The Creativ Brief: Data Weaponization
Ignited by the promise of artificial intelligence (AI), a war for your data has erupted.
In the well-cushioned boardrooms of silicon valley, executives plot, litigate, and jockey to possess the fuel of the future. These synthetic fuels are not the AI or machine learning systems so fawned over in the media, but the oceans of data that feed them.
In my latest article for The DRUM magazine, Data Weaponization, we explore the complex web of incentives, players, and technology attempting to shape the AI future.
Give it a read here on The DRUM.
3 Stories Dominating Media and Tech Headlines
Most of the Sports Illustrated staff received layoff notices on Friday, which could mark the end of the gold standard publication in Sports Journalism. The Arena Group, who pays the Authentic Brands Group $15 Million a year for rights to publishing Sports Illustrated in print and online, missed a $3.75 million payment to ABG, who claimed this violated the terms of its licensing deal.
Why it Matters: Publishing company sales and mergers have been increasingly prominent in today’s media industry. Companies are cutting costs and laying off employees. Publications inability to adapt to digital and make money will put additional strain on journalism.
The American Federation of Musicians is seeking a deal with the AMPTP to better reflect the current state of streaming. According to the AFM, musicians who record soundtracks make 75% less on streaming content due to less residual income. The union is seeking a deal that reflects protection among the following:
AI Protection
Increased wages
Health care improvements
Improved working conditions
Residual payments for streaming content
Why it matters: Streaming, AI, gaming and residuals have caused both actors and writers to strike this past year. Musicians are following suit. It will be interesting to see how this deal between the AMF and the AMPTP will compare to the results of the actors’ and writers’ new compensation.
The NFL and NBC extremely satisfied with the recent performance of a wildcard game on the Peacock streaming service. Executive VP of NFL Media, Hans Shroeder, stated how “it's pretty remarkable that the first time we put a wild card game on Peacock it beats the same time slot, same broadcast partner the year before. It’s a testament to how fans are changing and watching.”
Why it matters: Live sports were seen as the last bastion holding together cable bundles. Following the success of NFL on streaming, streaming networks will ramp up bids for live sports. Expect more competitive sports games to move permanently to streaming platforms. RIP cable.
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Client Spotlight - MOCEAN, Curb Your Enthusiasm Final Season
The Emmy-winning Curb Your Enthusiasm returns to HBO for its 12th and (allegedly) final season on Sunday, February 4 at 10 p.m. ET/PT and will stream the next day on Max. Read about MOCEAN’s work on the trailer here.
Stat of the Week - Media Types Expected to Face Serious Challenges
Chart by Miles Mahoney
According to digital marketing experts, the media types that are expected to face the most serious challenges in 2024 are Social media (47%) and Digital Video and CTV (38%).
These ‘challenging media’ represent new forms of media that established marketers are currently testing. The experts cited that social media is most vulnerable to brand risk and ad fraud out of the media types listed above.
One Fun Thing - Creativ Strategies Animation and Sonic Brand
Our latest marketing investment in Creativ Strategies was creating an original logo animation and sonic brand!
As a new firm in media, tech, and advertising, Creativ Strategies’ brand has evolved as we've poured profits back into the business.
This latest iteration was a 2 month project involving 3 creative professionals with a simple brief - visualize making the complex simple.