TV

Programmers that held upfronts came bearing gifts for advertisers, most of which were packaged as improvements to ad targeting and/or buying.

Startup Telly announced it’s giving away 500,000 smart TVs completely for free to the first 500,000 folks who sign up on its website. Signups for the TVs include an agreement that customer data can be used for targeted advertising.

AppLovin has added CTV supply from streaming video distribution platform Wurl, which it acquired last March, to its mobile user acquisition platform, AppDiscovery. AppLovin’s marketer clients can now buy CTV inventory on a cost-per-install basis.

This year, TV upfront spend will likely be softer, and buyers will be slower to make long-term commitments. Consider it a plateau.

Nielsen is reverting back to its panel-based C3 and C7 ratings that track average commercial time over three or seven days. The currency switch-up just weeks ahead of the upfronts has only added to the industry’s mounting frustrations with Nielsen.

Affinity Solutions has a new platform that lets advertisers create audiences with purchase and viewing data, and plan campaigns based on competitor ads.

The MRC reinstating its accreditation of Nielsen’s national ratings might improve the measurement giant’s standing in the TV currency race.

Nielsen has re-earned its accreditation from the Media Rating Council for national TV ratings. But will Nielsen be able to regain the industry’s trust before it’s too late?

Comcast-owned ad buying platform AudienceXpress upgraded its targeting chops, including more data for audience segmentation and new conquesting capabilities.

The corporate drama continues at LG Ads. Alphonso’s founders – including several who were unceremoniously booted from the company in December –  along with a group of minority shareholders are suing South Korean electronics manufacturer LG and Zenith, its US R&D subsidiary, over alleged board malfeasance. LG acquired TV data measurement provider Alphonso in January […]