The Rundown: Google draws AI payment lines — and publishers’ leverage is narrow

January 15, 2026 Presented by Google's testimony to U.K. lawmakers this week did more than restate familiar arguments about fair use and training. It clarified the boundaries of what the company believes it should, and should not, pay publishers for in the AI-driven search ecosystem. TOP STORY The Rundown: Google has drawn its AI payment lines — and publishers' leverage is narrow For publishers trying to navigate AI licensing, the message was blunt: Google is willing to pay for access, but not for training – and it remains unwilling to define AI Overviews as a compensable use of journalism. Advertisement OTHER THINGS TO KNOW Even many of the most successful challenger brands are stuck with siloed data and rented identity, lacking the 360-degree customer view they want. Partner insights from Adstra. As AI evolves from automation to autonomy, marketers are rethinking how campaigns run and how marketing organizations operate. Virgin Money is using AI-driven audience optimization so its agency team can focus on strategic tasks — all while reaping the rewards of improved performance as noted by its agency partner, mFuse. Partner insights from Quantcast. Now that campaigns can accommodate mid-flight changes — adjusting visual sequences, calls to action or tone based on audience engagement — advertisers can treat creative as a dynamic asset, not a fixed deliverable. Partner insights from PadSquad. MEDIA & PLATFORMS The Programmatic Marketer 'We don't care if you don't use our UX anymore': Yahoo recasts its DSP as a data backbone for the agentic world Because the real wager, according to the ad tech vendor, sits below the interface, in the identity graph and data the DSP plugs into. Brands in Culture How The North Face, Vans and Timberland are trying to transform their businesses in 2026 At the National Retail Federation Big Show this week, leaders from The North Face, Vans and Timberland shared how each of their brands is looking to grow this year. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM BLOCKBOARD Ad fraud and waste threaten performance, especially at the local level According to the Association of National Marketers, buyers still incur $26.8 billion in wasteful spending in their programmatic media buying alone. This waste has an even larger impact on small and mid-sized advertisers, i.e., local advertisers, who have tighter budgets and fewer resources. Modern Retail How apparel brands aim to win the spotlight at the Winter Olympics As the clock ticks down to Milan-Cortina 2026, companies are putting out products for athletes and consumers alike. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM BROWSI Ad signals that tell the full story of impact For years, advertisers have focused on whether ads are viewable and human when assessing their impact. But five signals help tell a fuller story. Advertisement DIGIDAY+ Member exclusive Media Briefing: Google's latest core update a reminder that pageviews can't remain the primary metric Google's latest core update signals pageviews can no longer be the primary metric, favoring intent-solving publishers over scale. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM KEEN DECISION SYSTEMS To win RFPs, agencies set themselves apart with data-driven planning tools Agencies need to shift how they plan, pitch and prove their value to new and existing clients. ICYMI Brands in Culture 'Amplified, and used against you': Nike sat out the viral Maduro moment. That's the point The meme Nike didn't touch Evolving Agencies Will technology enable independent agencies to match the holdcos? They think so Technology is seen by indies as a potential great equalizer when it comes to delivering solutions for clients, and competing with bigger agencies. Written by Jim Cooper and Sara Jerde Were you forwarded this email? Sign up to get it daily. Advertise | Digiday+ | Events | Awards Update your email | Unsubscribe | Privacy policy