The Business Of Data With Jon Lafayette: Making Programmatic Pause Ads Sparkle
This week, everyone's eyes were on Jimmy Kimmel for signs about the future of broadcast networks and their affiliates, not to mention free speech. But, as always, in the background, the business of data ground on and we present how programmatic technology is powering more pause ads and information about who's gambling and what people are listeing to on podcasts (spoiler warning: football).
WunderKIND’s Programmatic Pause Ads Sparkle for Zales
'WunderKIND Ads for CTV exceeded our expectations by driving more QR code scans vs. prior CTV campaigns,' said Yasmari Garay of Zales
Programmatic pause ads are popular because they perform.
But there’s a problem. The specs for pause ads are not standardized across the numerous connected TV platforms. That means people who want to run pause ads need to not only make separate buys fro each platform, but must create creative that conforms to each platform’s technical requirements.
Until someone creates a standard for pause ads that is adopted by all of the platforms, digital marketing company WunderKIND Ads has a solution that has worked for clients including beauty retailer Ulta and Signet Jewelers’ Zales The Diamond Store brand. [READ MORE]
Millennials, Gen Z Fuel Betting Growth, But Winning Streak Might Cool Off
Legalized gambling remains a booming business, and a new report looks at who is betting and why.
The U.S. Q3 2025 Gaming Report from TransUnion says that the younger generations–millennials and Gen Z–are driving the growth in gambling. But those generations might be facing financial pressure that could lower the odds on them continuing to bet more at casinos and sports books.
Citing data from the United States Census, TransUnion says that total revenue for the betting industry subject to federal income tax grew 8% to $11.1 billion from $1.02 billion between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025. Government tax receipts from gambling grew 30%. [READ MORE]
Football Giving Sports Podcasts An Early Season Lift
Television isn’t the only medium winning with football. Since the college and NFL season started, podcasts with sports and football themes have been putting bigger numbers on the scoreboard.
The audience blitz is happening on all levels, from podcasts that focus on the National Football League to shows about local and college teams. Betting and fantasy are also hot topics.
For example, Fantasy Football Today on the Audacy Podcast Network, climbed to No. 25 in Triton Digital’s ranking, rising 47 positions. Its top episode was Draft Prep Cram Session! Your Guide to Winning Your League. [READ MORE]
Turning Toward Streaming, DirecTV App Integrated Into Vizio Smart TVs
These days, all of the big names in the television business are trying to complete their transition to streaming. At the same time, some streaming companies are trying to bring back the good old days with bundles and linear channels.
The satellite TV business might have an even more questionable future than cable. To have a future DirecTV is shifting its focus to streaming and offering its customers a choice of smaller bundles tailored to their interests (Hint: there’s a lot of interest in sports). For the consumer, these smaller bundles promise a somewhat lower pricetag than the old big bundle or the increasingly pricey collection of must-have streaming services. Seems only fair.
To make access to its streaming product more convenient for consumers, DirecTV has entered the app environment and starting today (Monday) the DirecTV app will be available directly on smart TVs from Vizio, which is owned by Walmart. [READ MORE]
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