In this week’s Week in Review: Netflix executives discuss the streamer’s programmatic strategy, Viant acquires TVision for $40 million, and IAB reports rapid growth in digital video ad spend.
Top Stories
Netflix Sees Programmatic as Core to its Ads Business
Netflix reported its Q1 earnings on Thursday, with revenues up 16 percent year-on-year, reaching $12.3 billion for the quarter. And while the company didn’t disclose ad sales for the quarter specifically, it says it’s still on course to reach $3 billion in total this year.
Speaking on an investor call following the earnings release, co-CEO Greg Peters talked about how Netflix’s ad offering is developing. While large advertisers are still a core focus as Netflix’s ad business continues to grow, Peters said the company is always looking to expand the number of advertisers it works with. “As we scale programmatic and broaden our advertiser base, we can follow the time-tested model of expanding iteratively into larger and larger pools of advertisers,” he said.
Programmatic is already key for Netflix, which Peters said is on its way to accounting for 50 percent of the streaming platform’s non-live ads business. And as more, smaller advertisers come onto the platform, he expects the number of partners who buy programmatically to increase, meaning programmatic’s share of total ad sales will grow further still.
On the content side, co-CEO Ted Sarandos said Netflix will continue to invest in big sports events, preferring major one-offs over regular leagues. Video podcasts will also remain a target, with early investments suggesting the format is bringing incremental viewers to the platform.
Viant to Acquire TVision for $40 Million
Viant, a CTV ad tech business, has announced it is acquiring TVision, a TV viewing insights firm, for $40 million. The acquisition brings TVision’s attention and co-viewing data to Viant’s programmatic buying platform, to help inform campaign planning, buying and optimisation in CTV.
The total consideration of $40 million comprises $22.5 million in cash and $17.5 million of shares of Viant’s Class A common stock. The transaction is expected to complete in Q2 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
“Every advertising platform measures its own performance today, which makes it difficult for advertisers to understand what’s actually working,” said Tim Vanderhook, CEO and Co-Founder of Viant. “With TVision, we are providing advertisers a true market-wide view of how their advertising performs, free from any platform’s self-attribution bias.”
Digital Video Revenues Climbed 25 Percent in 2025 Finds IAB and PwC
Global digital ad revenues reached $294.6 billion last year, according to IAB’s 2025 Internet Advertising Revenue Report, growing 13.9 percent YoY. Conducted by PwC, the research found that digital video revenues hit $78 billion, up 25.4 percent YoY. Video made up 26.5 percent of total digital revenues, behind social (40 percent), search (38.8 percent) and display (27.7 percent).
“Consumer behaviour is continuing to shift toward video, creator-led content, and performance-driven environments – reshaping where and how ad dollars are spent,” the IAB said in the announcement.
The report also identified three structural shifts shaping advertising trends this year: AI, creator advertising and streaming video. While highlighting the performance capabilities of streaming video, the IAB noted that marketers will demand that streaming prove true incrementality in order to drive performance budgets into the AVOD market.
The Week in Tech
TiVo Ads Brings Independent ACR Data Licensing to the UK
TiVo Ads on Wednesday launched its automatic content recognition (ACR) TV data offering in the UK, introducing an independent, measurement-first dataset which the company says is designed to bring greater clarity to cross-platform TV viewing. The launch will make TiVo’s ACR dataset, drawn from a number of smart TV brands including Sharp, Bush, Panasonic, Techwood and more available for licensing. This data gives a deterministic view of content and ad exposure across both linear and streaming environments, helping brands understand where their audiences are, and how their campaigns have performed. Read more on VideoWeek.
Meta to Surpass Google in Ad Revenues This Year
Meta is projected to surpass Google in global ad revenues by the end of 2026, according to forecasts from Emarketer. Meta is expected to reach $243.46 billion in net worldwide ad revenues in 2026, compared with Google at $239.54 billion. “In surpassing Google, Meta has essentially had many of its core strategies validated,” said Max Willens, Principal Analyst at Emarketer. “Meta has long understood that scale, network effects, and habits are more important than anything else in digital media. It has carefully built and defended the advantages it has in all three areas.”
