Horizon Media vs LiveRamp

Video Podcasts Rise, But Audio Remains Key: Horizon Media

In an interview, Maria Tullin, SVP of Performance Audio and Podcast Strategy at Horizon Media, discusses the growing trend of video podcasts and their impact on the audio advertising industry. She emphasizes that while video podcasts are gaining popularity, traditional audio should not be neglected. Tullin highlights the challenges of attribution, particularly with YouTube simulcasts, and advises that audio budgets should not be solely diverted to video. She advocates for a balanced approach, considering both audio and video podcast opportunities to avoid oversaturation of top shows. The interview also touches on career advice for women in media.

• Maria Tullin is SVP of Performance Audio and Podcast Strategy at Horizon Media.
• Video podcasts are increasingly being licensed and produced by streaming services and cable networks.
• Tullin highlights challenges in measuring attribution for YouTube simulcasts.

Holiday Value is More Than Price, Say Industry Leaders

In an ADWEEK House group chat co-hosted with Fetch, industry leaders discussed how consumers are becoming more selective in their holiday spending, weighing price, quality, convenience, rewards, and brand experience. Jacqueline Willemsen of Fetch noted that discounts alone don't earn attention; brands must create relationships. Jessica Brown of WPP Media highlighted decision fatigue as a hurdle, emphasizing the need for easy decisions. Alex Stone of Horizon Media pointed out that consumers want to 'win' with every purchase, factoring in rewards. The panel also debated metrics: Amie Owen of Flywheel cautioned against over-reliance on ROAS, while Lauren Newman of Button stressed lifetime value over incrementality. The consensus: holiday campaigns should focus on building lasting customer relationships beyond the season.

• Fetch's data shows consumers are spending more but changing what they buy to get better value.
• WPP Media's Jessica Brown says brands must make it easy for consumers to decide, citing decision fatigue.
• Horizon Media's Alex Stone says consumers try to 'win with every purchase,' considering rewards.

Agencies Rethink Ownership of Agentic AI and Data

At Programmatic IO in New York, agency leaders debated the future of data and AI tool ownership. Executives from S4 Capital, Horizon Media, Dentsu, and WPP agreed that agencies should avoid owning client data and AI models to maintain neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest. They highlighted a shift from FTE-based compensation to outcome-based pricing and licensing AI tools to clients. The panel also discussed AI's impact on DSPs, with WPP's McAndrew noting a move toward agent-to-agent interactions and increased supply-chain compression. Sorrell warned of Big Tech platforms like Meta becoming end-to-end threats, pushing agencies to become validators. The discussion reflects a broader industry trend away from data ownership, contrasting with Publicis's acquisition of LiveRamp.

• Agency leaders at Programmatic IO agreed agencies should not own client data or AI models.
• Dentsu predicts algorithms will drive 75% of global ad spend by 2028.
• Sir Martin Sorrell criticized Publicis's acquisition of LiveRamp, questioning its neutrality.

Publicis ownership of LiveRamp splits marketer opinion

Publicis Groupe has closed its $2.2 billion acquisition of LiveRamp, prompting marketers to decide whether to continue using the identity resolution platform. Proponents highlight LiveRamp's market-leading position, its RampID alternative ID, and its OpenAI partnership, alongside FTC-imposed safeguards to ensure competitor access and data firewalls. Critics, including rival holding companies WPP and Omnicom, worry about neutrality and competitive advantage, with some clients seeking alternatives like InfoSum or Omnicom's Real ID. The deal is set against a backdrop of shifting identity strategies, increasing reliance on probabilistic and contextual targeting, and Apple's crackdown on identity resolution. The outcome will shape the future of data-driven advertising as agencies and brands reassess their identity infrastructure.

• Publicis Groupe closed its $2.2 billion acquisition of LiveRamp on Nov. 2, 2026.
• LiveRamp's RampID is one of the most commonly used alternative ID solutions in the market.
• LiveRamp became OpenAI's first conversion API partner in June.

8-K Financial Filing Analysis for LiveRamp (2026-11-02)

On November 2, 2026, LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. completed its acquisition by MMS USA Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of Publicis Groupe S.A., pursuant to the merger agreement dated May 16, 2026. Under the terms of the transaction, Covey Merger Sub, Inc. merged into LiveRamp, with LiveRamp surviving as a wholly owned direct subsidiary of MMS USA Holdings. Outstanding shares of LiveRamp common stock were converted into the right to receive $38.50 per share in cash. Consequently, trading of LiveRamp's common stock was suspended on the New York Stock Exchange prior to market open on November 2, 2026, and the company is deregistering its shares under the Exchange Act. All existing board members and executive officers departed their roles at the effective time, with Merger Sub's leadership assuming control.

• LiveRamp was acquired by MMS USA Holdings, Inc. (Publicis Groupe) for $38.50 per share in cash, resulting in the company becoming a wholly owned private subsidiary.
• Common stock was halted and delisted from the New York Stock Exchange prior to market open on November 2, 2026, with Form 25 filed and Form 15 pending to terminate SEC reporting.
• Chief Product Officer Matt Karasick received an aggregate retention award of $1,625,000, payable 30 days post-closing subject to executing a new employment agreement by November 30, 2026.

Publicis Groupe Completes LiveRamp Acquisition Launches the Industry's First Plug-And-Play AI Growth Engine that Clients Fully Own and Control

LiveRamp is now part of Publicis Groupe! Meet the industry's first plug-and-play AI growth engine. Press Release dated November 2, 2026.