The 6 biggest ad tech stories of the year — and what they mean for 2026
The Current highlights six major forces shaping marketing in 2026, from AI-powered ad tools to the growth of connected TV. The piece calls for smarter planning through automation and transparency as platforms consolidate power and new measurement norms take hold. Read more from The Current.
Nielsen deepens measurement partnership with Roku
Nielsen is expanding its partnership with Roku to offer unified cross-platform metrics. The agreement taps into Roku’s ACR data, aiming to improve consistency in measuring reach and frequency across both linear and streaming. The move meets growing demand for common TV ad currency. Read more from TheDesk.
Instacart ends AI-driven price tests
Instacart is halting AI-driven pricing experiments that showed different users different prices for the same item at the same store. Some tests led to price gaps of up to 23%. The company says it’s ending the pilot immediately to ensure price consistency for all shoppers. Read more from CNBC.
AdExchanger’s Top 4 CTV stories of 2025
AdExchanger’s year-end review of CTV in 2025 cites streaming mergers, data shifts, ad fraud crackdowns, and the rise of retail media. The report says CTV moved from emerging channel to budget mainstay, with standardization and accountability topping the industry’s agenda. Read more from AdExchanger.
NFL streaming record still stands, a year later
Netflix’s 2024 NFL Christmas doubleheader still holds the all-time streaming viewership record with over 24 million viewers. A 2025 tripleheader across Netflix and Amazon may beat it, showing how streaming is reshaping marquee sports broadcasts. Read more from Front Office Sports.
