May Tech Update: OpenAI, Netflix, Google, Publicis and More
OpenAI has begun testing a paid‑search style advertising platform in the United Kingdom, marking its first foray into monetising its AI models through ads. Netflix announced an AI‑powered advertising suite that lets brands generate video assets at scale, aiming to accelerate its ad‑supported streaming growth. Publicis Groupe agreed to acquire data‑connectivity firm LiveRamp, a deal valued at roughly $10.5 billion, to strengthen its data‑driven marketing capabilities. Together, these moves signal a rapid convergence of generative AI and ad tech across media and agency sectors.
Ex-MediaCom Execs Acquire Spirit Media Scotland
Former MediaCom executives Danny Donovan and Jamie Venerus, through their holding company, have acquired independent agency Spirit Media Scotland. The deal positions the duo as joint CEOs of the newly combined entity. The acquisition broadens their footprint in the UK...
TUI Reviews Sponsorship Opportunities in Wake of Married at First Sight Fallout
Travel giant TUI has halted its sponsorship of Channel 4’s reality series Married at First Sight after a BBC Panorama documentary raised serious allegations about the show’s practices. The brand pulled its advertising last week and is now reviewing all current...
Publicis and LiveRamp Hit Back After Rivals Claim M&A Deal Will Harm ‘Neutrality’
Publicis Groupe announced a definitive agreement to acquire data‑collaboration platform LiveRamp for roughly $5.5 billion. The deal, which would combine Publicis’ agency network with LiveRamp’s data onboarding capabilities, has drawn criticism from rivals Omnicom and Stagwell, who argue the merger could...
Channel 4’s Former Head of Streaming Joins Global
Former Channel 4 streaming head Fatima Dowlet has joined Global as part of the UK media group’s digital expansion. Dowlet was made redundant in July 2023 during Channel 4’s cost‑cutting restructure. Her appointment gives Global a seasoned leader with experience...
Morrisons Renews Clarkson’s Farm Sponsorship for Second Year
Morrisons has renewed its sponsorship of the BBC's 'Clarkson's Farm' for a second year, extending the partnership into Series 5. The new agreement includes a multi‑channel campaign that will appear on Prime Video, Fire TV, Amazon’s platforms and across social media....
'Injured' And 'Strike' Among the Words on Advertiser Blocklists as World Cup Approaches
Research from the UK advertising trade body reveals that agencies are increasingly using blocklists to prevent ads from appearing alongside content containing words such as “injured”, “strike”, “shoot” and “attack”. The move intensifies as the FIFA World Cup approaches, with...
Channel 4 Ad Revenues Decline 2% Despite Digital Growth
Channel 4 reported a 2% year‑over‑year decline in advertising revenue in its latest annual report, even as digital ad sales grew around 5%. The shortfall was driven by weaker performance in traditional TV slots, which still account for the bulk...
Walkers Hosts TikTok Gameshow to Crown New Flavour
Walkers, in partnership with creative agency Dept and parent company PepsiCo, launched a TikTok‑based gameshow to unveil its latest crisp flavour. The interactive competition invites users to create short videos, vote on flavour concepts, and ultimately crown the winning taste....
ISBA's Origin CEO Tom George Departs
Tom George, who has served as chief executive of ISBA's Origin since 2022, announced his departure. The exit marks the end of a three‑year tenure during which the agency expanded its data‑driven services for advertisers. ISBA has not yet named...
War Child Appoints BigSmall for Strategic Brand Refresh
War Child, the international charity supporting children in conflict zones, has hired UK agency BigSmall to lead a strategic brand refresh. The partnership follows a competitive pitch process that evaluated multiple agencies. BigSmall will overhaul visual identity, messaging, and donor‑engagement...
Publicis Buys LiveRamp for $2.2bn as It Ramps up M&A
Publicis Groupe announced the acquisition of US ad‑tech firm LiveRamp for $2.2 billion in cash, marking its biggest deal since 2019. The French agency group says LiveRamp’s expertise in data collaboration will help clients build smarter AI‑driven agents. The transaction is...
Digitas UK Hires First Head of Intelligent Creative From T&P
Digitas UK has appointed Dan Northcote‑Smith, formerly of The&Partnership, as its first Head of Intelligent Creative. The newly created role is tasked with embedding generative‑AI tools into the agency’s creative process and client campaigns. Digitas, part of the Dentsu Aegis...
Netflix Ad Tools Could See 'Agentic AIs Talking to Each Other'
Netflix announced a new suite of artificial‑intelligence advertising tools at its Upfront event, aimed at automating creative production and media buying. The platform’s UK director of advertising, Ed Couchman, said the tools could allow autonomous AI agents to converse with each...
LBC Sees Record Quarter Amid Geopolitical Unrest
LBC reported a record‑breaking quarter, reaching 3.6 million weekly listeners in Q1 2025. The surge occurred as geopolitical tensions, from the Ukraine conflict to Middle‑East unrest, drove audiences toward live news radio. The station’s audience growth translated into higher advertising demand, reinforcing...