JWX Adds Social Distribution Capabilities with True Anthem Acquisition
JWX, a video monetisation business, has announced the acquisition of True Anthem, an AI-powered social publishing and distribution platform, for an undisclosed amount. True Anthem’s AI engine monitors on-site performance signals and social platform dynamics to identify high-performing content and automatically distribute it across the likes of Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest. The acquisition adds these social distribution capabilities to JWX’s full-stack publisher platform, according to the company, which covers distribution, on-site engagement and programmatic monetisation. “Publishers with strong editorial operations are losing the distribution battle, not because their content isn’t worth sharing, but because viral windows close faster than any team can act manually,” said JWX CEO John Nardone. “True Anthem tells publishers what to post, when to post it, and handles the execution automatically. Combined with our AI video creation and JWX’s monetisation infrastructure, we’re giving publishers something no point solution can offer: a complete system that grows their social audience and converts that audience into revenue.”
Starmer Presses Social Media Companies on Measures to Protect Children
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer brought senior leaders from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok and X to Downing Street on Wednesday, to press the social media companies for progress on measures to protect children from online harms. The meeting comes amid a government consultation to explore whether to introduce a minimum age for social media, limits on addictive design features, and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots for young people. “Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them,” the Prime Minister said ahead of the meeting. “When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.”
StackAdapt Launches Live Events Campaign Workflow for Advertising in Live Sports
Ad tech firm StackAdapt has launched a dedicated Live Events campaign workflow, designed to help advertisers activate and manage CTV campaigns during live sports. The new workflow introduces a centralised planning hub, a dedicated campaign subtype, and enhanced pacing and frequency controls tailored for live environments. “Premium live events have become one of the most valuable environments in streaming, but it’s also one of the most operationally challenging for advertisers to execute effectively,” said Greg Joseph, VP of Inventory Development at StackAdapt. “With a dedicated Live Events workflow, advertisers gain a simpler and more reliable way to plan and activate campaigns around major sports moments while maintaining full visibility and control over pacing and performance.”
Roku Surpasses 100 Million Streaming Households
Roku has surpassed 100 million streaming households worldwide, the smart TV and streaming business announced on Thursday. The company said Roku devices are now used by more than half of all US broadband households, with adoption also growing in Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the UK. “Surpassing 100 million streaming households is a defining moment, not just for Roku, but for the future of television,” said Roku CEO Anthony Wood. “We’re helping shape the entertainment landscape by making it easier to discover great content, more affordable to watch it, and more effective for advertisers and partners around the world to connect with audiences.”
OpenX Announces Brand Refresh
OpenX, a supply-side platform (SSP), has announced a rebrand “to usher in the next era of digital advertising.” The refresh includes a new logo and positioning, alongside a commitment to simplify advertising and uphold inventory and data quality standards. “In an ecosystem that has historically profited from complexity and opacity, simplicity is imperative to move forward,” said OpenX CEO Matt Sattel. “We’ve spent the past decade building the intelligence layer closest to media and data. This next step is about putting that power to work in a way that’s easier to understand and simpler to use. That clarity drives greater accountability and enables buyers to confidently compare and evaluate solutions.”
The Week in TV
NBCUniversal Ads Chief Criticises Nielsen Over “Incorrect Measurement”
NBCUniversal ads chief Mark Marshall has criticised measurement firm Nielsen for holding back figures that would have revealed higher viewership for broadcast and cable TV, the WSJ reported on Tuesday. His comments follow a delay to the release of Nielsen’s monthly Gauge report, after streaming companies that had seen the unreleased estimates reportedly raised questions about numbers showing declines in their viewership. “Every media company is valued on a multiple of something, right?” said Marshall. “The baseline for all of these is revenue, and if that revenue is understated due to incorrect measurement, then absolutely, the valuations of these media companies are being impacted. That is why a change needs to happen.”
