Tech giants are entering the $177 billion retail media industry by leveraging demand-side platforms (DSPs) to connect advertisers with retailers' media networks. These DSPs enable real-time bidding and optimization of digital ad inventory across multiple publishers, playing a crucial role in the retail media ecosystem.

203 Media, founded by Josh Suggs, specializes in authentic street interviews for brands, but the job can be challenging, requiring interviewers to overcome social anxiety to engage the public effectively. Suggs has expanded his team to enhance the company's reach and production quality.

YouTube has achieved a 12.4% share of US TV viewing, solidifying its position as a leading platform in American living rooms for the third consecutive month. Its growth is fueled by significant deals, such as exclusive NFL game streaming, and an expanding slate of scripted content, which has led to increased advertising revenue surpassing that of traditional broadcast networks.

Publications targeting LGBTQ+ and diverse audiences are experiencing a significant decline in advertising revenue due to increased discrimination and backlash against diversity and inclusion efforts. Editors indicate that a previous trend of corporate support has reversed, with advertisers becoming more cautious in their partnerships following political pressures against DEI initiatives. Despite some publications managing to adapt, the overall mood among brands has shifted negatively.

The U.S. television industry's annual ad-selling season faces uncertainty due to potential tariff-induced economic downturns. Analysts predict a significant drop in ad spending, estimating a decline of $4 billion, as brands may reduce their commitments amid waning consumer confidence. Media companies are expected to make pricing concessions to attract advertisers during this challenging period.

The article discusses the significant decline in U.S. advertising spending, highlighting factors contributing to this downturn. It examines the broader implications for the advertising industry and the potential effects on media and marketing strategies moving forward.

Kantar's Media Reactions 2025 study reveals that The New York Times, Amazon, Apple TV, and Netflix are the most preferred media brands for advertising among US consumers. While receptivity to advertising has increased, marketers are still struggling to create tailored content for different channels, leading to a disconnect between consumer preferences and marketing strategies for 2026.

Research by Dr. Karen Nelson-Field and VCCP Media reveals that distinctive branded assets significantly enhance effectiveness in low-attention digital environments, showing a 2.5x increase in business outcomes compared to weak branding. The study emphasizes the necessity of aligning creative with media to maximize impact, particularly as most digital ads receive less than 2.5 seconds of attention. A five-point plan is suggested for brands to optimize their asset usage and improve memory encoding in advertising.