MAM
Broadcasters, cable cos, distributors form new Video Advertising Bureau
MUMBAI: The Cable television Advertising Bureau (CAB) has paved the way for the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB).
CAB, which was founded in 1980, has dissolved and been replaced by VAB comprising 110 broadcast and cable networks and the 11 multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to form a single voice to promote the power of video advertising.
The VAB’s goal in uniting nearly all broadcast and cable networks with MVPDs is to raise the bar on research, data and analytics, and expand the market for advertising in professionally produced video content.
“Our industry is changing rapidly, however one constant is the unquestionable power of television to reach consumers with advertiser messaging. By broadcasters, cable networks and distributors coming together in this unprecedented way, VAB members will share expertise and insights, put forward original research and push toward a common goal of elevating television’s leadership in driving product sales and brand affinity for clients,” said Discovery Communications ad sales president and inaugural VAB co-chair Joe Abruzzese.
VAB members produce and sell the overwhelming majority of video content, and likewise command the vast majority share of viewer attention. This attention advantage manifests across all screens – TV, desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone – totaling 80 per cent (140 hours) of the 175 hours/month Americans devote to the universe of ad-supported TV, Google/YouTube, AOL, MSN, Yahoo and Facebook.
“The time has come for the TV industry to be represented holistically with the power of the content superseding the differences in distribution. This will clearly advance the share of voice for the industry and support the initiatives that will provide incremental value to advertisers as technology, data and consumer choice change the dynamics of the medium,” said Group M chief investment officer Rino Scanzoni.
The VAB’s top priority is commissioning research on two levels – quantifying the primary role that ad-supported TV plays in generating consumer sales traffic, and clarifying attribution in the modern media mix.
“We are proud to work alongside our expanded membership of broadcasters and cable networks at the Video Advertising Bureau to expand the thought leadership on best practices and insights for marketers. Our collective goal is to help our clients make stronger connections with consumers where they watch, when they watch, and on any device,” added Time Warner Cable Media EVP and COO and inaugural VAB co-chair Joan Gillman.
Content over distribution
VAB members are creating the next ways for advertisers to capitalize on the attention advantage, from data platforms to addressable TV advertising. In unison, the innovations can refine the state of the art of video advertising.
“There is no substitute for quality content in the presence of valuable data and insights. It only makes sense to expand this organization’s focus to reflect the rapidly changing premium video environment and strengthen the research it can provide to content creators and advertisers regardless of platform — it doesn’t matter where the content is consumed, it only matters that it’s great,” said NBCUniversal chairman, advertising sales and client partnerships Linda Yaccarino.
The more ways viewers can get video, the more they continue to choose premium TV content. According to researcher GfK’s 2014 UK-US SVOD study, TV content accounts for 88 per cent of all streaming activity in the US.
“The media landscape is changing rapidly but one thing remains a constant: premium TV content is still the most powerful environment for advertisers. We are committed to helping our clients leverage this content effectively across multiple screens, and are pleased to be joining other broadcast and cable networks in this important initiative” said CBS Television Network president, network sales Jo Ann Ross.
Cross-screen commitment
Leading the VAB will be the executive team that has run CAB for the past 12 years, during which time cable ad revenues have grown by 80 per cent. Sean Cunningham will be president & CEO; Chuck Thompson will be EVP, whereas Danielle DeLauro will be SVP strategic sales insights. Together they will give advertisers one source for the best research, insight and perspective on video advertising. Importantly, this will include new primary research on the impact of TV advertising.
Cunningham said, “More than ever, consumers are tuning in to premium, multiscreen TV content – at a moment’s notice, at arm’s-length, on the best available screen. Advertisers instinctively know this world-class video initiates the sales cycle. The VAB will lead the charge to prove it.”
“We congratulate the CAB and the broadcast community as they converge to become the VAB. Multi-screen TV content is among marketers’ most important assets. The creation and evolution of the VAB will further marketers’ sophistication, insights and understanding of these assets as they seek to improve their marketing and media management and more successfully build their brands and business results,” said Association of National Advertisers president Bob Liodice.
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
