The Citizen Edition Logo June 11, 2026
Tech

Tech's Wild West: AI-Fueled Ads & Cloned Legends

As the dust settles on another week in the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technologies, one thing becomes abundantly clear: innovation is no longer a fleeting concept confined to the realms of science fiction. The boundaries between human and machine are blurring at an unprecedented pace, and it's up to brands and agencies to stay ahead of the curve.

First off, Viant has thrown its hat into the ring with the launch of a supply-path optimization (SPO) tool that promises to revolutionize the way publishers offer ad inventory through demand-side platforms (DSPs). In essence, this means a more direct line between advertisers and publishers, potentially leading to increased efficiency and reduced friction in the ad-buying process. Whether or not this development will have a significant impact on the industry remains to be seen, but one thing's for certain – it's an exciting time to be a part of the advertising ecosystem.

Meanwhile, OpenAI has been busy testing multi-advertiser placements within ChatGPT, its flagship AI language model. The implications are profound: with this technology, advertisers can potentially reach their target audiences in unprecedented ways, leveraging the power of AI-generated content to craft personalized messages that resonate on a deeper level. It's an uncertain future, but one thing's clear – the possibilities are endless.

On the heels of these developments comes news from Coca-Cola, which has reportedly used AI to clone none other than legendary soccer coach Alex Ferguson. The move is part of a larger effort by the brand to tap into the nostalgia and emotional resonance associated with iconic figures like Ferguson. Whether or not this campaign will yield dividends remains to be seen, but one thing's for certain – it's a bold move that speaks to the power of AI in shaping our perceptions of the world.

As we continue to navigate this brave new world of emerging technologies, it's clear that the stakes are higher than ever before. The question on everyone's mind is: what does the future hold? Will we see the rise of new media channels and platforms that blur the lines between human and machine? Or will we witness a continued push towards increased efficiency and reduced friction in the ad-buying process?

Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain – it's an exciting time to be alive.

Written by: Slick Manchetz | The Citizen Edition

“Wubba lubba dub dub, it's over.”

Published: June 11, 2026