This week we're diving into AI…again.

And on a personal note: I’ve recently joined the marketing team over at Puck! I’m thrilled to be back in the media world and want to assure readers that this will not impact daily sends and content. The Media Tracker is truly an unbiased newsletter, with a mission to help all companies succeed.

Ok thanks, now back to regular scheduling 😌

What's 🔥 Right Now

AI Generates Ad Spend

• Meta ran HPTO across WashPo, Politico, and Axios this week, driving awareness to the metaverse and all the capabilities that come with it.

• Databricks is running ads across WSJ this week, driving to a case study around their involvement with JetBlue and how their AI and ML capabilities are the key to a seamless customer experience.

• Servicenow is running a HPTO across Forbes this week and RON ads across Bloomberg, promoting their AI Now Platform®, with game-changing capabilities for businesses.

• Dell Technologies ran a HPTO across WSJ this week, shedding light on how their AI capabilities are helping to protect our environment.

• Oracle is running ads across WSJ this week, promoting their AI capabilities that help businesses get ahead of competition.

• Globant is running ads across WSJ this week, promoting their tech event on business reinvention powered by AI.

• IBM ran a two-day HPTO across Bloomberg this week, promoting their watson X AI database.

• Okta launched a branded content piece with Fortune, focusing on the implications AI has on cybersecurity.

• Persado launched a branded content piece with Fortune, focusing on unlocking growth through generative AI.

The thought: tech ad spend is up as more and more companies lean heavily into AI messaging. We’ll be on the look out though for how this messaging evolves as Senators alike are keeping tabs on this growing sector and the risks that could arise.

One notable sponsor to also call out this week is Meta. After a rocky year/year-and-a-half of dwindling ad spend for the tech giant, this week shed light on what could come from the behemoth in pushing the metaverse, beyond AI.   

Ads across the web this week

• Energy: BASF (WashPo)

• Tech: Meta (WashPo, Politico, Axios), Databricks (WSJ), Servicenow (Forbes, Bloomberg), Google (Axios), Amazon (NYTimes), Dell Technologies (WSJ), Oracle (WSJ), Globant (WSJ), IBM (Fortune), Chrome Enterprise (WSJ), Splunk (WSJ)

• Automotive/Transport: ITA Airways (WSJ), Volkswagen (The New Yorker)

• Business/Finance: Sallie Mae (Politico) 

• Healthcare: Genentech (NYTimes)

• Real-estate: Berkshire Hathaway (WSJ)

• Non-Profit: PBM Accountability Project (Roll Call), Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease (Politico) 

• Media: National Geographic (The New Yorker)

• E-Commerce/Retail: Michelob Ultra (NYTimes), De Beers (NYTimes), Van Cleef & Arpels (NYTimes, WSJ), Pratt Industries, Inc. (WSJ), The Coca-Cola Company (Semafor), Instacart (NYTimes), Valentino (Vox), Walmart (Puck), Purina (WashPo)  

• Entertainment: Harmony a New Musical (NYTimes)

Notable Campaigns 

Meta ran a HPTO across WashPo on 10/16 & 10/18, Politico on 10/17, and Axios on 10/17 & 10/19, promoting the metaverse.

Servicenow is running a week-long HPTO across Forbes, promoting their AI Now Platform®.

Google ran a HPTO across Axios on 10/16 & 10/18, promoting their safety features against cyberattacks.

PBM Accountability Project continues to run a week long HPTO across Roll Call, calling on action to hold PBMs accountable.

Dell Technologies ran a HPTO across WSJ on 10/17, promoting their AI initiatives and how it can protect the reefs.

Valentino ran a HPTO across Vox on 10/17, promoting their new Fall/Winter collection.

IBM ran a HPTO across Fortune from 10/17-10/18, promoting their watsonx AI database.

Walmart is running a week-long HPTO across Puck, promoting their commitment to American jobs and communities.

Purina is running a HPTO across WashPo today, 10/19, driving awareness to their Purple Leash Project.

Volkswagen is running a HPTO across The New Yorker today, 10/19, promoting their VW ID. Buzz electric bus.

Newsletter Tracker

Here's a link to the full newsletter list

Across the newsletter tracker, this week has a STR of 57%, 16% up from last week 💸

New Branded Content

• NYTimes: GSK 

• Axios: Bridge Bank

• WSJ: Citi, Volaris, Cathay Cargo, T-Mobile, AMD, EY, Capital Group, Intact Insurance, Vacheron Constantin 

• WashPo: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 

• Fortune: Capital One, Okta, Persado, VSP Vision Care

• Semafor: Genesis 

Here's a link to the full branded content list

Industry News + Product Launches

• Time is launching an opinion based newsletter called POV.

• The Daily Wire is launching a subscription streaming app for kids entertainment.

• Puck launches a live event conference series.

• Betches Media was acquired by LBG Media for $54M.

• Semafor has plans to launch a third region next year, with their focus currently on the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa.

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