October 5, 2015 at 10:00 AM
Are ad–blocking, bots, and mobile gutting economic viability of the internet? We’ll take a close look.
The newest version of the Apple mobile iOS system allows ad-blocking software on mobile browsing for the first time. (Abdullah Syahbal / Flickr)
Lots of people have been skipping the ads on TV for a long time. Now, ad blockers have a new boost on the Internet. Apple’s latest mobile operating system invites Internet users on iPads and phones to skip the ads. Block them. Less wait for what you want. Less data consumption. Quicker loading. But also another blow to the economics of a whole lot of big players on the web. For many, it’s no ads, no money. News sites in particular. And don’t get them started on bots! It’s a rough world out there. This hour On Point, rising challenges to the economic underpinnings of a big chunk of the Internet.
– Tom Ashbrook
Guests
Tim Peterson, digital reporter for AdAge. (@petersontee)
Sinan Aral, professor of management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he co-leads the Initative On the Digital Economy. (@sinanaral)
Rebecca Lieb, consultant, research analyst and author focused on digital marketing and media. (@lieblink)
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