We Think Ads Are Starting To Work Better

Mar 20, 2026

Industry backstabbing and a heated transparency debate set the tone. They argue advertisers must demand causal proof of media value, not just low CPMs. The conversation dives into why CFOs want real ROI for large digital spends and how supply-chain logic is being applied to ad tech. Expect a rundown of the CTV ad server shakeup, OpenAds’ pivot to creative-first DSPs, and bold bets on Netflix’s ad future.

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INSIGHT

Enterprises Need Modular Interoperable Tools

Enterprise buyers prefer modular vendors who integrate with many platforms rather than platform-locked solutions.
Gareth explains CPGs need cross-platform solutions to combine data from supply chain and media for reliable ROI models.

ADVICE

Give SMBs Simple Conversion Tools

SMBs need simple, one-stop measurement tools to track direct-sold campaigns after ecosystem changes like cookie deprecation.
Adam describes a pixel export product publishers can give local SMB advertisers to capture conversions outside Google/Facebook.

INSIGHT

Agentic Layers Often Mask Basic Automation

'Agentic' layers are often just ad-ops automation unless the platform is highly interoperable.
Gareth calls pure agentic-over-platform plays doubtful; value comes from automating a manual, proven process.

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Adam and Gareth log in to the virtual studio to unpack a week of industry backstabbing, gossip, and the true meaning of "transparency." While the industry argues over who is to blame for the lack of clarity in programmatic, the duo highlights a quote from Hershey's Vinnie Rinaldi, arguing that it's ultimately up to advertisers to demand proof of value rather than just hunting for low CPMs.The guys break down the evolution of the enterprise market, explaining why CFOs don't care about vanity metrics like Video Completion Rates when evaluating a $100 million digital investment. They discuss how brands are starting to apply the same rigorous causal inference models to ad tech that they currently use for their physical supply chains.Plus, a deep dive into the CTV ad server wars (Freewheel vs. Publica vs. SpringServe), a look at OpenAds' rapid pivot from LLM networks to a creative-first DSP, and a spicy prediction on what Netflix should (and probably will) do with its burgeoning ad business.Key Topics:The Transparency Debate: Why agencies and ad tech nerds define "transparency" completely differently.The Value of Digital Media: Why the enterprise market must move past vanity metrics and demand real ROI proof.Supply Chain Logic: How brands are treating ad tech data like logistics data.CTV Ad Serving: The rise of Publica and SpringServe, and why legacy players missed the boat.Netflix's Ad Future: Will they open up to biddable programmatic, or build a walled garden for SMBs?00:00 Intro: Virtual Sets & Industry Gossip03:09 Jay Friedman & Vinnie Rinaldi on Transparency08:37 Why Advertisers Must Demand Value11:38 The Enterprise Wake-Up Call (CFO Scrutiny)16:14 Applying Supply Chain Logic to Ad Tech22:02 The "Agentic" Layer Debate24:31 Why Publishers Still Love Direct Sales28:14 SSPs Becoming DSPs (The Blurring Lines)30:30 The CTV Ad Server Wars (Freewheel vs. SpringServe)32:16 The Rise of Retail Media Ad Servers38:09 Vinnie Rinaldi's Media Playbook42:49 OpenAds Pivots to Creative AI46:16 Why Publishers Feel Betrayed by Programmatic49:06 Speculating on Netflix's Ad Strategy55:05 The Danger of Hiding Publisher Data01:00:45 Closing Thoughts: Models & World Peace