BBC to Cut One in 10 Jobs
The BBC is cutting up to 2,000 jobs as part of a radical downsizing, the FT reported on Wednesday, with around one in 10 staff expected to lose their jobs. The news comes ahead of the arrival of new director-general Matt Brittin, as the public service broadcaster (PSB) aims to cut costs by about 10 percent over the next three years. The PSB remains locked in negotiations with the government about its future funding model as part of the renewal of its royal charter at the end of 2027.
MFE Revenues Hit €4 Billion in 2025
MFE-MediaForEurope posted consolidated group revenues of €4 billion in 2025, the media company announced on Wednesday, up 37 percent over 2024. Advertising revenues jumped 20 percent YoY, reaching €3.2 billion. The results include the consolidation of German broadcaster ProsiebenSat.1 in Q4 2025. “The consolidation of ProSiebenSat.1 is a key step,” said MFE CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi. “It’s not just growth: it’s a real step forward. Greater scale, greater weight, and a stronger foothold in the European advertising market. MFE operates directly in six countries – Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Portugal – and this global reach makes us a key player in the advertising market and for major clients.”
Freely Opens Up to CTV OS Partners’ FAST Channels with ‘Spotlight Channels’
Freely, the free streaming service launched by the UK’s public service broadcasters (PSBs), on Monday announced the launch of ‘Spotlight Channels’, a new initiative which will allow the service’s CTV operating system partners to embed their free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels in Freely’s live interface. With Spotlight Channels, CTV operating systems which carry Freely will be able to sign up to add up to eleven of their own FAST channels into the Freely TV Guide. V, formerly VIDAA, is signed up as a launch partner — a number of its channels will be available in the Freely TV Guide on Hisense TVs (which are powered by the VIDAA OS) later this year. Read more on VideoWeek.
Disney Plans 1,000 Job Cuts
Disney is planning to cut around 1,000 roles to streamline the company’s operations, its new CEO Josh D’Amaro told employees on Tuesday. According to Reuters, the cuts will affect the marketing, studio and TV, ESPN, products and technology departments. “Given the fast-moving pace of our industries, this requires us to constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs,” D’Amaro said in an email to staff. “As a result, we will be eliminating roles in some parts of the company.”
ASA Publishes First LHF Rulings
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has published its first rulings under the new rules on advertising less healthy food (LHF) products. Complaints against Iceland and Lidl were upheld for featuring high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) products. But complaints against German Doner Kebab and On The Beach Ltd were not upheld, as the products in the former ad did not constitute HFSS foods, and the latter was found to not advertise an identifiable food product.
CMA Invites Comments on Paramount’s WBD Acquisition
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking views on Paramount’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The regulator has invited any interested party to submit their comments on the impact that the transaction could have on competition in the UK. The inquiry is the first part of the CMA’s information-gathering process, before launching a formal investigation into the acquisition.
NFL Faces DOJ Probe with Higher TV Payments on the Horizon
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a probe into the National Football League (NFL) over potential anticompetitive practices, the government agency has confirmed, investigating whether the franchise forces fans to pay too much in subscription fees to watch NFL games. The investigation comes halfway through the league’s 11-year media rights deal, which is worth over $10 billion per year. The contract contains an opt-out after the 2029-30 season, but the NFL is attempting to renegotiate early, with new deals projected to top $15 billion per year. Read more on VideoWeek.
The Week for Publishers
UK Culture Secretary Clears Axel Springer’s Telegraph Takeover
Lisa Nandy, the UK’s culture secretary, has given a green light to European media group Axel Springer’s agreed takeover of UK right-wing newspaper The Telegraph. “I am currently not minded to intervene in this merger under either regime on the basis of the evidence available to me at this time,” she said. “This is without prejudice to my ability to intervene in this merger within the applicable statutory time limits, if new or additional information comes to my attention.”
