Michael Kahn of Publicis and Performics on TV and Ad Automation

(TV and ad automation was discussed at the Dmexco conference in Cologne, Germany in front of an audience of nearly one thousand people. Pictured left to right: Jay Sears; Michael Kahn; Rhys Nölke, Senior Vice President Strategy of RTL Group; Jamie West, Deputy Managing Director of Sky Media, and Michael Strober, Executive Vice President, Client Strategy and Ad Innovation and Co-Head of Turner Ignite at Turner Broadcasting. Follow the links above to read Jay's interviews with them.)

JAY SEARS: What do you read to keep up with politics, art and culture?

MICHAEL KAHN: The Week, The Economist, Twitter, Huffington Post

SEARS: What do you read to keep up with friends?

KAHN: Facebook, Messenger feed, WhatsApp feed, LinkedIn

SEARS: What do you read to keep up with the advertising technology and TV industries?

KAHN: AP feed, TechCrunch

SEARS: What’s your favorite TV commercial of all time?

KAHN: “1984” from Apple

SEARS: When you speak about TV ad automation, how widely or narrowly do you define this?

KAHN:We define TV ad automation as Programmatic TV, a combination of hardware and software that allows our clients more precise TV targeting via back-end automation. 

TV DSPs, like Videology, AOLOne and Tube Mogul, come immediately to mind. But, in truth, true automation (similar to digital) is still a little while away.  Inventory suppliers are truly wrestling with relinquishing control for the hopes of increased revenue per transaction.  When I think of true TV ad automation, it should resemble current digital constructs including the ability to understand inventory, costs, associated data opportunity, negotiation, transaction and even traffic of creative.

Most of the ad inventory related to TV automation is local cable-based (and fairly limited); however, there’s a larger flow of inventory starting to flow for local broadcast (from Wide Orbit, etc.).  Interestingly, Wide Orbit is uploading inventory on TV buy platforms like Core.  HH addressability inventory suppliers, like DISH, are also plugging their inventory to key DSP partners.

The future for TV is addressable or audience-concentrated data solutions with stronger workflow automation to support transactions; however, TV inventory suppliers will need to see cost premiums for their inventory in order to want to automate and allow access to their inventory. Currently, most suppliers are flowing DRTV inventory to generate higher pricing.

SEARS: With regards to advertising automation impacting TV, what are the three biggest trends you expect to impact companies in 2016 and 2017?

KAHN:

1. Volume of supply will increase
2. Advertisers will soon gain a better understanding of TV ad automation, with agencies helping to educate.  Harnessing the power of data is a huge driver behind TV automation with the vast majority of platforms offering some sort of targeting enhancement that positions them as offering an advantage to the traditional TV buying approach that uses broadly defined age and gender demos, which is appealing to brands.  Tied to data is the importance of measurement, particularly with an eye towards identifying not just the last touch outcome of a media engagement but a multi-touch approach that tracks the impact of TV ad exposure across linear and digital devices.
3. More quality inventory will be made available in DSPs

SEARS: With regards to advertising automation impacting TV, what are the most overblown topics that you wish would just go away?

KAHN: Many of the big networks have their own platforms, which are walled gardens that house only their inventory.  This is becoming overblown, and we’d love to see more inventory being made available in the DSPs.

SEARS: Describe your company or division and then tell us the top three opportunities you are working on to advance TV automation.

KAHN: As the largest DRTV buyer in the U.S., we’re working to create a better ROI for our clients.  A big part of this is identifying new sources for efficient response volume and evaluating new methods to target and transact.  We’re focused on understanding the potential impact on response (and delivery) for new automated buy constructs, including HH addressable and audience concentrated data solutions. Is the juice worth the squeeze?  We have concerns that the increase in response and conversion rate to better target will not be enough to offset cost premiums for data-enabled TV inventory. In digital, cost is lowered (commoditized), but for TV suppliers are increasing rates.

