In this week’s Week in Review: ITV agrees distribution partnership with YouTube, Vivendi shareholders approve breakup plans, and WBD separates linear networks from its studios and streaming division.
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ITV to Distribute and Monetise Programming on YouTube
ITV has joined YouTube’s partner programme, and will distribute ITV programming, including I’m A Celebrity and The Masked Singer, on the video-sharing platform. The UK broadcaster said it will sell ads around both the ITV and ITV Studios channels on YouTube, which will be managed by ITV Studios’ new digital content label, Zoo 55.
ITV is also launching a dedicated YouTube sales team within ITV Commercial, led by newly appointed Head of YouTube Sales Abul Noor, who joins from Channel 4. Advertisers will be able to target their campaigns based on programmes, genre, viewer demographic and device-type, according to the commercial broadcaster.
“This partnership is part of our continuing strategic approach to maximise reach and viewing opportunities for audiences, wherever they choose to watch, alongside the successful and thriving ITVX, and our market leading commercial TV channels,” said Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, ITV Media and Entertainment.
Vivendi Shareholders Approve Breakup Plans
Vivendi shareholders have approved the approved the firm’s plans to split apart its businesses, the French holding company announced on Tuesday.
The motions to spin off pay-TV company Canal+ and agency group Havas were passed by 97.5 percent of votes, surpassing the two-thirds majority threshold required under French law for partial demergers. As a result, Canal+ will be listed separately and traded on the London Stock Exchange, Havas will be listed on the Dutch stock market, and publishing company Louis Hachette Group will trade in Paris.
“We are convinced that this new chapter for Canal+, Havas and Louis Hachette Group will be very promising and create value for all stakeholders,” said Yannick Bolloré, Vivendi’s chairman.
WBD Separates Linear Networks from Streaming and Studios
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is separating its linear networks from its streaming and studios division, under a corporate restructure designed to “unlock additional shareholder value”. The move follows a disappointing Q3 for WBD, which saw total revenues decline by 3 percent YoY, with studios revenues down by 17 percent. The new corporate structure is expected to be in place by mid-2025.
The news follows similar proposals at rival US media company Comcast, which last month announced plans to spin off the bulk of its cable network channels, including CNBC, MSNBC and E!, into a separate entity.
“We continue to prioritise ensuring our Global Linear Networks business is well positioned to continue to drive free cash flow, while our Streaming & Studios business focuses on driving growth by telling the world’s most compelling stories,” said WBD CEO David Zaslav. “Our new corporate structure better aligns our organisation and enhances our flexibility with potential future strategic opportunities across an evolving media landscape, help us build on our momentum and create opportunities as we evaluate all avenues to deliver significant shareholder value.”
The Week in Tech
TikTok Seeks Emergency Injunction to Halt US Ban
TikTok has asked for an emergency injunction to prevent its proposed ban in the US, which is due to come into force next month. The move comes after the ByteDance-owned company lost its appeal against the ban last week, and has now submitted a legal request to temporarily block the law to give the Supreme Court more time to deliberate. “The public interest favours providing sufficient time for the Supreme Court to conduct an orderly review process, and for the incoming Administration to evaluate this exceptionally important case,” TikTok said in the filing.
Measurement Firm Happydemics Raises €13 Million in Series B Funding
Happydemics, a Paris-based ad tech firm, announced it has raised €13 million in a Series B funding round, led by Wille Finance and Adelie Capital. The company, which focuses on measuring brand lift, said the funds will be used to advance its AI-driven ad measurement solutions and expand its presence in the UK market. “At Happydemics, we understand the need for precise, actionable insights to optimise campaigns and prove their effectiveness,” said Tarek Ouagguini, Founder of Happydemics. “Our Brand lift technology delivers exactly that. With this new funding and the best team to tackle the industry’s demands for scalability, immediacy, and cross-channel measurement, we’re ready to set the global standard in ad performance.”
CMA Launches Inquiry into Outbrain’s Teads Acquisition
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a merger inquiry into Outbrain’s acquisition of Teads. The update follows the CMA’s invitation to interested parties to comment on the impact of the ad tech tie-up on UK competition. Meanwhile in France, l’Autorité de la concurrence has authorised the merger without conditions.
LoopMe Acquires Mobile Monetisation Company Chartboost
LoopMe, an outcomes-based ad tech company, has acquired mobile advertising and monetisation business Chartboost for an undisclosed amount. Chartboost was previously owned by Zynga, a mobile games publisher. LoopMe said the acquisition expands its presence in the mobile app ecosystem by growing its SDK network and strengthening its outcomes-based AI platform. “We see mobile in-app and CTV as the future of brand advertising, and the acquisition of Chartboost brings us closer to making this vision a reality, bringing us closer to app publishers,” said Stephen Upstone, CEO & Founder of LoopMe.
