The MadTech Podcast

Today's MadTech Daily covers advertisers reporting prices dropping for ads on ChatGPT, Google holding discussions with the Pentagon for a Gemini deal, as well as the BBC and Bauer Media planning massive workforce cuts. 

In this special episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire CEO Rachel Smith is joined by Jaren Loy, business marketing lead at Fairprice in Singapore. They discuss the value and challenges of retail media, from the availability of first party data to cross-channel measurement for proving better outcomes, and how the APAC market compares to other regions.Based on a panel for ATS Singapore 2026: Retail Media Reality Check: Building Networks, Data Pipes & In‑Store Scale. Retail media in APAC is exploding, but standards, tech stacks, and measurement are still evolving. This discussion covers in‑store screens, loyalty engines, data monetisation, and partner evaluation. Speakers explore how they're navigating the region's dominant walled‑garden commerce ecosystems. A session that dives into what it takes to build a retail media business in APAC.0:00 Introduction1:57 Current state of APAC's retail media landscape6:34 Challenges for advertisers, marketers, and retail media network owners10:23 Measurement and standards in retail media14:33 How retail media fits into the broader commerce ecosystem in APAC19:53 Cross-channel strategies for brands and retailers23:35 What differentiates APAC from global markets26:28 Where retail media is headed in the next 12 months

Today's MadTech Daily covers OpenAI building a tool to track ChatGPT ad conversions, UK MPs voting down under-16 social media ban for a second time, and Publicis' CEO ruling out launching a rival for The Trade Desk. 

On today's MadTech Daily we cover investor expectations for Netflix after its Warner bid, the IAB unveiling guidelines for AI-driven commerce media, and WPP reportedly launching talks to sell Burson, its PR arm

On today's MadTech Daily we cover Meta set to overtake Google in ad revenue for the first time, Publicis marking its 20th consecutive growth quarter despite momentum slowing, and Freely launching FAST ‘Spotlight Channels'.

Today's MadTech Daily looks at the FTC moving toward a settlement in an ad boycott investigation, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ordering Meta to face a youth addiction lawsuit, and YouTube raising Premium prices.

On today's MadTech Daily we cover OpenAI launching its Ads Manager and lowering the minimum spend for its ads pilot, Meta removing ads recruiting plaintiffs in social media addiction lawsuits amid rising legal pressure, and YouTube's 90-second unskippable ads amid a CTV push.

In this episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire editor Aimee Newell Tarín is joined by CEO Rachel Smith and head of content, John Still. They look into OpenAI's foray into media ownership, an AI-publishing crossover, and the streaming market.The first story this week is OpenAI's acquisition of the tech and business talk show, Technology Business Programming Network. The team discuss what this says about OpenAI's strategy, and what it means for TBPN. The second covers CNN International Commercial's move into agentic infrastructure, and the opportunities and pitfalls of agentic transactions. Finally, a court in Rome has ruled that Netflix's price increases between 2017-2024 were illegal. Will this case set a global precedent for the streaming giant?More industry insights & analysis at www.exchangewire.com0:00 Introduction1:00 OpenAI acquires TBPN14:46 CNNIC builds in-house agentic infrastructure28:19 Italian court rules Netflix price hikes illegal

Today's MadTech Daily covers Tubi pioneering a ChatGPT-native app launch, Microsoft and Publicis deepening their partnership on agentic marketing, and Paramount debuting a publishing arm amid the exit of a president.

Today's MadTech Daily covers a leadership shake-up at The Trade Desk as its CMO and other executives depart, BBC Studios rolling out an airline streaming platform, and Tesco Media pushing into video ads to blend storytelling with shoppable moments.

In this special episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire CEO Rachel Smith is joined by Baptiste Graffin, VP of sales in APAC for Happydemics, to discuss brand building, brand lift, and performance. Their conversation looks at the importance of brand building beyond performance metrics, scaling and strategy in APAC markets, and data maturity in the region.Forrester report: Happydemics Brand lift delivered 47% ROI → https://get.happydemics.com/happydemics-total-economic-impact0:00 Introduction6:21 What are the key things needed to build and scale a business in APAC?16:23 How does Happydemics help brands and agencies prove advertising investment?34:29 Is APAC seeing an increase in data maturity?39:55 What is the future of the industry?

Today's MadTech Daily covers Publicis acquiring 160/90 to expand its sports marketing capabilities and Ackman targeting €55bn takeover of Universal Music Group in bid to unlock value. We also look at Netflix launching a kids gaming app while an Italian court rules its price hikes illegal. 

On today's MadTech Daily we look at OpenAI's purchase of TBPN, CNN developing its own agentic infrastructure in preparation for AI-driven media transactions, and Elon Musk's alleged attempts to make banks associated with the SpaceX IPO subscribe to Grok. 

 On today's MadTech Daily we cover UK social media use falling as video apps rise, ad spend in Australia dropping 3% year-to-date despite a 22.5% streaming boost from the Nine Olympics, and WPP Media launching ‘YouTube 5K'.

