOJ's commitment to antitrust cases is uncertain. Future antitrust cases may focus on AI and other areas. Global implications of the ruling may affect future legislation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Emergency Episode 01:08 Judge Metta's Ruling Overview 02:02 Chrome and Android: The Monopoly Debate 05:37 Distribution Deals and Their Implications 09:13 Data Sharing and Its Challenges 14:41 Choice Screens: A Missed Opportunity 15:31 The Future of Google's Search Monopoly 19:42 Natural Monopoly vs. Competition 21:13 DOJ's Approach and Future Antitrust Cases 22:55 Next Steps for Google and Potential Settlements 26:36 Global Implications and Future Legislation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Ari Paparo moderates a debate about the role of transaction IDs in the ad tech industry with Mike O’Sullivan, co-founder of Sincera and now part of The Trade Desk, and Chris Kane, founder of Jounce Media. The conversation covers the benefits and drawbacks of transaction IDs, publisher concerns about revenue and data privacy, and the influence of the Trade Desk. The episode also looks into the complexities of auction duplication and the need for transparency and standardization in digital advertising. In The Refresh, Ari and Eric Franchi discuss related topics, including CTV pause ads, AI payment models, and Amazon’s decision to block AI bots from scraping data. Takeaways Transaction IDs help harmonize ad requests and improve auction processes. Publishers express concerns about potential revenue loss and data privacy. The Trade Desk's influence is a point of concern for many publishers. Request duplication presents a significant challenge in ad tech. Engaging with buyers is crucial for publishers to understand market needs. Recent pre-bid changes have limited publishers' strategic options. Cleaner auctions can benefit both buyers and sellers. Transparency is vital for fair competition in the ad market. Publishers should seek clarity on how their inventory is presented. Standardization is needed for better performance in the ad tech ecosystem. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transaction IDs 02:15 Understanding Transaction IDs and Their Controversy 05:15 Publisher Concerns and Revenue Implications 09:01 The Impact of Request Duplication 14:35 Practical Uses of Transaction IDs for DSPs 18:46 The Future of Transaction IDs in Ad Tech 19:22 The Pre-Bid Controversy 20:53 Skepticism in the Market 25:11 Fear of Trade Desk's Power 30:12 Navigating Publisher Concerns 35:03 Advice for Publishers Moving Forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jonathan Roberts is the Chief Innovation Officer for the newly renamed People, Inc. He and Ari talk about how publishers are licensing content and keeping away the bots, as well as how AI optimization is playing out. Eric and Ari then review the news, including the LG Ads IPO, whistleblower allegations against Facebook, local TV consolidation, and more. Takeaways AI is becoming integral to various aspects of business. Human-created journalism remains essential despite AI advancements. Content quality is paramount; average content is not acceptable. AI can assist in research, but should not replace human creativity. Licensing agreements are crucial for protecting content from unauthorized use. The information economy needs to incentivize content creation. AI's role in search engines is changing the way information is accessed. Marketers must adapt to the new AI-driven landscape. Understanding user needs is critical for effective marketing. The future of journalism will involve collaboration between AI and human creators. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to People, Inc. 02:57 AI's Role in Content Creation 06:00 Navigating AI Licensing and Content Protection 08:49 The Future of the Information Economy 11:58 AI and Search Engine Dynamics 14:57 The Impact of AI on Marketing Strategies 17:57 Conclusion and Future Outlook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi sit down with Scott Howe, CEO of LiveRamp, for an open conversation about how the ad tech world is changing. They talk about LiveRamp’s shift from simply “data onboarding” to helping companies work together securely, how AI gets a real boost when you feed it the right kind of data, and what’s actually happening now that cookies are fading away. Scott also shares real-world stories, from loyalty programs to connected TV, that show why smart collaboration might be the best way to stand out against the biggest players. Takeaways LiveRamp has moved from moving data around to helping partners actually use it together AI works best when powered by private, permissioned data instead of just public information Cookies are losing importance, and direct, authenticated connections are taking the lead Mid-sized players with unique data can compete more effectively with walled gardens The industry needs clear, open standards for sharing data to avoid repeating past mistakes Chapters 00:00 – Catching Up and News of the Week: Streaming deals, TTD updates, and AI chatter 02:34 – What LiveRamp Is Now: From onboarding to true collaboration 03:40 – AI’s Data Diet: Why proprietary signals matter most 05:20 – Clean Rooms in Action: A snack brand, a retailer, and a social platform walk into a campaign 06:55 – Life After Cookies: Authenticated reach is already ahead 09:26 – Hedged Gardens: Where smaller but mighty players fit in 13:31 – The UCP Idea: Building shared rules for sharing data Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next in Media chatted with Rich Bloom, GM, Creator Programs & EVP, Business Development at Tubi, about the Fox-owned streamers new creator program, which has quickly expanded for five to 50 participants. Bloom also talked about Tubi's overall growth, Gen Z misconceptions, and whether TV needs to adopt more