The Independent Completes Takeover of The Standard’s Digital Operations
The UK’s Independent Media on Thursday announced it has completed a long-term deal to run the digital operations of fellow British news title The Standard, while also managing print advertising. The Standard’s digital operations include its online journalism, commercial solutions, ad tech and data management, and its in-house studio Standard Studio. “Together, Independent Media’s titles serve highly engaged global audiences with trusted journalism delivered through world-class premium brands, and through a dedication to innovation, technology and creativity,” said Independent Media CEO Christian Broughton. “The addition of The Standard brings even more opportunities for our business and for our partners – this is an incredibly exciting moment.”
Trump’s Lawsuit Against the WSJ Dismissed by Judge
US president Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, which he filed after the Journal published a story claiming Trump had written a birthday message to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, has been dismissed by a US judge. The president accused the WSJ, its parent companies, and two reporters involved in the story of acting with malicious intent in publishing a story which he claims to be false. Judge Darrin Gayles, however, found that the complaint “comes nowhere close” to the standard for defamation under US law.
Condé Nast Shuts Down Titles and Lays Off Staff
Roger Lynch, global CEO of international magazine business Condé Nast, announced the company will be shutting down parts of the business which remain unprofitable. Fashion title Glamour will concentrate on the US and UK, prioritising social, video, commerce and licensing opportunities. Publishing operations in Germany, Spain, and Mexico will be wound down. Health and wellness brand SELF will be shuttered entirely, while WIRED’s Italian operations will also close down. “These choices reflect how we are aligning both our brands and our technology organisation to where we see the strongest opportunities ahead,” said Lynch in a note to employees.
Algorithm Changes Hit Revenues at The Sun
News Group Newspapers, the News Group subsidiary which publishes The Sun, released its full year accounts for 2025, showing an eight percent fall in revenues. The company attributed the fall to structural declines in the print market and lower digital ad revenues, which it said was a result of algorithm changes at third-party platforms. The news company cited its investment in video via its ‘Sun Originals’ team as a key focus for helping return to revenue growth, particularly in the run -up to this year’s men’s World Cup.
Video in Focus for Tom’s Guide Relaunch
Media group Future Plc this week announced a relaunch for consumer tech publication Tom’s Guide, with new AI-powered tools, live Q&As, and expanded video and newsletter content. On the video front, Future says it will develop new video franchises across social channels including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. It will also create a number of new vertical-specific channels on individual platforms, including Tom’s Guide Fitness on Instagram, and Tom’s Guide Entertainment on TikTok.
The Week for Brands & Agencies
Publicis Posts 4.5 Percent Revenue Growth in Q1
French agency group Publicis was the first of the major holding companies to release its Q1 earnings for the year, reporting organic net revenue growth of 4.5 percent, alongside organic total revenue growth of 6.4 percent. All regions performed well, with US organic growth hitting 4.7 percent, Europe up 3.9 percent, and Asia-Pacific up 5.9 percent. CEO Arthur Sadoun confirmed the company’s full-year organic growth guidance of 4-5 percent. “At a time when our industry has seen more changes in the last 12 months than the last 12 years, we are confident that we will outperform again in 2026 and beyond, for three key reasons,” said Sadoun.
Video Budgets Bounce Back in IPA Bellwether for Q1 2026
As war in the Middle East continues to unsettle the global economy, UK businesses are upping their marketing budgets in the face of uncertainty, according to the latest IPA Bellwether Report. The survey found that a net balance of +7.3 percent of UK marketers raised their total marketing spend in Q1 2026. The net balance (derived from the proportion of marketers who increased their budgets during the quarter, minus those that decreased their budgets) represents the highest level of upward revisions since Q2 2024. It also marks a notable increase from the previous quarter, when a net balance of 0 percent increased their marketing budgets. Read more on VideoWeek.
