How Sell-Side Curation Is Reshaping The Post-Cookie Supply Chain
As third-party cookies phase out, sell-side curation is emerging as a key trend in ad tech. SSPs are now leveraging their connections to publisher first-party data to build curated marketplaces, shifting audience matching from DSPs to the sell side. This change reduces DSPs’ control over audience curation and introduces tensions in the programmatic ecosystem. SSPs are partnering with third-party data providers to enhance audience targeting, making them more integral in the supply chain. As DSPs push back, the industry faces a power shift, with SSPs gaining more influence in audience targeting and curation.
Google Signs Deal To Serve Digital News Content, Funding California Media
Google has committed nearly $250 million over five years to fund California journalism and AI research, in exchange for using news content in its Search platform. This public-private partnership will allocate $30 million from California in the first year, with Google contributing $15 million to journalism and AI initiatives. The deal aims to support local journalism and AI innovation but has sparked controversy, with some arguing it reinforces the need for federal legislation to address Big Tech’s impact on news publishers. The California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA) also pushes for compensation to news publishers from tech platforms.
Ad Block Recovery Startup Admiral Secures $19 Million In New Funding
Admiral, a startup initially focused on ad block recovery, has raised $19 million in a growth equity and debt funding round, bringing its total funding to $28 million. Now branding itself as a “visitor relationship management” platform, Admiral helps digital publishers build stronger relationships with readers and diversify revenue beyond traditional ads and paywalls. The platform uses AI to personalize messaging and optimize user engagement. Admiral also partnered with The Trade Desk to integrate single-sign-on tools, addressing challenges in first-party data collection and user authentication. The new funds will support scaling and product development.
Meta Wants Appeals Court To Hear Privacy Battle Over Health Data
Meta is seeking an immediate appeal of a federal judge’s decision requiring the company to face allegations of tracking Facebook users’ visits to healthcare websites via its Meta Pixel tool. Meta argues that this ruling conflicts with a recent decision by another judge, who dismissed a similar lawsuit against Google. Meta contends that an appellate court should review the matter now to avoid unnecessary efforts if the ruling is overturned. The case began after Facebook users claimed Meta’s Pixel code transmitted sensitive data from hospital websites, which Meta denies intentionally collecting.
Chick-fil-A is reportedly launching a streaming service for some reason
Chick-fil-A is reportedly entering the crowded streaming market by launching a new platform later this year, focusing initially on family-friendly, unscripted content, including a game show. The fast food chain is collaborating with production companies and studios, with plans to potentially expand into scripted series, animation, and licensed content. While Chick-fil-A hasn’t officially commented, this move might be part of a broader strategy related to advertising or customer data, similar to how Disney and Walmart have leveraged streaming. Despite its oddity, the Cathy family’s ties to the entertainment industry, particularly Trilith Studios, provide some context for this venture.