WPP Media launches with AI focus as industry adapts to new consumer expectations and digital innovation

WPP Media Launches AI-Driven Global Media Company

WPP has introduced WPP Media, replacing GroupM as its global media company brand. This new entity integrates WPP’s global agency networks through WPP Open, an AI-powered marketing system. The platform supports scaled and integrated services in creative, production, data, commerce, and personalized media delivery. Legacy brands Mindshare, Wavemaker, and EssenceMediacom will continue as distinct teams within WPP Media.

Brian Lesser, CEO of WPP Media, highlights the shift in consumer expectations: “Advertising must be relevant and buying experiences seamless in the AI era.” The company is investing heavily in AI products and data integration, while equipping its teams with future-ready skills to help clients adapt to changing consumer behavior.

Shoppable TV Gains Traction but Trust Remains Key

According to a Parks Associates report, 7.5 million households (8% of CTV device owners) purchased physical goods through connected TV experiences in the past month. Over half of viewers are open to ordering food, clicking for product info, or shopping via CTV platforms. However, 81% have concerns about interactive features. Brands must prioritize trust-building when designing interactive commerce experiences, ensuring scalability and long-term solutions.

Entertainment Industry Updates

• Max has renewed the Emmy-winning series Hacks for season five as season four concludes.
• Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of fraud and tax evasion, received pardons from former President Trump. Lifetime is developing a docuseries about the family, with their children Savannah and Chase Chrisley as executive producers.
• Creative technology agency Edisen has rebranded as Orb Group, focusing on content optimization models that empower brands to scale and enhance creativity.
• Kelly O’Donnell has been promoted to chief justice and national affairs correspondent at NBC News. FOX Weather hired Bayne Froney as a meteorologist starting June 16.

ScreenShift 2025 Highlights

ScreenShift 2025 will open with Samantha Rose, EVP of Strategic Investment at Horizon Media, sharing insights on video, CTV, and programmatic strategies. Her experience with major brands like Capital One promises valuable takeaways for marketing professionals. The event is scheduled for October 14 in NYC.

Production & Series News

• Season two production of Paramount+’s spy thriller The Agency: Central Intelligence is underway in London.
• Garcelle Beauvais will star in and executive produce two Lifetime movies focusing on Black women’s stories.
• Welcome to Wrexham secured a season five order from FX; its spinoff Necaxa, co-produced by Eva Longoria, Rob McElhenney, and Ryan Reynolds, debuts this summer.
• J.K. Simmons will lead MGM+’s upcoming period crime drama The Westies.
• Tiger Aspect Kids & Family is co-producing the animated series Stan & Gran for 5’s preschool strand Milkshake!.
• Chiquis Sin Filtro was renewed for a second season on ViX, following entertainer Chiquis’ personal and professional journey.

Upcoming Premieres & Returning Shows

• Netflix comedy Leanne, starring Leanne Morgan, premieres July 31.
• TLC’s Match Me Abroad returns June 22.
• HGTV’s Rehab Addict new season starts June 24.
• Apple TV+ launches season four of The Morning Show on September 17 and crime drama Smoke on June 27.
• Prime Video premieres the docuseries Esports World Cup: Level Up on June 6.

Voices of Impact & Workplace Culture Awards

Cablefax has opened nominations for its Voices of Impact & Workplace Culture Awards. These awards recognize leaders and teams fostering inclusive and supportive workplace environments. Marketing and communications professionals driving diversity and employee engagement are encouraged to submit nominations.

BIG3 Basketball League Evolves with City-Based Teams

As BIG3 heads into its eighth season, founders Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz shared plans to shift from a league-centric to a city-based model. Starting June 14 in Chicago, eight new teams will compete in cities like Boston, Dallas, and Los Angeles, featuring notable players such as Dwight Howard and Kemba Walker. This model aims to deepen fan engagement and expand business opportunities in local markets.

Comscore & Yahoo DSP Integrate AI-Powered Targeting

Comscore has enhanced its partnership with Yahoo DSP by adding AI-driven ID-free audience targeting. This integration allows advertisers to activate Comscore’s privacy-friendly audiences directly within Yahoo DSP. Microsoft Advertising reports AI-powered ads deliver 25% higher relevance compared to traditional search, underscoring the growing impact of AI in marketing.

Content Distribution & Upcoming Events

• Cineflix Rights added new factual series like Choir Games and Ancient Justice to its Spring/Summer 2025 slate.
• Darres Criss and Renee Elise Goldsberry will host Pluto TV’s The Tony Awards Act One pre-show on June 8.
• FMC will feature Beach Week with classic films from June 1-8.

Sports & Media Partnerships

• Monumental Sports & Entertainment expanded its partnership with DXC Technology to innovate at Washington, DC’s Capital One Arena.
• DraftKings renewed its content and sponsorship agreement with Meadowlark Media, continuing distribution across multiple platforms including HBO MAX and Peacock.
• Prime Video will air a super middleweight boxing doubleheader on May 31, kicking off an 11-day live sports stretch.
• Telemundo will broadcast two upcoming US Women’s National Team friendlies.

Ratings Highlights

FOX’s Saturday Baseball has grown 10% year-over-year, averaging 1.78 million viewers. CBS’s 2025 American Music Awards attracted 4.73 million viewers, its largest since 2019. FOX News Channel ranked fourth in primetime cable for May with 2.9 million viewers, leading among various demographics. NewsNation and Showtime’s The Chi also posted strong viewership gains.

Executive Moves

• David Leavy steps down as COO of CNN Worldwide to return to Warner Bros. Discovery.
• The E.W. Scripps Co. appointed Sean McGarvy as Senior Director of Digital News and Content Strategy.
• Kartoon Studios expanded Todd Steinman’s role to lead global business for Kartoon Channel Worldwide!, recognizing significant streaming growth.

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