How can the ad tech industry create impact without precision targeting? What is the credibility of LLM visibility tools, and what are the barriers and accuracy of data? How likely is agent-to-agent buying in the future?In this mailbag episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire editor Aimee Newell Tarín is joined by CEO Rachel Smith and COO Lindsay Rowntree to answer our listeners' biggest questions about ad tech and media. They discuss the need to prove advertising value, the rise of generative engine optimisation, and how SSPs and DSPs are adapting for an AI agent-led environment.Thank you to Generation Media's Lauren Whyman, eight&four's Chloe Singleton, and Responsible Marketing Advisory's Emily Roberts for this month's questions! Got a burning question for the ExchangeWire team? Drop your questions over to us and we'll answer in our next monthly mailbag special... https://forms.zohopublic.com/lindsay11/form/MadTechPodcastYourQuestionsAnswered/formperma/xpD2uD_a2V5POYx47TrUnf3ZCERYN28c1w6aS5RsuEE0:00 Introduction1:00 How can the industry create impact without precise, laser focused targeting?2:26 Ciaran's chutney moment3:22 Back on schedule14:14 What is the credibility of tools that showcase LLM visibility information?33:02 How likely is agent to agent buying? What does the future of the ad tech industry look like?

Today's MadTech Daily covers OpenAI raising USD$3bn from retail investors in a USD$122bn funding round, Anthropic set to sign a deal with Australia on AI safety and economic data tracking, as well as Elon Musk being ordered to face a class action lawsuit over the late disclosure of his Twitter stake.

Today's MadTech Daily covers Australia's eSafety Commission warning of ‘major gaps' in the enforcement of the country's under-16 social media ban, California defying Trump's demands on AI with the introduction of a new executive order, and Disney+ striking its latest European deal with Italy's Rai.

Today's MadTech Daily covers Claude's paid user growth surging, AdGreen's findings on how changes to advertising production could slash emissions by nearly a third while generating huge financial savings, and WBD setting a date next month for shareholders to vote on a $111bn Paramount–Skydance takeover.

On today's MadTech Daily we look at OpenAI extending its ad pilot as it tests a global rollout of sponsored ChatGPT responses, Elon Musk's X ad boycott being dismissed by a US Judge, and Disney+ striking a landmark next-day streaming deal with RTVE.

In this episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire COO Lindsay Rowntree is joined by CEO Rachel Smith and Zac Selby, SVP of global solutions for data & technology at dentsu.They look at IAB Australia's 'Future of Measurement' initiative, Google securing a patent for AI-generated landing pages, and Apple introducing advertisements in Apple Maps.0:00 Introduction1:20 IAB Australia launches new initiative12:51 Google patents right to replace landing pages27:34 Apple to introduce ads in Maps

On today's MadTech Daily, a jury finds Meta and YouTube liable for harming young users, a judge dismisses publishers' Google monopoly claim, and the UK government is accused of shifting goalposts regarding the LHF ad ban.

Today's MadTech Daily covers TikTok introducing three new ad formats, OpenAI dropping its partnership with Disney as it decides to close Sora, and Anthropic battling it out in court against the Pentagon over its AI model ban. 

Today's MadTech Daily covers OpenAI hiring a Meta ad veteran to build its ads business, Apple planning to introduce ads in Maps, and X considering a new method to win back advertisers.

Today's MadTech Daily covers ChatGPT's slow rollout of ads frustrating partners, Musk being found liable in a $44bn fraud case related to Twitter, and broadcasters pushing for tougher smart TV rules across Europe.

Today's MadTech Daily covers Meta announcing reduced reliance on third-party vendors as it expands its AI tools, Walmart securing two new patents for algorithmic pricing, and OpenAI planning a desktop superapp. 

On today's MadTech Daily we discuss the UK government U-turning on their AI copyright plans, IAB Australia launching a measurement initiative, and Britannica suing OpenAI over AI training.

In this special episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire COO Lindsay Rowntree is joined by Rob McLaughlin, founder & CEO of AUDIENCES, and Sandy Ghuman, senior product manager for customer data & transformation at easyJet.They look at the challenges of activating first party data, from complexities to cultural silos, and how brands can turn their data into meaningful signals.0:00 Introduction1:32 Challenges of data activation19:54 Data collection & channel selection30:57 Connecting different specialists40:34 The next 3 years

Today's MadTech Daily covers Publicis advising clients to avoid The Trade Desk, Meta missing illegal financial ads in Britain, and Alibaba forming a new AI business group.

In today's MadTech Daily we cover whistleblowers saying Meta and TikTok amplify harmful content in order to keep users' attention, Amazon rolling out one-hour delivery in US cities, and the UK government launching a local media support initiative.

Today's MadTech Daily covers OpenAI testing an Ads Manager and preparing its Agentic Storefronts feature, Meta being expelled from IAB Sweden while it plans major staff layoffs, and TikTok investors facing a huge bill from the Trump Administration. 

Today's MadTech Daily covers the latest surrounding ads on Gemini, an AI acquisition by Publicis, and the closing arguments in the first ever social media addiction jury trial.

