John Battelle tips us to a big update to Google's AdWords.

Soon, Google will enable marketers to target image advertisements (468x60, 728x90, 300x250, 120x600, 160x600)on specific individual sites on a CPM basis. It's nothing short of a huge evolutionary leap for the AdWords platform.

This may ultimately hurt competing ad marketplaces such as AdBrite and BlogAds as small publishers test the waters. In the short run, most publishers will test the new platform against other platforms.

The Biggest VC Deal of Q2?

BusinessWeek writer Justin Hibbard tips us to Global Atlantic Partners' $100 million investmentin Adteractive. When the deal goes down, it will take the #1 M&A spot this year for CPA firms:

• Datran raised $60 million from VantagePoint Venture Partners
• AzoogleAds raised an undisclosed amount from Stripes Group and TA Associates
• FastClick raised $78 million via IPO
• PrimaryAds sold to CGI Holding Corporation (Think Partnership Inc) for $10 million in cash + performance-based incentives
• Kowabunga Technologies also sold to CGI for an undisclosed amount

Each of these companies offers an automated way for publishers to monetize their audience through CPA affiliate-style offers.

Thanks to PaidContent.org for the link.

Economist.com | The future of journalism

“I believe too many of us editors and reporters are out of touch with our readers...[Today's teens, twenty- and thirty-somethings] don't want to rely on a god-like figure from above to tell them what's important.”
- Rupert Murdoch, CEO of News Corporation

Not sure if he is concerned. It's good that he's not overly optimistic but bad as the company's reality does not really take advantage of the Web.

Wired News: ManiaTV: MTV for the Web?

DoubleClick's The Decade in Online Advertising by Rick Bruner.