Samba TV vs VideoAmp

Media Transparency Battle Shifts from Money to Algorithms

The article argues that the media industry's transparency debate is evolving from financial transactions to algorithmic decision-making. As AI increasingly automates media planning, advertisers need to understand not just where their money went, but why specific planning decisions were made. The author, Helen Rose of the7stars, emphasizes that speed in automation does not equate to progress if understanding is lost. She advocates for transparency to move upstream, starting at the point of decision rather than transaction. The7stars' platform, Gravity Connect, is evolving to make data connections more intelligible, integrating viewing data from Samba TV. The article calls for AI that exposes its reasoning, allowing planners and clients to interrogate recommendations, rather than black-box automation.

• The article is authored by Helen Rose, managing partner at the7stars.
• the7stars has integrated Samba TV viewing intelligence from 1.8 million UK households into its Gravity Connect platform.
• The article argues that AI in media planning should increase clarity and interrogability, not just speed.

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.