蘑菇AV

Not everyone gets news from creators and influencers. But alternative voices, especially podcasters, hold a lot of sway over key demographics, including Gen Z, men, and consumers who feel marginalized by mainstream media.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what the verdict is on Netflix's sports streaming experimentation and how small and mid-sized advertisers are spending more on CTV ads. Tune in to the conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Ross Benes and Vice President Paul Verna. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Many notable data points emerged from this busy week, including Google's search usage, resounding global trust in influencer recommendations, and most Americans don't know they're using AI-enabled products (even though 99% recently have).

A lot can happen in a week. Rue21鈥檚 customer overlap with TikTok Shop could position the brand to benefit from a potential TikTok ban. Meanwhile, Gen Z consumers are increasingly choosing alcohol-free lifestyles, reflecting health-conscious preferences. Cost-consciousness drives brand switching, but convenience remains key in purchase decisions. Here are five stats that caught our eye this week.

We explore the key contributors to record profits and the second-highest earnings year to date.

Financial institutions (FIs) will burst through the financial media network (FMN) door first cracked open in 2024. Chase made headlines in April by announcing its new ad business, followed by PayPal in May. They鈥檙e the most high-profile FIs to do so yet, signaling that FMNs could be a meaningful new revenue stream for the financial services industry.

Apple pulls its AI news alerts after hallucinations misrepresent major stories. The controversy shows Big Tech鈥檚 ongoing struggle to make AI both useful and trustworthy.

The AI agent era is here: Businesses are using AI agents to streamline operations and reduce staffing costs. As adoption rises, balancing efficiency with customer trust will be the real challenge.

AI firms are paying for raw footage, offering creators extra cash鈥攂ut with low payouts and growing privacy concerns, is this a good deal or a short-term play?

Sephora鈥檚 new Hulu docuseries examines the dynamic interplay between beauty and music: The show is part of a broader strategy to meet consumers wherever they are.

Walmart鈥檚 brand refresh reflects its retail evolution: Its visual update accompanies initiatives to enhance ecommerce capabilities and lure more affluent and Gen Z shoppers.

Private labels ate into national brands鈥� share in 2024: That reflects a continued trend as store brand unit sales have risen 2.3% since 2021, while national brands have declined 6.8%.

The FTC restricts use of minors鈥� data: The rule requires two instances of parental consent to collect data, but it may not survive the next administration.

Amazon scores a win with 鈥淏east Games鈥�: The reality series from controversial YouTuber MrBeast attracted 50 million viewers.

Nearly half (49.4%) of US Gen Z consumers skip events due to high ticket prices, according to a September report from Merge.

As media struggles with declining traffic, the AP is cashing in on AI licensing deals. But smaller AI companies may struggle to compete in this high-cost content arms race.

Disney+ Hotstar to stream Coldplay鈥檚 record-breaking India concert: The event signals its push beyond sports to premium live entertainment.

Thailand finds itself in the luxury spotlight as China鈥檚 luster fades: The country鈥檚 booming luxury travel market and growing number of ultra-wealthy shoppers is heightening the appeal.