IAB UK vs RTS

Week in Charts: Paramount-WBD deal, UK Video Ad Spend, AI Brand Risks

This week's VideoWeek charts cover several key industry trends. First, UK digital ad spend reached £21.2 billion in H1 2026, with video up 18% to £5.1 billion, driven by CTV and streaming. Second, research from Parks Associates shows the number of standalone US streaming services declining since 2022, with services like BET+ merging into Paramount+ and FIFA+ moving to DAZN. Third, a Havas survey reveals half of consumers across seven markets feel brands using AI appear 'soulless' and 'cold'. Fourth, PwC forecasts the Italian video ad market to reach €4.4 billion by 2030, with broadcast TV retaining 86% share. In stocks, Paramount Skydance shares rose as its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery nears, while The Trade Desk hit a 52-week low following a 15% workforce reduction.

• UK digital ad spend reached £21.2 billion in H1 2026, up 13% YoY, with video up 18% to £5.1 billion.
• Parks Associates reports a decline in standalone US streaming services since 2022, with 10 phased out in Q2 2026.
• Havas survey: half of consumers in seven markets feel brands using AI appear 'soulless' and 'cold'.

RTS News Staff Warns of Overload Since Move

More than 200 employees at Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), including journalists, technicians, and external staff, have signed an open letter to RTS management and SRG, warning of exhaustion, technical failures, and burnout since the newsroom's move to Ecublens. The letter cites a recent on-air incident on La Première where a news bulletin was interrupted by music and silence, which they say is the culmination of three years of decline. They demand a moratorium on the planned merger of radio and TV newsrooms and on new digital formats until TV teams are also settled, as well as a review of transferred technical duties. The RTS spokesperson says the situation is taken seriously and a task force has been set up, while discussions with the journalists' association continue.

• Over 200 RTS employees signed a letter to management complaining of burnout and technical failures since the move to Ecublens.
• A recent on-air incident on La Première interrupted a news bulletin with music and silence for 11 minutes.
• Employees demand a moratorium on the merger of radio and TV newsrooms and on new digital formats.

RTS faces recurring technical glitches at new Ecublens headquarters

Since moving its radio operations to the new headquarters in Ecublens, Swiss public broadcaster RTS has been experiencing recurring technical issues, including a notable 11-minute disruption of the morning news flash on October 1, 2026. The move from Lausanne began in November 2025, with full relocation by late June 2026. The new studios feature advanced technology, including self-production capabilities, but teething problems have persisted. Management has now established a task force to stabilize systems in cooperation with equipment manufacturers. RTS downplays the severity, noting the normal challenges of commissioning new infrastructure, but internal dissatisfaction is reportedly high. The public reaction has been limited, with only a few dozen listener complaints.

• RTS moved its radio operations to a new headquarters in Ecublens, with the full relocation completed by late June 2026.
• A technical glitch on October 1, 2026 caused an 11-minute disruption of the morning news flash on RTS La Première.
• RTS management established a task force to address recurring technical issues and stabilize systems with manufacturers.

Jodie Whittaker to star in new media law drama In Contempt

ITV has commissioned In Contempt, a legal drama starring Jodie Whittaker (Doctor…). Also: RTS Television Journalism Awards 2027 open for entries; new trailers for The Celebrity Traitors, Break Clause, Bookish, The Split Up; and more.