At what figure did Axel Springer acquire the Telegraph? What percentage of ads served on ChatGPT were retail and grocery related? How many children are taking part in the UK's trial for a potential social media ban?

In this quiz edition of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire editor Aimee Newell Tarín is joined by COO Lindsay Rowntree and John Still, head of content. They look into M&A in publishing, advertising in AI, and social media restrictions for under-16s.

Axel Springer acquires Telegraph

European media group Axel Springer has agreed to acquire the UK’s Telegraph for £575m. The deal marks the first change of ownership in the Telegraph's 168-year history. Axel Springer emerged as the preferred buyer after submitting a stronger bid than other interested parties, including the Daily Mail.

Retail and grocery dominate ChatGPT ads trial

As OpenAI advances with trialling an advertising model on ChatGPT, retail and grocery ads are dominating. A month into the trial, app analytics provider Sensor Tower revealed that 44% of ad impressions served on the chatbot fell under these categories. Other leading categories achieved a much lower share.

UK trials social media ban for under-16s

The UK government has launched a three-month consultation exploring stricter social media rules for children. Pilots involving around 150 children aged 13 to 15 will test restrictions such as full bans, one-hour daily limits, and overnight curfews, monitoring effects on sleep, mood, and physical activity.