What was Google's Q3 search ad revenue growth? Which TV/streaming company did Disney partner with in 2025? How much is DoorDash acquiring Instacart for?

In this 7th quiz edition of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire CEO Rachel Smith goes up against the reigning champion: John Still, head of content. Grainne Reid, head of marketing, puts them to the test on Google's search ad revenue, Disney+ partnerships, and DoorDash's acquisition of Instacart.

The first story this week looks at clients moving budgets away from Google as AI Mode impacts search. The conversation explores if greater scrutiny on Google is a positive for the industry, and which channels would benefit the most from this shift. The second covers Channel 4's imminent launch on Disney+, and how advertisers should be adapting reach, targeting, and measurement as traditional broadcasters and global streaming platforms converge.

Finally, DoorDash is acquiring Instacart and expanding into retail. Will this deal help DoorDash to take on the likes of Amazon, and will we start to see global competitors to Asia's super apps?

Google faces closer scrutiny amid search decline

According to Digiday, many clients are now putting Google through the kind of scrutiny usually reserved for newer channels. One media buyer said that clients are open to shifting 10% to 20% of their Google search budgets into channels like Meta and Local Services Ads if performance weakens. 

Search ad revenue grew 12% in Q3, Alphabet’s slowest pace this year. Executives are partly attributing the decline to Google’s AI Mode.

Channel 4 to launch on Disney+

Channel 4 will be launching on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland from early 2027. Disney+ subscribers will be able to watch Channel 4’s linear HD channel and on-demand programming at no extra cost. Disney said the partnership is one of the most significant it has agreed globally to bring local content to Disney+.

At its upfront this month, Channel 4 said it reaches 34 million adults a month in the UK, 5 million more than the ad-supported tiers of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ combined. 90% of its programming is also made in the UK, contrasted with 25% of global streamers'.

DoorDash acquires Instacart in $17bn deal

Grocery delivery firm Instacart is being acquired by DoorDash in a $17bn deal, expected to be final in about a year. DoorDash said the deal will expand options for customers and let more sellers use the companies' services.

Instacart shoppers will be able to buy from 150,000 stores, up from the current 100,000, while DoorDash will reach beyond restaurants into retail.