We’re testing different tech solutions to understand impact on data-based planning outputs (especially compared to agency toolkit), including cable set top box and connected Wifi TV solutions.  We are also testing different HH targeted and audience targeted platforms.

SEARS: Tell us about your company or division.

KAHN:As the original performance marketing agency, Performics converts consumer intent into revenue for the world's most admired brands. Across a global network operating in 51 countries worldwide, Performics creates connected and personalized digital experiences across paid, owned and earned media. RECMA recognized Performics as one of their Top Digital Agency Networks of 2014. Headquartered in Chicago, Performics is a Publicis Media company.

SEARS: The majority of ad technology and TV technology companies have struggled (relatively small, unprofitable or both). Of the poor performers, what are the commonalities between them that have contributed to this weakness?

KAHN:There are a few different elements at play. First, they don’t own/control the inventory or the data to target or even differentiate themselves. Second, they have to better prepare RFPs that are customized and solution-focused, providing cost upside. 

SEARS: With respect to TV automation, there seem to be three camps: partnering with scaled digital-first automation companies that are now moving into TV; partnering with start-up “TV first” automation companies, and companies that choose to build a solution themselves without a partner. What do you see as the strength and weakness of each approach, and what do you believe is the best mix for your company?

KAHN: We first have to examine the access to supply and data partnerships with each of the vendors.  The idea of partnering with an existing digital partner is appealing to launch cross-screen programs.  Is the impression bid better for digital, mobile or TV?  However, it’s too early for this dynamic for TV, especially related to impression bids.  A concern is the start-up does not have the cash at hand to solidify unique marketplace position related to data and inventory (although perhaps a greater upside potential for sleeker interface).

Our approach is to test and learn to truly uncover each of their strengths and weaknesses of each partner.  But, access to supply and data overlays -- that is key.

SEARS: Do we live in a “tale of two cities” where Google and Facebook win almost everything, advertisers are dictated to and other media companies fight for the scraps? Do you believe this is the case in digital or not? And what do you expect the impact of Google and Facebook to be in TV?

KAHN: Google had a fairly negative experience with TV a few years ago, which may make them hesitate a bit.  For traditional TV, I would be more on the lookout for Verizon. They have potential for a full end-to-end solution, powered by their Fios and wireless data and inventory.  They also have strong levels of content with AOL/Yahoo. They also have Adapt (AOLone).

That said, Wifi enabled TV like DISH’s Sling could cause Facebook or Google to have a go at it, but not wired-line business, like cable.

SEARS: How can advertising automation help the strategy and planning functions (directly or indirectly) at an advertising agency?

KAHN: Using a broad definition of advertising automation that encompasses data-fueled buying insights, there are significant strategic and tactical insights that can be garnered to improve our buying approach and garner greater ROI for our clients.  We have several clients who are harnessing the power of data through companies such as Comcast, TiVo, Nielsen Catalina, Crossix and IMS to better inform their national buys and hone in on networks, dayparts and programs that have a greater propensity to reach their specific target audience (e.g., condition specific ailments for pharma advertisers).

SEARS: Please answer the following statements yes or no.

KAHN:

(Video above: TV and ad automation was discussed at the Dmexco conference in Cologne, Germany in front of an audience of nearly one thousand people.)

SEARS: If you had your own TV talk show, what would you name it?

KAHN: Twilight or Before Dawn, a late night show for those who work all night long like those in advertising or media or technology!

SEARS: A young family member has come to you seeking career advice. They must choose one of the following careers: ad agency executive, media company executive, ad technology executive or company marketing executive. Which career path do you recommend and why?

KAHN:Global executive across any one of those sectors with the right company, with global being the operative word!

SEARS: What is your favorite restaurant in the world?

KAHN: Miznon, Paris or Vienna. An Israeli restaurant serving the world’s freshest and most delicious Middle Eastern food.

SEARS: Thanks, Michael!

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