Amagi vs VideoAmp

LA PLAY 2026 Recap: What's next for streaming & broadcast

Tuesday, Sept. 29 marked Amagi’s fifth annual LA FAST conference. Even though this was our fifth version, this one felt different. And not just...

FAST Channels Need Data Transparency to Prove Value

An industry opinion column argues that FAST platforms are hindering the growth of ad-supported TV by withholding crucial audience data from channel operators and advertisers. Despite significant growth in FAST viewership, the lack of independent measurement and transparency undermines advertiser trust and suppresses CPMs. The piece cites specific statistics on viewing hours and revenue declines, and calls for baseline device-level verification to restore confidence in the category.

• FAST viewing hours in the US grew 43% year-over-year through August 2025, reaching 1.8 billion hours (ComScore).
• Global FAST viewing hours grew 55% year-over-year through mid-2026 (Amagi).
• EMarketer estimates US FAST users will reach 131 million in 2026, representing 54% of all CTV users.

IBC 2026: Amagi to Showcase Four AI-Native Innovations Built to Power Media’s Next Growth Curve

Amagi announces it will showcase four AI-native innovations at IBC 2026, aimed at powering media's next growth curve. The announcement was made on September 9, 2026, in London.

VideoAmp Receives JIC Re-Certification as National TV Measurement Currency Through 2028

VideoAmp announced it received JIC re-certification as a national TV measurement currency through 2028, as covered by Adweek. Additionally, VideoAmp is powering DeepIntent's new Cora platform for linear TV planning and forecasting, and GumGum's sports media solution for addressable audiences.

JIC Recertifies Comscore, iSpot, VideoAmp as TV Currencies

The U.S. Joint Industry Committee (JIC) has recertified measurement companies Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp as national currencies for the 2026-2028 term. This certification, which applies to the upcoming 2026-2027 broadcast TV season, is a vote of confidence in these companies' ability to serve as transactionable metrics for buying and selling TV advertising inventory. The JIC noted that this was its most comprehensive currency evaluation to date, assessing providers against buy- and sell-side requirements. The recertification underscores the ongoing shift towards cross-platform measurement and the growing acceptance of alternative currencies beyond traditional panels.

• Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp were recertified by the U.S. JIC for 2026-2028.
• The certification covers the 2026-2027 broadcast TV season.
• The JIC's currency certification is granted for two-year terms.

Swayable's Jenny Wall on CTV's Mid-Funnel Role

Jenny Wall, newly appointed Chief Growth Officer at Swayable, discusses the growing focus on performance in CTV advertising, but stresses the enduring importance of mid-funnel brand building. She highlights that while performance marketing is gaining attention, creating demand through creative and upper-funnel strategies remains crucial. Wall sees AI as a decision-support tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, and notes that clean rooms and identity graphs are enabling better outcome measurement. She argues that CTV should be priced as premium TV, not undervalued digital, and that mid-funnel strategies will rival programmatic in importance. Swayable hired Brian Lawrence as CRO, forming a leadership trio with CEO James Slezak to drive growth.

• Jenny Wall joined Swayable as Chief Growth Officer, previously at VideoAmp, Hulu, and Netflix.
• Swayable hired Brian Lawrence as Chief Revenue Officer.
• Wall believes AI tools enhance decision-making but not replace human creativity.