YouTube-like qualities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brian Wieser, CEO of Madison and Wall, sits down with Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi to talk about the current state of advertising and media agencies. They cover recent earnings, the role of AI, and strategic shifts at companies like WPP and Publicis. Brian also shares his views on the economic climate and its effects on the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Casey Saran, CEO of Spaceback, joins Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi to talk about how brands are approaching creative in a landscape shaped by social platforms, AI tools, and evolving media formats. The conversation covers the use of organic and creator content in paid campaigns, the growing volume of creative assets, and how some brands are adapting their internal processes. They also touch on platform updates from Meta, TikTok, Spotify, and more in the context of recent earnings and product changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari Paparo talks with Stephen Upstone, CEO and founder of LoopMe, about the company’s beginnings and its use of AI in advertising. They cover topics like measuring outcomes, navigating brand suitability, handling attribution, and dealing with data privacy. The conversation also looks at how LoopMe fits into the changing ad tech landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari and Eric are joined by Chris Feo, Chief Business Officer at Experian, for a grounded discussion on how the advertising data ecosystem is evolving. The conversation explores Experian’s approach to identity and audience data, the implications of its acquisition of Audigent, and how curation is reshaping traditional roles within the ad tech stack. They also dig into the growing impact of AI on DSP value, media workflows, and open web monetization. Along the way, expect reflections on industry shifts, platform partnerships, and a few Italian food metaphors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari Paparo talks with Nikhil Jain, VP of Insights and Marketing Solutions at Dailymotion Ads, about the company’s work around attention as both a measurement and planning tool. The discussion covers how attention is defined, how it’s being predicted through AI and modeling, and the role of creative analysis, inventory quality, and sentiment in shaping campaign outcomes. Jain also shares how Dailymotion is applying video-level analysis, from visuals to audio and text, to support more informed targeting and media planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi sit down with Erin Foxworthy, Global Head of Marketing and Advertising at Snowflake, to discuss how marketing teams are rethinking data infrastructure in a shifting landscape. Erin reflects on her path through agencies, entertainment, and tech, and how that journey informs her current perspective. The conversation covers the move from legacy tools like DMPs to composable CDPs, the importance of data governance, and why some companies are opting to keep data where it is. They also touch on clean rooms, identity resolution, and the early role of AI in working with structured marketing data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ramsey McGrory, newly appointed President of Prisma at Mediaocean, joins Ari Paparo to discuss how the company is evolving its platform across linear and digital media. They unpack the implications of MediaOcean’s acquisitions, including Innovid and Protected, and what it means to consolidate media planning, buying, and verification in an increasingly fragmented ad ecosystem. Ramsey also reflects on the role of buy-side ad serving today, the integration of AI, and how Prisma is adapting to agency and brand needs in the age of converged TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi speak with Adam Epstein, co-founder and CEO of Gigi, an AI assistant focused on automating tasks within the Amazon DSP. Adam shares how the product evolved from a streaming TV tool to a broader AI-powered platform for media agencies. He discusses the challenges of training a vertical AI agent using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), the reasoning behind a chat-based interface, and how agencies are integrating their own processes into Gigi. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of agentic AI on agency workflows and team structures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari Paparo talks with Justin Evans, Head of Innovation and Insights at Samsung Ads and author of The Little Book of Data. They discuss the core ideas behind the book, how data concepts apply across industries, and why clear thinking rather than technical expertise is often what matters most. The conversation also touches on Evans’s time in ad tech, his writing process, and what data can (and can’t) explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari and Eric recap key themes from Cannes 2025, including the ongoing conversation around AI in advertising and media, the presence of creator and sports partnerships, and recent developments in commerce media. They share observations on industry announcements, AI's progress (and limitations), and structural changes in the ad tech space. The discussion also covers how Cannes operates behind the scenes, from sponsorship deals to the growing presence of technology companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ari Paparo chats with Milly Botes, VP of Product Management at Acast, about how the company’s podcast monetization platform and ad network. Milly breaks down the evolution of dynamic ad insertion, what makes host-read ads so effective, and how Acast is using AI to help with podcast discovery for advertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alex Arafat
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