European Commission Questions Google Over “Secret Advertising Partnership” with Meta
European regulators are probing Google as to a secret advertising partnership with Meta, according to the FT, which reportedly violated the search giant’s rules on targeting teen users. The report follows an FT investigation in August that suggested Google and Meta were secretly targeting 13-17-year-old YouTube users, in order to promote Instagram. Although the partnership has now been scrapped, European Commission officials are questioning Google over the ad campaigns.
TikTok Taps Nielsen for Cross-Media Measurement
TikTok has announced a partnership with measurement giant Nielsen, to provide cross-media measurement of ad campaign performance in the US. The social video company said advertisers and agencies can compare ad performance on TikTok across all screens, including digital and CTV, using cross-media measurement tool Nielsen ONE. “In the dynamic video landscape, brands need to extend their reach beyond traditional channels,” said Jorge Ruiz, Global Head of Marketing Science at TikTok. “TikTok’s commitment to providing diverse measurement tools, including our integration with Nielsen ONE, enables advertisers to understand and leverage cross-media engagement, driving meaningful results.”
FreeWheel Launches Performance Tools for its Beeswax DSP
Video tech firm FreeWheel has launched a Performance Suite for its demand-side platform (DSP), Beeswax. The suite includes products for targeting and measurement on CTV, machine learning-based campaign optimisation models, and performance reporting tools. “The Performance Suite is the latest advanced set of results-driven, efficient, and transparent tools for performance marketers to accurately achieve their campaign goals while maximising their budgets,” said Thomas Bremond, SVP & CRO International at FreeWheel.
TikTok Shop Launches in Ireland and Spain
TikTok Shop is launching in Ireland and Spain, the Chinese firm announced this week, with Spain becoming the first contiental European market for the in-app e-commerce feature. The Spanish service is currently avaialble for merchants on an invitation-only basis, while Irish merchants are able to sign up now. The roll-out follows the UK launch of TikTok Shop in 2021.
Adelaide Brings Attention Metrics to Pubmatic’s SSP
Adelaide, an attention measurement firm, has partnered with Pubmatic, to apply its attention data to deals within the supply-side platform (SSP). The partnership integrates Adelaide’s AU scores into the SSP, providing metrics into a placement’s likelihood of capturing attention and driving impact. “Our integration with Adelaide delivers unparalleled efficiency and scalability for advertisers looking to improve media quality and performance,” said Howard Luks, VP of audiences at PubMatic. “We’re excited to bring the power of attention-based measurement and optimisation to our clients, helping them drive better outcomes across their investments.”
The Week in TV
MFE Secures €3.4 Billion Loan for 2025 M&A
European media giant MFE-MediaForEurope, owner of Mediaset and Mediaset España, has secured a €3.4 billion loan to help it fund its continent-wide growth plans, CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi confirmed in a press conference this week. While market conditions will play a role in deciding whether MFE makes any major moves next year, Berlusconi said he hopes 2025 will be the year in which the company’s international strategy “can shift up a gear.” Read more on VideoWeek.
Goldbach Germany to Split Video and OOH Businesses
Goldbach Germany will split into two independent companies next year, the European sales house announced on Thursday. TV and video operations will resume under the new name Goldvertise, with Frank Möbius continuing as Managing Director. Meanwhile eisbach.media will house the out-of-home (OOH) business, with Claudia Zayer as Managing Director. “The reorganisation of Goldbach Germany is a great opportunity for all of us,” said Möbius. “Both companies can focus on their specialised areas and grow strategically. With Goldvertise, we are bundling the media types CTV, TV and online video under the term ‘Total Video’ and will utilise the existing synergies in future. We are highly motivated to further develop the market together with our partners and to provide advertisers with exclusive, high-reach and innovative advertising opportunities.”
Sky to Bundle Max in Early 2026
Max, the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), will be bundled with Sky when the service launches in the UK and Ireland in early 2026. The ad-supported version of Max will be available to Sky customers at no extra cost, under an expanded partnership between the media companies. The agreement brings an end to a legal dispute between Sky and WBD over alleged violations by WBD of their contract, which included the right for the studios to co-produce shows, such as the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. The companies have now agreed to a voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit.
Titan OS Creates Audience Segments with ThinkAnalytics
Titan OS, the TV operating system used on Philips and AOC smart TVs, has partnered with ThinkAnalytics, an Al-driven content discovery platform, to create audience segments within its advertising arm, Titan Ads. Titan Audience Segments can be reached across multiple ad formats, including Sony One, Hearst Networks and FAST channels, according to the company. “We’re really excited to partner with ThinkAnalytics to further unlock our unique, comprehensive viewership data from the millions of Titan OS viewers in Europe,” said Rees Hughes, VP Data at Titan OS. “By combining extensive viewer understanding with high quality data, Titan Audience Segments enables advertisers to confidently target the viewers most valuable to them across the Titan universe.”