At what figure did Axel Springer acquire the Telegraph? What percentage of ads served on ChatGPT were retail and grocery related? How many children are taking part in the UK's trial for a potential social media ban?In this quiz edition of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire editor Aimee Newell Tarín is joined by COO Lindsay Rowntree and John Still, head of content. They look into M&A in publishing, advertising in AI, and social media restrictions for under-16s.0:00 Introduction1:06 Axel Springer acquires the Telegraph11:31 ChatGPT's ads trial28:29 UK trials social media restrictions

Today's MadTech Daily covers Ofcom taking action against social media platforms for their failure to protect children under the age of 13, research demonstrating that the public opposes ads on the BBC, and Meta's acquisition of Moltbook, a social network designed for AI agents. 

Today's MadTech Daily covers Meta hiking ad fees in some European regions, a ruling from a California judge regarding AI agents, and a new Playbook launched by the IPA to help agencies with their pricing models. 

Today's MadTech Daily covers Anthropic suing the US Defense Department, Meta's Oversight Board finding its deepfake moderation is falling short, and a new feature on Barb's Ads Hub.  

*This podcast was recorded before recent events across the Middle East, and as such makes no mention of the geopolitical situation in the region.In this special episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire's head of content, John Still, is joined by Rad Arekat, founder of the Middle East Social Media & Digital Association (MESMDA). They discuss the changes and opportunities in MENA's social media and digital industry, areas of growth and spend, and the vision for the association.

Today's MadTech Daily covers retail ads dominating on ChatGPT, Walmart announcing the phase-out of Vizio accounts on its TVs, and the Trump Administration drawing up new rules following its clash with Anthropic. 

Today's MadTech Daily covers Axel Springer acquiring the Telegraph for £575m, Indonesia moving to implement a social media ban for under-16s, and the UK delaying AI copyright rule decisions. 

On today's MadTech Daily we cover Amazon expanding its audience segments to Netflix, the BBC floating iPlayer as a home for rival broadcasters, and the ITV reporting its latest revenue figures. 

In this episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire CEO Rachel Smith and COO Lindsay Rowntree join head of marketing, Grainne Reid, to discuss the agentic commerce and streaming landscapes.They look into Meta's new shopping research tool and the conclusion to Netflix and Paramount's months-long battle to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.0:00 Introduction0:55 Meta tests AI shopping tool13:47 Netflix withdraws WBD bid

In today's MadTech Daily, we cover Amazon eyeing a role in chatbot ad sales, News Corp landing a USD$50m (£37m) AI deal with Meta, and 85% of Europeans using ad-supported streaming.

In today's Madtech Daily, we cover Meta trialling an AI shopping tool to challenge ChatGPT, Google planning to fill 150 tech roles in Singapore, Gemini, and eBay cutting 800 jobs, 6% of its workforce.

Today's MadTech Daily covers the UK launching a consultation on a social media ban for under-16s, a Google patent hinting at AI-generated landing pages, and Roblox surpassing TikTok in Gen Z shopping growth.

Today's MadTech Daily covers Netflix pulling out of the bidding war for Warner Bros, Dentsu naming Takeshi Sano as global CEO, and HubSpot expanding its media reach with a Starter Story deal.

In this episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire editor Aimee Newell Tarín is joined by COO Lindsay Rowntree and co-founder & advisor Ciaran O'Kane to discuss streaming, retail, and out-of-home.They look into Ofcom's regulation of video-on-demand platforms, backlash over in-game ads on the Six Nations debut, and Walmart's AI-powered shopping assistant, Sparky.0:00 Introduction1:51 UK streamers face 'enhanced regulation'11:14 Rugby fans riled over in-game ads20:16 Walmart's AI boosts order value31:20 2025 out-of-home revenue

In today's MadTech Daily, we cover WPP unveiling a £500m cost-cutting plan in an AI-led overhaul, ByteDance being valued at $550bn in a proposed General Atlantic stake sale, and UK news giants launching a ‘NATO for News' AI coalition.

In today's MadTech Daily, we look at DoorDash ending Deliveroo operations in Singapore, ITV Studios launching Studio 55 and opening its content library, as well as Apple rolling out global age-verification tools.

In today's MadTech Daily, we cover video-on-demand services facing new Ofcom regulation in the UK, Canva buying animation and marketing startups, and OOH hitting record revenue in 2025.

In today's MadTech Daily, we cover Germany backing social media curbs for children, the DOJ probing Netflix's market power in its Warner deal review, and the Motion Picture Association sending a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance over Seedance 2.0.

On today's MadTech Daily we look at eBay acquiring Depop for USD$1.2bn, Amazon overtaking Walmart in annual revenue, and Scopely agreeing a $1bn deal for a Turkish game developer.

In our very first mailbag special, ExchangeWire's head of marketing Grainne Reid is joined by CEO Rachel Smith and John Still, head of content, to answer our listeners' biggest questions about ad tech and media.The team put on their media planning hats, debating where they would allocate spend across retail & commerce media, CTV, and out-of-home. They also discuss the strengths of independent agencies versus holdcos, and unpack the legal and regulatory battles shaping the industry, from antitrust trials to social media bans.0:00 Introduction1:27 Kerry asks: Media planning14:01 Steve asks: Agencies26:16 Paul asks: Investigations & policy moves