Josh Cole

Check out my exclusive interview with the Advertising worlds's top AI disruptor PJ Accetturo (aka PJ Ace), CEO of white hot creative studio/agency Genre.ai, now available only in my "the brAIn" newsletter. LISTEN to it on "the brAIn" podcast and WATCH it on my new "the brAIn" YouTube channel (search for "the brAIn Csathy" to find it). Here are some highlights: (1) How Genre AI broke out with its AI-hyper fueled ad for prediction market Kalshi that was viewed 50+ millions of times. Since then, Oracle, Qatar Airways and other big brands have chosen Genre – and now, so do #Hollywood studios. You’ll learn why (hint: it’s a race to quality; not to the bottom). (2) Why PJ turned down the opportunity to produce a massive #SuperBowl ad. (3) AI’s power to slash production costs & time-frames, without sacrificing quality. PJ walks us through the production process. Where AI shines. Where #AI has limitations. PJ tells me that “the AI production process is actually not that dissimilar to the traditional production process.” (4) The unchallenged power of human creativity for ideation, pre and post-production. PJ’s team includes top directors and talent from #advertising, #film & #television — critical differentiation from other AI agencies. (5) The future of AI-infused “hybrid filmmaking” in Hollywood. Yes, PJ believes that GenAI will be part of everyday workflows coming soon to theaters near you. (6) AI’s unlock of multiple storylines of “lore” using the same overall budget that previously financed one massive story. It’s fascinating “must listen” stuff. 45 minutes. Zero fluff. Total insight. LISTEN to the interview on Apple Podcasts (also on Spotify and all others) - https://lnkd.in/gMzjS2Mj WATCH the interview on my new YouTube channel - https://lnkd.in/g7DCFCBh https://lnkd.in/gAR8dHKe Digiday ADWEEK #marketing #artificialintelligence #video #entertainment

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The concept of what data is most valuable in streaming is changing. Identity data, while important, does not allow advertisers to know who is watching what, in real time. Why does that matter? CTV is a shared device. So if you target using identity data alone, you have a 40% chance of reaching the right consumer (based on U.S. census data of 2.5 people in the avg. US HH). Net net—despite all the promise of programmatic—in streaming TV the adage that I know I waste half of my ad budget I just don't know which half—is still true! But those ad dollars won't go away—in fact more spend will come from big brands and performance buyers, if ad placement simply aligned with consumer interests and real time signals...like on Insta or TikTok. In summary...making ad placement on TV suck less doesn't require invasive surveillance capitalism. It's proven. For all kinds of brands and verticals. You don't need identity data, or to target individuals. It is more impactful to target mindset using content signals in real time. Rohan Castelino has said it best: "we are what we watch right now". He continued "the whole idea of 'You are what you watch' ...based on a historical view, does not align with who we really are. Historical viewing data, or identity data, is like the Japanese word 'tsundoku' which means buying books and not ever reading them." It is not who we are. What we are watching in that moment is the most powerful way to connect with consumers on TV. Today it might be Love Island or Love is Blind, and tomorrow it might be a documentary on The American Revolution, The Pitt, or NFL commentary on fantasy. Each one of those moments presents an opportunity for brands to align with the mindset of the consumer. We're excited to bring this capability to TUBI.

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Everyone keeps saying “the algorithm is unpredictable.” It’s actually becoming more predictable than ever...if you’re paying attention. Here are 3 platform updates that tell you exactly where social is heading right now: • Threads now lets users customize their feed using the “Dear Algo” prompt. Translation: platforms are rewarding intentional engagement and clear signals. • YouTube is integrating Shorts deeper into Google Search. Short-form video is no longer just scroll content, it’s searchable content. • Hashtags are quietly making a comeback on Instagram. Not 30 spammy tags. 3 to 5 niche, keyword-driven hashtags that support SEO and discoverability. The common thread? Search matters. Signals matter. Specificity matters. We’re moving out of the “post and hope” era and into the “optimize and position” era. The platforms are literally telling brands how to win. Most just aren’t adjusting their strategy fast enough. If you’re a brand or founder trying to grow in 2026, your content isn’t just content anymore. It’s search strategy, brand positioning, and discoverability all in one. That’s exactly what we help our clients build at Ground-Up Social here in San Diego. If your social presence isn’t driving discovery, leads, or real brand growth yet, let’s change that → groundupsocialmedia.com

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BREAKING: S&P just downgraded Warner Bros. Discovery to junk status (BB+) Why this matters: This downgrade reflects serious concerns about WBD's financial health three years after the Warner Media acquisition. With debt still weighing heavily on its balance sheet, the company faces critical strategic decisions. Key details: → S&P maintains a "negative" outlook on WBD's credit rating → Linear TV operations seeing accelerated revenue/cash flow declines → EBITDA forecast lowered to $9B for next three years → Leverage expected to remain above 3.5x until 2027 → Potential company split viewed as "credit negative" This downgrade highlights the ongoing transformation in media. Companies with significant linear TV exposure face mounting pressure as viewers shift to streaming. WBD's situation is particularly challenging with: • Higher exposure to general entertainment content • Weaker portfolio of domestic sports rights  • Loss of NBA broadcast rights after 2024/2025 • Smaller ad-supported streaming subscriber base than competitors My analysis: WBD faces a classic innovator's dilemma - invest in growing its streaming business (HBO Max) or focus on debt reduction. While streaming represents the future, the debt burden threatens financial stability. The company's reorganization signals potential separation, but S&P clearly views this as risky from a credit perspective. How should legacy media companies balance growth investments against debt reduction in this challenging environment? 👉 Follow me for more media industry analysis and updates. 🔄 REPOST to help others understand these complex media business dynamics.

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Erin Everhart talks with Glenn Oyoung, Director, Marketing Divisiom & CMO at Covered California about How Covered California & Stella Rising Built a Smarter Media Mix Model at MediaPost’s Data & Programmatic Insider Summit. #MediaPostInsiderSummits

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Energized after being invited to join a panel at last week’s Brand Storytelling conference in Salt Lake City, I feel genuinely optimistic about the future of storytelling, particularly in podcasting, where connection and trust are paramount. Here are a few ideas I keep coming back to: • Creators are thriving. Brands are starting to understand the power of truly integrating into creator-led content, rather than just sponsoring it. • Audiences are attracted to creators they feel a deep connection with the voices they trust, support, and want to engage with. • Traditional media remains a vital benchmark, providing the reach, scale, and measurement that enhance creator-led campaigns. In podcasting, the opportunity is evident: when creator authenticity aligns with premium media, storytelling not only reaches audiences - it resonates. Excited for what lies ahead at SiriusXM Media!

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