RTL Deutschland Makes Linear TV Programmatically Accessible via Virtual Minds Media Manager
Virtual Minds, the ProSieben-owned ad tech business, has announced the integration of its Media Manager into RTL Deutschland’s TV playout system, as part of the ad tech partnership between the European broadcasters. The move enables Ad Alliance, RTL Deutschland’s sales house, to make its linear TV inventory accessible via programmatic. “Implementation of ‘Adtech made in Europe’ is making great strides and has now taken concrete shape,” said Virtual Minds CTO Tom Peruzzi. “As of today, advertisers can programmatically purchase and optimise traditional TV advertising on all major private broadcasters in Germany based on standardised technology.”
TF1 PUB Merges Self-Serve Tools for Automated Media Buying
TF1 PUB, the French broadcaster’s sales house, is merging its two transactional platforms into a single interface within its self-serve platform, La Box. The move combines the self-serve TV tools, ‘Express Purchase’ and ‘All Buy Myself’, into a single entry point. The update is designed to further automate media buying, as part of the broadcaster’s strategy to transform its TF1+ streaming service into a “full-funnel marketing platform.”
News Corp in Late-Stage Discussions with DAZN Over Foxtel Sale
News Corp is advancing discussions with DAZN over a potential sale of Foxtel, the Australian pay-TV provider, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. News Corp put the business up for sale publicly in Augist, and is reportedly now in late-stage negotiations with the sport streaming company. No financial details were given, but sources said the deal could be completed before Christmas.
The Week for Publishers
The Guardian Agrees Sale In Principle of The Observer to Tortoise Media
UK newspaper The Guardian and its owner The Scotts Trust have agreed a deal in principle to sell The Guardian’s Sunday sister newspaper The Observer to Tortoise Media. The agreement will see The Scotts Trust invest in Tortoise Media, and provide £25 million in new investment in The Observer. The deal has been controversial with staff from The Guardian going on strike to oppose the move.
The Independent Reports Continued US Success
British newspaper The Independent has claimed continued success from its US expansion, as it retained its place as the biggest British-born news title in the US for the second month running according to IPSOS Iris data. Its total US audience in October reached 38.4 million users, which was up 85 percent year-on-year. The Independent has also climbed to become the second largest digital news publication in the UK, according to the data.
Todd Boehly Holds Talks to Invest in The Telegraph
Todd Boehly, the US billionaire best known in the UK as the co-owner of Chelsea Football Club, has discussed helping finance a deal to buy The Telegraph, according to various reports this week. The UK newspaper, currently being sold by owners RedBird IMI, has looked likely to go to Dovid Efune, the British-born owner of the New York Sun. Boehly has reportedly held talks with RedBird in recent weeks, which could see him join Efune’s bid, or contribute to a rival bid.
ProRata.AI’s Search Engine Goes Live
ProRata.AI, a business which aims to create more equitable conditions for how publishers and creators are compensated when their IP is used by AI tools, this week launched its AI-powered search engine, called Gist.ai. Gist uses ProRata’s proprietary technology to calculate how much each publisher’s content contributed to any AI-generated answers and search results, and then compensates them proportionally. “Generative AI cannot thrive on a foundation of stolen or uncredited content—it’s neither sustainable nor just,” said Bill Gross, CEO of ProRata.ai. “At ProRata, we’re leading the charge to create a transparent, equitable knowledge ecosystem that rewards creators with 50 percent of all revenue and sets the highest standard for reliability in AI outputs.”
The Onion’s Attempted Takeover of Infowars Blocked by Court
Satire website The Onion’s attempted takeover of conspiracy news site Infowars has been blocked by a bankruptcy judge, who ruled that the auction process for Infowars had not attracted the best bids possible. Judge Christopher Lopez said that the court appointed trustee who oversaw the process should have enabled more bidding between The Onion and a rival suitor affiliated with Infowars founder Alex Jones’s supplement selling business, according to the BBC.
LADbible Group Partners with Reach’s Mantis
LADbible Group has signed a partnership with Mantis, the brand suitability and contextual ad solutions provider launched by UK publishing group Reach. The deal will see Mantis deploy its ‘Mantis Data’ suite of solutions on LADbible’ properties, and give LADbible access to Mantis’ bespoke contextual audiences.
