On this MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire CEO Rachel Smith is joined by COO Lindsay Rowntree and editorial lead Mat Broughton, to discuss the latest in the media, marketing and ad tech ecosystem. 

They examine Google’s final arguments in its ad stack case against the DOJ, how AI Overviews are reducing traffic for publishers and investors considering takeover bids for ITV. 

Closing Arguments: Once, Twice, Three Times a Monopolist (US v Google) 

Google and the US Department of Justice met in court for the final time this week to lay out their closing arguments for the case casting judgement over Google’s ad tech stack. Now the industry awaits judge Leonie Brinkema’s ruling. 

Publishers say Google’s AI Overviews have reduced traffic potential (The Media Leader) 

Many publishers are saying that Google’s AI Overviews feature has been reducing their potential traffic. A publishing industry trade body representative reports that publishers have seen a 5-10% decrease in traffic since the feature was launched – an estimate based on early indicators.

ITV share price leaps as ‘investors consider takeover bid’ (The Guardian) 

ITV’s share price soared 9% this week after reports that several investors are considering making takeover bids for the broadcaster. Private equity investor CVC Capital Partners and a European broadcaster thought to be France’s GroupeTF1 are reportedly considering the investment. As a result of the surge in share price, ITV managed to recover most of the losses it reported earlier this month.