On today’s news digest: Google Objects to DOJ Trial Witness List; Chick-fil-A Plans Streaming Service; Warner Bros Discovery Extends CTV Targeting Tools
As we await Google’s upcoming trial with the DOJ on 9th September, the tech titan has announced objections to the witness list which calls on an array of ad tech industry leaders and specialists from every corner of the ecosystem. The lawsuit accuses Google of monopolising the digital ad market by controlling both the advertiser and publisher sides of the stack. In a court filing, Google challenges many names on the witness list: it argues that Brian O’Kelley, co-founder and CEO of ad tech Scope3 (and former co-founder and CEO of AppNexus) has a “lack of personal knowledge” about the case. Google objects to other ad industry figures under the same pretence, such as The Trade Desk CRO Jed Dederick. As Alan Chapell, president of the law firm Chapell & Associates, points out – Google is attempting to eliminate as many people as possible who may say something negative about its practices, particularly those who have a great deal of knowledge about what’s going on. The final decision regarding which witnesses will be included lies with the judge, Leonie Brinkema.
Next, it looks like the streaming landscape can expect further shakeup: US fast food giant Chick-fil-A, known for its fried chicken sandwiches, is planning to spice up its offering with the launch of its own streaming platform. Chick-fil-A is reportedly working with various major production companies and studios with the aim of creating family-friendly shows (primarily unscripted). Additionally, it hopes to licence and acquire content. The fast food brand has previously created content for its own site, such as a series of short, animated films named Stories of Evergreen Hills.
Looking at other news in the entertainment space, Warner Bros Discovery is rolling out AIM – a first-party data platform across its entire media portfolio. AIM will be available internationally across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Originally built for CNN in 2015, campaigns being run on discovery+ in the UK and Ireland have also been using the platform since June. The platform’s aim is to provide advertisers with relevancy in streaming environments, whether contextually or with the right intent or interest for a particular user. It allows advertisers to address audience segments based on first-party data across its media portfolio including CNN, Max, discovery+ Eurosport, instead of basing it on the context of programming.
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