Agency Holdcos Settle FTC Probe into Alleged Platform Boycotts
Agency holding groups WPP, Publicis, and Dentsu have settled an investigation by the US Federal Trade Commission into claims they had orchestrated an illegal advertiser boycott of digital platforms. The investigation was sparked following accusations from X owner Elon Musk that agency groups, trade associations, and advertisers had worked together to starve his platform of ad revenues. The settlement includes a stipulation barring those groups from entering into agreements which set common brand safety standards. Omnicom is already bound by a similar commitment, which was a condition of the approval of its merger with IPG.
North America Drives Solid Start to 2026 for Havas
Advertising group Havas followed its compatriot Publicis in reporting its Q1 earnings this week, with organic growth in net revenues coming in at 2.5 percent. Its North American business was particularly strong, with 7.4 percent organic growth across the quarter, compared to 1.1 percent growth in Europe, a 6.2 percent fall in Africa and APAC, and a 0.6 percent decline in Latin America.
WFA Pegs Inflation at 4.4 Percent for 2026
Global media price inflation is predicted to sit at 4.4 percent this year, according to the World Federation of Advertisers’ biannual poll of media price inflation forecasts. This year’s men’s FIFA World Cup is expected to have a significant impact, as advertisers’ enthusiasm to align with major sports events drives up prices. “The World Cup has traditionally had an impact on media markets and 2026 is no exception with spikes in demand for ad spots in live sport on traditional TV driving up ad costs for brands not just in the host countries but across the globe,” said Tom Ashby, global lead, media services at WFA.
Dentsu Announces Evolution of dentsu.Connect Platform
Japanese holding company Dentsu this week announced an evolution of its dentsu.Connect AI-powered operating system, stating that the platform is shifting “away from linear, reactive workflows toward dynamic, predictive and outcome-led intelligence, with humans firmly in control and AI amplifying every decision”. The company says dentsu.Connect is designed around three core principles:
- Composability – clients activate only the modules and workflows they need, scaling on their own terms, with the option of data remaining securely within their own cloud environments.
- Interoperability – integration with existing client technology stacks, without forced replacement, and the ability to build bridges into major technology infrastructure.
- Proprietary models and agents – built on dentsu’s distinct advantage: its craft, expertise, and people intelligence.
Major League Soccer Chooses Mediahub as Media Agency of Record
Omnicom-owned media agency Mediahub has been selected by US football league MLS as its media agency of record, ahead of America co-hosting the men’s World Cup later this year. Mediahub’s remit will cover traditional and digital channels including linear TV, CTV, online video, social, and out-of-home. “We selected Mediahub because they bring a rare combination of channel innovation, deep sports expertise, and the ability to operate seamlessly at both the national and local level,” said MLS CMO Radhika Duggal.
Hires of the Week
WPP Names Anne-Isabelle Choueiri as CTO
WPP has appointed Anne-Isabelle Choueiri as Chief Transformation Officer, a newly created role overseeing the operations that underpin Elevate28, WPP’s three-year growth plan unveiled in February 2026. Choueiri joins from The Estée Lauder Companies, most recently serving as SVP Transformation.
The Guardian Appoints James Goode as CFO
The Guardian has named James Goode as Chief Finance Officer, where he will lead the company’s global financial strategy and operations. Goode will also join the Guardian Media Group board of directors. He previously spent six years as Group CFO and Executive Director at PA Media Group.
Samba TV Hires Kelly Barrett as SVP Product Management
Samba TV, a media intelligence business, has announced Kelly Barrett as Senior Vice President of Product Management. Barrett will head up global product management across Samba’s portfolio of analytics and audience solutions. She joins from measurement firm Comscore, where she spent more than three years as SVP of Product Management.
This Week on VideoWeek
Freely Opens Up to CTV OS Partners’ FAST Channels with ‘Spotlight Channels’
NFL Faces DOJ Probe with Higher TV Payments on the Horizon
TiVo Ads Brings Independent ACR Data Licensing to the UK
Video Budgets Bounce Back in IPA Bellwether for Q1 2026
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