Welcome to The Refresh, your weekly download of what actually matters in advertising. Brought to you by Marketecture Media and written by AdTechGod. Every Thursday, we bring you the latest news, commentary, and memes that speak the truth about this industry. If it's happening in AdTech, media, or marketing and it’s interesting, it’ll be here.
Nielsen and Edison Research To Launch Groundbreaking Podcast Dataset in Nielsen’s Media Planning Tool (Nielsen)
AI In Ads – And Ads In AI (AdExchanger)
Snap Stock Plunges on Advertising Platform Concerns (Hollywood Reporter)
Nielsen, WPP Media Strike New Audience-Measurement Data Agreement (Variety)
Protect the Publisher: Walt Dublin on Monetization, AI, and Mission-Driven Media
Walt Dublin, VP of Enterprise Publisher Development at Raptive, discusses the evolution of publisher partnerships, the impact of AI on content monetization, and the importance of diversity in the tech space.
AI's Impact on Advertising: Insights from Charlie Neer of MiQ
Charlie Neer, co-CEO of MiQ, discusses the impact of AI on the advertising industry, focusing on the launch of Sigma, MiQ's AI-powered platform. He highlights the need for centralization in a fragmented industry and emphasizes the importance of human intelligence alongside AI. The conversation explores how MiQ is adapting to AI's rapid growth and the cultural shifts required for successful integration.
OpenX Sues Google, Alleges Rigged Ad Auctions and Anti-Competitive Tactics
OpenX has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech giant of manipulating digital ad auctions and engaging in self-preferencing practices that allegedly harmed OpenX’s business. Filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, the suit claims Google used its dominance in ad servers and exchanges to restrict competition, including limiting publisher price controls and favoring its own bids. OpenX says these actions forced it to shut down its ad server in 2019 and significantly damaged its exchange business.
ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and RedZone Rights in Major Deal With NFL
ESPN and the NFL have reached a nonbinding agreement that would give ESPN control over NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and distribution rights for the RedZone channel. In return, the NFL will receive a 10% equity stake in ESPN. While the final deal is still pending approval from NFL owners and regulators, this is a major shift in sports media ownership. The agreement also includes a licensing deal for certain NFL content and IP to be used across ESPN and its new assets.
While this feels like another major “shake-up,” it's not entirely outside the norm of how media deals have always worked — although distribution, ownership, and partnerships have been reshaped dramatically over the past few years. In my opinion, to survive and thrive, the biggest players have to align to maintain scale, relevance, and leverage.
Why Advertisers Are Still Struggling to Get ROI from CTV
CTV promises better targeting and less ad clutter, but advertisers aren’t seeing the returns they expected. One major issue is cost. CPMs are higher than traditional TV, and adding things like brand safety or frequency caps pushes prices up even more. Frequency control is also a problem, with viewers still seeing the same ads repeatedly. As more live sports air on linear TV, the overlap with CTV increases, reducing the incremental reach that advertisers are aiming for.
In my opinion, this is exactly why CTV can't be sold like traditional TV. It needs better creative approaches, more interactivity, and real innovation — not just another midroll ad. Please, for the love of AdTechGod, don’t just flood us with midrolls. Get a bit creative!
Roku Launches $2.99 Ad-Free Streaming Service 'Howdy.' But What’s New?
Roku has launched Howdy, a $2.99/month ad-free streaming service featuring 10,000 hours of content from Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, FilmRise, and Roku Originals. It sits alongside the free, ad-supported Roku Channel, but it’s unclear how much of the content overlaps.
Roku says Howdy is meant to complement existing services and does not compete. But with no ads as the main differentiator, I question about how distinct the offering really is.
The AdTechGod and MadConnect Party Is Back!
We’re bringing the magic back with our Madison Ave Returns party. Join us on Oct. 6, 2025, at the Virgin Hotel in New York City.
Marketecture Live is back - Oct. 27 in NYC.
Last year sold out fast. “The Age of Outcomes” will be a full day on what actually drives advertising performance: accountability, measurement, and real talk.
Speakers include Dr. Mark Grether (PayPal), Olivia Kory (Haus), Eric Seufert (Heracles Capital), Lauren Wetzel (InfoSum), and more.
We don’t do panels. We focus on sharp content. We are also bringing back the AI Startup Showcase, and we’ll be recording Marketecture Live on stage.
🎟 Early bird pricing ends Sept. 2!
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