ARD MEDIA vs Score Media Group

ARD Media and RMS Launch 'Compass' Assistant for audioXpert

German audio sales houses ARD Media and RMS have upgraded their audio planning tool audioXpert with a new media planning assistant called 'Compass'. The tool computes multiple mathematically optimized scenarios for audio campaigns based on user-defined parameters such as stations, target group, campaign period, and budget or GRP targets. The aim is to reduce manual optimization steps, allowing media planners to focus more on strategic tasks and client-specific requirements. Compass deliberately does not use artificial intelligence, but relies on rule-based algorithms to ensure transparency and reproducibility of results. The final evaluation and selection of the proposed scenarios remains with the media planners. The tool is available as a browser-based application and integrates with the audio booking platform audioXchange. ARD Media and RMS will accompany the launch with information, presentations, and training sessions for existing users.

• ARD Media and RMS launch 'Compass', a new planning assistant for the audioXpert tool.
• Compass calculates multiple mathematically optimized scenarios for audio campaigns.
• The tool is deliberately AI-free and uses rule-based algorithms.

Consumer Safety: Next Stage of Brand Safety in Media Planning

The article discusses the evolution of media planning towards 'Consumer Safety', focusing on the quality and trustworthiness of media environments from the consumer's perspective, rather than just brand protection. Professor Dr. Lisa-Charlotte Wolter from IU International University explains her 'Value Media Management Framework', which considers why people choose certain media and the potential downsides like information overload and exposure to disinformation. Research cited includes a Harris X survey commissioned by The Trade Desk showing ads next to high-quality news perform well, and a Reuters Institute report on TikTok's perceived risk. The article argues that supporting trustworthy journalism is an investment in information infrastructure and that media quality correlates with advertising effectiveness. It concludes that the future of media planning involves protecting both brands and the media environments that help consumers make informed decisions.

• Professorin Dr. Lisa-Charlotte Wolter von der IU International University erforscht Consumer Safety im Rahmen ihres 'Value Media Management Frameworks'.
• Eine Harris-X-Studie im Auftrag von The Trade Desk unter 11.000 deutschen Konsumenten zeigt, dass Anzeigen neben Nachrichteninhalten ebenso gut wirken wie in traditionell sicheren Umfeldern.
• Der Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025 zeigt, dass 57% der Deutschen TikTok als große Gefahr für die Verbreitung falscher Informationen ansehen.

ARD Media Expands Audio Portfolio for 2027

ARD Media is expanding its audio advertising portfolio for 2027 by adding rbb 88.8 and SWR Aktuell to its national Deutschland-Kombi, which now reaches over 120 million daily contacts (+2.1%) with a TKP of €5.57 for ages 14-59. SWR Aktuell also joins the Deutschland-Kombi Entscheider, boosting daily contacts to 46.7 million (+4.5%). Additionally, ARD Media is relaunching the Deutschland-Kombi Young with 13 stations targeting 14-39 year-olds at a TKP of €11.67. The move aims to increase reach and flexibility for advertisers, with complementary offerings like the Flex-Kombi for custom packages and ARD Audionited for programmatic audio advertising.

• ARD Media adds rbb 88.8 and SWR Aktuell to the Deutschland-Kombi for 2027.
• The expanded Deutschland-Kombi reaches over 120 million daily contacts, a 2.1% increase.
• TKP for Deutschland-Kombi is €5.57 for the 14-59 target group.

Trust in Media Brand Boosts Ad Effectiveness More Than News Context

A new study by German media group Score Media, titled 'Faktor Vertrauen – Werbewirkung in Nachrichtenumfeldern regionaler News Brands', reveals that trust in the media brand is the primary driver of advertising effectiveness, far outweighing the impact of the surrounding news context. Based on a survey of 3,856 internet users in June, the study found that media brand trust explains 24% of variance in brand image and 23% in ad effectiveness, while the news context contributes only 0.2%. Negative news did not negatively affect brand perception. High trust levels boosted ad recall and recognition by up to 11 percentage points and significantly increased purchase intent and information interest. The study suggests that advertisers should not avoid news environments based solely on negative content, but rather prioritize trusted media brands, especially regional news outlets which enjoy high trust among readers.

• Score Media Group published the study 'Faktor Vertrauen – Werbewirkung in Nachrichtenumfeldern regionaler News Brands'.
• The study surveyed 3,856 internet users aged 18-69 in June.
• Media brand trust explains 24% of brand image variance and 23% of ad effectiveness variance.

Christopher Kaiser wird CEO der Score Media Group

Der Medien- und Digitalmanager bringt langjährige Vermarktungserfahrung und umfassende Expertise in der digitalen Transformation mit.

Christopher Kaiser Named New CEO of Score Media

Score Media Group, a German alliance of regional newspaper and media houses, will have a new CEO starting January 1, 2027. Christopher Kaiser, currently Co-CEO of Ströer Media Solutions and a member of Ströer's Executive Board, will succeed Carsten Dorn, who leaves after more than eight years to become managing director of audio marketer RMS, alongside Sven Thölen, succeeding Stefan Mölling, who will become Chief Commercial Officer at Ströer. Kaiser brings over 25 years of leadership experience in agencies and marketing, with a focus on digital, data-driven business models, and a decade at Ströer where he expanded programmatic offerings and integrated out-of-home with digital. He will aim to further develop Score Media's print and digital portfolio, leveraging his expertise in digital transformation through technology, data, and AI, building on Dorn's strong foundation.

• Christopher Kaiser becomes CEO of Score Media Group on January 1, 2027.
• Carsten Dorn leaves after more than eight years to become managing director of RMS, succeeding Stefan Mölling, who moves to Ströer as Chief Commercial Officer.
• Kaiser joins from Ströer, where he was Co-CEO of Ströer Media Solutions and a member of the Executive Board for over ten years.