In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, hosts Tina Iannacchino and Mike Villalobos sit down with Dan Benyamin, founder and CEO of Aeon, to discuss the evolving landscape of publishing and advertising. They explore the challenges faced by publishers in the adtech space, the impact of the creator economy and the necessity for collaboration between traditional publishers and modern creators. The conversation also delves into the rise of AI influencers, the importance of regulation in AI usage and how publishers can leverage AI for better monetization strategies. Dan emphasizes the need for publishers to prioritize their audience and adapt to the rapidly changing digital environment.

Key topics with timestamps:

00:00 Early Facebook ads were limited, unrefined opportunities.

03:31 Advertising's main challenge: remaining user-focused and adaptable.

06:44 Video evolution challenges traditional quality standards.

11:13 Personal branding is crucial for brand success.

14:00 Teens dismiss AI; others embrace generated visuals.

16:44 AI misinformation and its impact during elections.

19:49 Good working relationships prevent issues like boycotts.

25:30 AI enables faster, more agile customer segmentation.

27:56 Prioritize the audience; treat attention as a battlefield.

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