The Week for Brands & Agencies
Omnicom Announces IPG Acquisition
Following speculation last weekend, Omnicom on Monday announced it has agreed a deal to acquire rival US holding company Interpublic Group in a stock-for-stock deal. The combination will create the largest holding company in the world, overtaking WPP and Publicis. The two businesses said that combining their assets – particularly Omnicom’s Flywheel and IPG’s Acxiom – will provide a major advantage in the market, while they also expect the merger to generate $750 million in annual cost savings.
Digital Economy Consolidates “Around a Few Massive Platforms” in GroupM Forecast
Global ad spend is expected to surpass $1 trillion this year, and reach $1.1 trillion next year, according to GroupM’s aptly titled ‘This Year Next Year’ report. The figures represent a 9.5 percent year-on-year increase for 2024, then 7.7 percent growth in 2025. The WPP media arm observed that advertising “has seemingly defied expectations of a slowdown” over the past 12 months, even excluding political ad spend which is not factored into the figures. Read more on VideoWeek.
Traditional Media Businesses Had Strong 2024, finds Magna Global
Ad revenues for traditional media organisations (TV, radio, publishing, out-of-home, and cinema) saw unusually strong growth in 2024 compared with recent years, according to Magna Global’s December update of its global advertising forecast. Ad revenues across these categories is projected to have been up by four percent year-on-year in 2024, the highest growth in 14 years, excluding the post-pandemic recovery. Total ad revenues are expected to have grown by 10.3 percent this year, topping $930 billion.
GroupM Partners with GrabAds for Geo-Based Audience Data
WPP’s media arm GroupM has announced a new expanded partnership with GrabAds, the advertising arm of South-East Asian super app Grab. As part of the expanded partnership, GrabAds will enhance its first-party audience data with geo-based signals, which GroupM will further aggregate and integrate into its proprietary platforms. GroupM says this will help provide clients with more refined, data-driven media planning.
WPP Wins Johnson & Johnson NA Media Duties
Pharmaceutical brand Johnson & Johnson has handed media duties in the US and Canada to WPP’s GroupM, Ad Age reported this week. J&J’s media duties in these markets were previously handled by J3, a dedicated unit set up within IPG to run media for the brand.
Lululemon Ticks Up Ad Spend
Athletics apparel brand Lululemon says it is bumping up its total investment in advertising as it looks to drive further growth. Speaking on an earnings call, CFO Meghan Frank said that the brand previously has aimed to spend around 4.5-5 percent of total sales on marketing – now that figure is being raised to 5.5 percent, with a particular focus on growing brand awareness.
Hires of the Week
Anneliese Urquhart Replaces Karen Nelson-Field at Amplified Intelligence
Amplified Intelligence, an attention measurement firm, has promoted Anneliese Urquhart to Chief Executive. Urquhart replaces Amplified Intelligence founder Karen Nelson-Field, who will continue in a strategic and research role. Urquhart joined the company in 2022 as Chief Product Officer.
NBCU Hires Roku’s Kristina Shepard for Streaming Sales Role
NBCUniversal has announced Kristina Shepard as Executive Vice President, Streaming and Performance Sales and Partnerships, a new role in the Advertising and Partnerships division. Shepard was previously Vice President of Global Advertising Sales and Partnerships at Roku.
Zenith UK Makes Three C-Suite Appointments
Zenith UK, a Publicis agency, has announced three C-suite appointments, under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Sannah Rogers. Sophie Wooller will join as Chief Operating Officer, Laurence Heinrichs as Chief Digital Officer, and Matt Skelding will be promoted to Chief Client Officer.
DMG Media Promotes Hannah Buitekant to Chief Commercial Digital and Strategy Officer
DMG Media, publisher of the Daily Mail, MailOnline, Metro and i, has promoted Hannah Buitekant to Chief Commercial Digital and Strategy Officer. Buitekant joined DMG Media in 2013, following a two-year stint at video ad tech business Smartclip.
Ofcom Appoints Oliver Griffiths as Group Director Online Safety
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has appointed Oliver Griffiths as Group Director, Online Safety. The role oversees the implementation of regulations to hold tech firms accountable for prioritising online safety. Griffiths joins from the Trade Remedies Authority, where he has been Chief Executive since 2021.
Reach Names Ellen Stewart Performance Director for Editorial
UK publisher Reach has named Ellen Stewart as Performance Director for Editorial, to enhance the delivery of data-led decision making across Reach newsrooms. Stewart previously served as Director of Content Strategy & Growth at Condé Nast.
This Week on VideoWeek
MFE Secures €3.4 Billion Loan for 2025 M&A
ITV Studios Sale Would Mark “Significant Departure From its Strategy”
What’s Changed in a Year of US Streaming?
Omnicom Agrees to Acquire Interpublic Group: How the Numbers Stack Up
Digital Economy Consolidates “Around a Few Massive Platforms” in GroupM Forecast
Ad of the Week
Ford, Big Cat Energy
