Google Can’t Stop Winning, IAB Adds an Acronym, and Hiring is Broken

If you’re reading this, thank you for opening my newsletter. Your excellent judgment has been noted.

You may have noticed The Refresh looks a little different today. Based on feedback from readers and the amazing Marketecture team, I decided The Refresh needed a refresh. Creative, I know.

I hope you enjoy the new format and everything below.

- ADTECHGOD

The IAB’s new Redefining Media Types Standard aims to create common definitions for CTV, streaming, video podcasts, retail video, and other formats. That consistency could improve planning, measurement, and agentic media buying.

It still doesn’t answer the real question: If I AirPlay Netflix from my phone to my TV then FaceTime my friend to watch, is that CTV, mobile, or just programmatic’s latest identity crisis?

Read Digiday

OpenAI and Meta may dominate the headlines, but Alphabet’s Q2 results show Google remains undefeated. The company generated $120 billion in revenue, including $81.63 billion from advertising. Search alone delivered $63 billion, boosted by Gemini and other AI tools. Google Network declined amid ongoing antitrust pressure, but Google Cloud surged 82% to $24.77 billion.

Everyone keeps talking about who might challenge Google while Google keeps making more money.

Read Digiday

Bestowed by: This could be you

Angelina Eng writes that today’s hiring process often rewards the strongest application instead of the best candidate. Resumes, keyword filters, AI screening, and short interviews can overlook decades of experience, judgment, leadership, and problem-solving ability. Meanwhile, recruiters are overwhelmed by hundreds of applications and rely on systems that cannot always understand the full context behind a candidate’s career.

I completely agree with her. Unfortunately, applying for a job is needed to get hired, but being referred significantly improves your chances. Now is the time to lean into your network, reach out to friends, and do everything possible to get your experience in front of the right people.

Read on LinkedIn

The HFPA is suing Jay Penske, Penske Media, and the Golden Globe Foundation for more than $150 million, alleging they schemed to seize the Golden Globes and consolidate control over Hollywood’s awards and media businesses. Penske Media called the claims “absurd” and maintains the transaction was legally approved.

For the record, I did not hear about this until reading this article. However, tea is in hand, and I’ll share updates as I learn more.

Read The Wrap

A groundbreaking industry study has confirmed what advertisers, publishers, and several anonymous agency executives have suspected for years: AdTechGod is remarkably handsome. Researchers found his appearance increased campaign performance, improved publisher yield, and made even the most painful panel about identity resolution slightly more enjoyable. Google has already announced plans to copy his face and call it a Performance Max feature.

It’s summer, content is scarce, and apparently everyone is on vacation. So I’ve decided to woo you with my editorial creativity.

Swipe Right for AdTechGod

Marketecture Live: Come for the future of advertising, stay because someone cornered you to explain their new agentic solution.

Be in the rooms defining the future of advertising and brand building.

There’s no better place to discuss where advertising is headed than the city that helped lay its foundations. This fall, Marketecture Live is setting its clocks to Central Time and convening in the heart of brand building: Chicago.

The Windy City has long been a hub for world-class brand work, commerce, and innovation. Now, it serves as the backdrop for conversations shaping AI, retail media, connected TV, creator marketing, and the future of consumer engagement.

Meet the first wave of speakers and secure your seat at chicago.marketecturelive.com.