Paris Olympics viewership soars 79% to 34.5 million viewers
The 2024 Paris Olympics attracted 34.5 million viewers over the first three days, a 79% increase from the Tokyo Olympics. NBCUniversal’s platforms, including NBC, Peacock, and others, reported high engagement, with advertisers experiencing significant boosts in attention and message recall. The unique River Seine Opening Ceremony drew 41.5 million viewers, nearly double the Tokyo ceremony. This surge underscores the strong viewer interest and effective multi-platform coverage of the Paris Games. Read more from MediaPost.
55% of Gen Z have made an online purchase while browsing social media
A recent Walmart and Morning Consult survey reveals that 55% of Gen Z shoppers have made online purchases while browsing social media in the last six months, compared to 38% of overall shoppers. Additionally, 44% of Gen Z starts their shopping journey with online searches, while 42% begin in stores. Walmart emphasizes the need for personalized retail experiences and predicts future success for retailers that can meet evolving customer expectations through innovative digital platforms and product assortments tailored to younger consumers. Read more from Retail Dive.
Brands and publishers push on towards cookieless future
Despite Google delaying the removal of third-party cookies, many brands and publishers are already moving beyond them. Companies like Kroger and Adobe are focusing on first-party data, which they find more reliable for reaching audiences. Publishers are also adapting by building direct relationships with users and exploring alternative identifiers. This shift is driven by privacy concerns and the decline in cookie usage, encouraging the development of more privacy-safe and effective advertising strategies. Read more from The Current.
Pinterest explores publisher partnerships to boost ad sales
Pinterest is testing a new program allowing news outlets and publishers to sell ads on its platform via an auction system. This initiative aims to leverage publishers’ existing advertiser relationships and create more targeted ad placements. The move reflects a broader trend of social media platforms diversifying revenue streams and enhancing value propositions for advertisers. Success of such programs could influence future collaborations between social media platforms and traditional publishers. Read more from Search Engine Land.
WNBA’s new rights deal is a pivotal moment for the league’s future growth
The WNBA has secured a new media rights deal worth $200 million per year with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, starting in 2026. This agreement, part of a larger $77 billion NBA deal, includes a price reevaluation after the 2028 season. The league’s recent growth, fueled by star rookies and increasing viewership, highlights the WNBA’s potential to surpass its current valuation. Expansion teams and an extended season further boost its prospects, making the next five years crucial for the league’s future success. Read more from Front Office Sports.
