In my latest Digital Digest from June 30th, I’m talking about the scandal that is rocking the Cannes Lions. Further topics are TikTok’s and Instagram’s TV plans, as well as RTL’s strategy with its (probable) new acquisition Sky – with the aim of becoming less dependent on the advertising market.
Enjoy reading
Yours, Verena
🦁 Cannes Lions: Fraud scandal rocks the festival
The 2025 Cannes Lions are rocked by a fraud scandal: The Brazilian agency DM9 from the DDB network has been disqualified for manipulating campaigns. A Grand Prix has been revoked as well as twelve lions. Background: AI-generated content was presented as genuine results, and campaign performance data was manipulated. There are also suspected cases at other agencies. In response, the festival is introducing new rules: mandatory codes of conduct, AI declaration requirements and automated manipulation detection. >>> Ad Age (€)
📺 Instagram and TikTok want to get on smart TVs
Instagram and TikTok are developing smart TV apps to challenge YouTube in the living room. TikTok is already testing a revamped TV version, while Meta is planning a Reels app that is set to launch later this year. Both want to reach older target groups with high purchasing power. YouTube currently dominates TV streaming with over $10 billion in advertising revenue. One of the challenges lies in adapting vertical mobile content for horizontal TV use. >>> t3n / The Information (€)
👓 Apple is working on seven AR and VR glasses simultaneously
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple is developing seven head-mounted devices in parallel: three Vision products (M5 Vision Pro 2025, Vision Air 2027, Vision Pro 2nd Gen 2028) and four smart glasses variants. The first Apple Glasses are expected to arrive in Q2 2027 with voice control and gesture recognition – but without a built-in screen. Two XR glasses with displays will follow in 2028. Apple could push the previously sluggish smart glasses market to over 10 million units per year. >>> 9to5Mac
⛓️💥 Trump announces solution for US TikTok: "Very wealthy people..."
US President Donald Trump announced in an interview that he has allegedly found a "group of very wealthy people" to buy TikTok’s US business. He plans to announce the names of the investors in about two weeks. Trump has already extended the deadline for the sale of TikTok three times, most recently to September 17, 2025. A sale still requires the approval of the Chinese government. >>> BBC
🇪🇺 Data protection violations: EU wants to fine Meta "every day"
The EU Commission is threatening Meta with daily fines if the company does not adapt its "pay-or-consent" model for Instagram and Facebook to comply with the DMA. Meta had already been fined €200 million. The model offers users free, ad-based or paid, ad-free services. Daily fines can amount to up to 5 percent of global daily turnover. Meta accuses the EU of discrimination. >>> Reuters
🧑🤝🧑 RTL wants to become more independent from the advertising market with Sky
In an interview with Meedia, RTL CEO Stephan Schmitter emphasizes that the planned Sky acquisition will make the media group "more independent from the advertising market" – thanks to Sky’s strong subscription business, which complements RTL’s advertising-financed model. He expects antitrust approval in 2026 – EU-wide for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the other countries covered. Synergies of around €250 million across a combined streaming/sports/entertainment portfolio are expected to open up new marketing opportunities – especially in the subscription sector. >>> Meedia
🎟️ DMEXCO tickets: Only today, the early bird still catches the worm
DMEXCO 2025 will take place on September 17 and 18 in Cologne. Only today (June 30th) until midnight, the early bird ticket price of just €99 applies. After that, the price will rise to the regular €279. The ticket offers access to the expo, conference, networking app, on-demand content and exclusive downloads. Acting quickly could pay off in every respect. >>> DMEXCO
🧴 dm brings Shein’s own beauty brand to its shelves
Chinese discount retailer Shein wants to bring its cosmetics brand Sheglam to German dm stores. Talks are already underway, with sales set to start in October 2025. dm cites Sheglam’s popularity among young customers, who would buy the brand in big numbers, as the reason for its interest. If customers are going to buy the Shein brand anyway, dm wants them to do so at its stores. >>> Manager Magazin (€)
📱 New smartphone function RTT: Talk and chat at the same time
The new free smartphone feature "Real-Time Text" (RTT) allows users in Germany to chat while on a phone call – texts appear to the other party in real time, letter by letter, without delay or an extra app. RTT improves accessibility, for example for people with hearing or speech impairments, and is also useful in noisy environments or emergencies. The new feature is supported by all major German mobile phone providers since the weekend. >>> T-Online
🏋 Debate: Do agencies provide poor training?
Benjamin Minack, founder and CEO of the agency "Ressourcenmangel" and newly crowned "Agency Man of the Year", criticizes the poor quality of training in agencies. He calls for structured trainee programs modeled on McKinsey and closer cooperation with universities and chambers of commerce. Only in this way, he says, can the industry ensure professional excellence and genuine consulting expertise in a complex environment. >>> Horizont (€)
