More than 140,000 people packed CES 2026, and they were not there just to see gadgets. They were there to set the tone for how TV, streaming, and ads will work all year long.
From agentic AI to clickable TV ads, the industry is moving faster and demanding clearer proof that ads actually work. Measurement is tightening, tools are getting smarter, and brands are finding new ways to win attention without wasting spend.
This week’s PDMI Weekly Highlights cover big moves in TV and marketing, from CES and upfront trends to AI-driven buying, interactive CTV ads, measurement updates, standout brand campaigns, and new tools.
Industry News and Reports
From major industry events to new ad tech, measurement changes, and standout brand moves, these updates capture what’s shaping TV and marketing right now.
CES 2026 and TV Upfront Season
CES is no longer a preview event. It is where the TV upfront season officially begins. Buyers and sellers use the Consumer Electronics Show to reveal priorities and shape deals months before May.
The pandemic sped this shift up. Streaming surged, media and tech merged, and CES grew into a strategy hub. With 140,000+ attendees and more than 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space, CES now sets the direction for TV and video advertising all year long.
Agentic AI in Marketing
Agentic AI is moving fast. At CES, Stagwell and PubMatic launched agentic systems that can plan, buy, and optimize campaigns with minimal human input.
This shift is already live. PubMatic ran real agentic campaigns in December, and new programs aim to move brands from testing to full deployment within weeks, with wider use expected in early 2026. Agentic AI is becoming marketing’s new operating layer.
Interactive CTV Ad Formats
Interactive CTV ads are growing quickly. Streaming platforms now offer ads you can click, scan, play, or shop, turning the TV screen into something you can act on, not just watch.
This momentum is already clear. 30% of Roku campaigns now include a shoppable or interactive element, and some platforms report 30% year-over-year growth in interactive ad revenue. These formats help brands move viewers from attention to action, all without leaving the couch.
TV Advertising Measurement Updates
Measurement is getting a long-overdue upgrade, with the industry focusing less on guesses and more on proof and performance.
Broader Viewership Guarantees
The Video Advertising Bureau now recommends using households or total viewers instead of narrow age groups. As traditional TV audiences shrink, this makes ad planning more stable and easier to compare across platforms.
Measuring Results in Real Time
Roku paired with iSpot to optimize campaigns mid-flight. Early tests delivered a 23% lift in leads and 31% more website visits, proving TV can improve performance in real time.
Deeper Data with Privacy Protection
Samsung Ads now lets brands securely combine their own data with TV ad exposure data using Snowflake. This gives advertisers insight across 77 million active TVs, helping them see what viewers do after seeing an ad.
Brand and Campaign Highlights
Brands are winning attention through games, music, and media strategy.
Roblox
Brands went big in 2025, with 210+ brands and 600+ activations on the platform. Integrations inside popular games delivered 2x more impressions than standalone brand games, showing where scale really lives.
Zumba
Zumba launched a global, music-first campaign built around “Gasolina.” The brand turns 25 in 2026, leaning on nostalgia so each class feels like a fun weekly escape.
DISH
DISH filed a countersuit against Disney and ESPN over Sling Passes. The dispute focuses on short-term plans, from one day to one week, that let viewers watch live sports without a long subscription.
Member Resources
These tools help advertisers move faster, find the right partners, and turn plans into action.
Ad Outlet Directory
The PDMI Ad Outlet Directory puts 150+ TV networks, streaming services, and CTV operators in one place. Brands can view contacts, request demos, and compare options side by side to choose partners with confidence.
Media Agency Directory
The PDMI Media Agency Directory connects advertisers with 50+ media agencies focused on buying and execution. Each profile lists clear contact and buying details, making it easy to reach the right team and get campaigns moving quickly.
Web-Exclusive Content
Here’s a closer look at new digital tools and launches designed to improve performance across today’s marketing stack.
Buyist – Auware App Launch
Buyist introduced Auware, a new Shopify app that builds audience-specific landing pages automatically. The tool uses AI to match headlines, benefits, FAQs, and proof to each shopper, right after the click.
Buyist reports $2 billion in client revenue and averages 8% conversion rates, often 5–10× higher than typical stores under 2%.
Member News
Recent member updates highlight new partnerships and smarter workflows across the industry.
Marketing Maven and Cogzia Join Forces
Marketing Maven partnered with Cogzia to fix a common agency problem: too many AI tools that do not talk to each other. The partnership brings those tools into one connected system.
Cogzia acts as the behind-the-scenes engine, linking AI tools into a single, secure workflow. This lets agency teams automate work, protect client data, and move faster.
The Next Play Starts Now
Missed a step? Doesn’t matter. Smart brands keep moving, keep testing, and keep showing up with better plays.
That’s where TelNet comes in. We help brands turn fast-moving TV, streaming, and CTV trends into campaigns that actually perform.
Ready to make this quarter count? Contact TelNet Agency and turn today’s insights into momentum.