This week, AI continued to reshape media, advertising and streaming, while major leadership changes and industry deals signalled the next phase of competition across the digital landscape. In today’s MadTech Daily, we cover Netflix expanding its short-form video offering through publisher content deals, YouTube becoming the UK's leading podcast platform, and OpenAI launching the GPT-Live-1 voice model for ChatGPT.

OpenAI made headlines on multiple fronts. The company launched GPT-Live-1, its new default voice model for ChatGPT, replacing Advanced Voice Mode for users across web and mobile. The company also signalled its advertising ambitions, posting new roles to develop native, conversational, image, video and interactive ad formats while building privacy and safety into its future ad platform.

Meanwhile, Netflix is broadening its content strategy by expanding into short-form video through licensing agreements with major publishers including Condé Nast, Hearst, Penske Media and BuzzFeed Studios. Beginning in August, subscribers across several English-speaking markets will gain access to a wide range of news, lifestyle and entertainment videos.

Meta also saw a significant leadership shake-up. The company promoted former CMO Alex Schultz to its newly created role of chief data officer, while long-time executive Denise Moreno takes over as chief marketing officer. 

The advertising industry continued its AI transformation as LiveRamp launched its first-ever connected TV brand campaign on Netflix. The campaign highlights the company's identity and data collaboration capabilities, reinforcing the growing importance of AI-powered data solutions for marketers.

Elsewhere, the UK media landscape is set for a shake-up after Sky agreed to acquire ITV's broadcast business and streaming platform ITVX in a £1.6 billion deal. The merger aims to strengthen British television against global streaming giants such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon and Disney.

In China, Alibaba Cloud reinforced its leadership in AI infrastructure, capturing 40.1% of the country's AI cloud market. The results reflect surging enterprise demand for AI infrastructure and hosted AI services as competition in the sector continues to intensify.

Finally, Outvertising announced it is searching for a new chief executive as Chris Dunne prepares to step down later this year, marking the end of a three-year tenure that saw the organisation expand its advocacy and mentorship efforts across the UK advertising industry.