The MadTech Podcast

Today's MadTech Daily covers Perplexity stopping ads to protect AI trust, Havas posting APAC gains in a ‘transformative’ year, and Nvidia landing a multibillion-dollar deal with Meta.

In today’s MadTech Daily, we cover Starmer targeting youth social media access, Ireland’s DPC probing X over Grok imagery, and Ad Net Zero’s young leaders making new recommendations. We also look at Warner Bros giving Paramount a final bid deadline

In today’s MadTech Daily, we cover ByteDance scaling back its AI video app following a Disney warning, the Alliance of Independent Agencies launching a Middle East chapter with 23 founding members, and new data showing backlash to Six Nations in-game ads.

Google is facing renewed antitrust scrutiny from EU regulators over its search advertising auctions, as Alibaba’s Qwen app demonstrates massive scale by processing 120 million orders in just six days, and Saudi-backed Savvy Games Group enters talks to acquire Moonton, the gaming studio owned by ByteDance.

How many UK households have a Netflix subscription? What percentage of Meta’s total revenue comes from scam ads? What was the smartphone usage rate in the UAE in 2025?In this quiz edition of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire’s head of marketing Grainne Reid is joined by COO Lindsay Rowntree and John Still, head of content. They look into the changing TV and streaming landscape, tolerances for fraudulent ads (and insects in chocolate), and open web versus mobile advertising.0:00 Introduction1:14 SVOD subscription numbers13:28 Meta scam ads revenue21:15 Smartphone usage rates26:01 MENA focus

In today’s MadTech Daily, we look at the IPA Census 2025 showing staff declines and diversity gains, Amazon eyeing a marketplace for AI content deals, and Spotify profits soaring after raising prices.

In today’s MadTech Daily, we discuss Paramount’s latest attempt to buy WBD; Alphabet planning a 100-year sterling bond sale, Apple and Google proposing App Store changes after a CMA probe

In this special episode of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire CEO Rachel Smith is joined by Abdelnabi Alaedinne, regional director for digital & partnerships at UM MENAT, to discuss the evolving media and advertising landscape in MENA.Their conversation delves into emerging trends in the region, critical skills for media planners and strategists to effectively utilise AI, and balancing AI-driven efficiency with human creativity and strategy.0:00 Introduction; MENA media landscape5:46 Role and impact of AI 13:41 Optimisation and measurement value27:19 Influence of planners & strategists36:44 The next wave of media innovation

In today’s MadTech Daily, we cover Scope3 making a second round of layoffs, China fining companies for fake AI services, and Meta criticising EU action over WhatsApp AI rivals

In today’s MadTech Daily, we cover Meta saying scam ads may account for 3–4% of revenue, Google doubling down on AI with a USD$185bn spend plan, and Alibaba’s Qwen topping China’s App Store after a bubble tea campaign.