Advertising
Inside the $10.8 Billion Midterm: What’s Driving Political Ad Spending in 2026
Campaign Trend Podcast
“Connected TV is now the fastest-growing channel in political advertising, projected to reach $2.5 billion over the cycle and gain market share even as other media plateau. With premium inventory—live sports and first-run programming—shifting toward streaming, Link argues the ceiling on CTV growth is still far from being reached.”
Content
Keith Edwards: What I Learned Building a Progressive YouTube Channel in 2025
FWIW
“In July 2024, I committed to posting one video a day, and that consistency paid off. My channel grew from 5,000 to 100,000 subscribers that month, helped by being in the right place at the right time amid Biden’s withdrawal from the race and the attempted assassination of Trump. My first viral video was about Trump’s attempted assassin, which racked up 80,000 views.”
Data
NGP VAN Ramps Up Investment in New Data Tech
Campaigns & Elections
“The investment also comes alongside the creation of a new unionized API and data products team that will focus on expanding NGP VAN’s API capabilities and creating new data products, the company said.”
International
Software tackling deepfakes to be piloted for Scottish and Welsh elections
The Guardian
“Sarah Mackie, the commission’s chief in Scotland, said that if the software detected a hoax video or image, officials would contact the police, the candidate concerned and inform the public, although she acknowledged it could not always provide 100% certainty.”
Social Media
Washington’s New Lobbyists: Paid Online Influencers With Few Rules
Wall Street Journal
“Lobbyists and PR professionals who hire influencers in Washington said campaigns can range from a few hundred dollars a post to tens of thousands of dollars. Some popular accounts have doubled or tripled the price-per-post they net during the Trump administration as demand soars.”