What we propose to build in AWM next year, grouped into the cycles we'd run them in. Each cycle is a program with a clear outcome; the order reflects what depends on what, not dates.
One portfolio-wide engine replaces the three optimizers. Break-level decisions, a 13-week horizon, reach and frequency as real inputs, and answers to “why did it do that.”
Foundation for cycles 2 and 3. Already in production behind the quarter-scale planning delivered in 2026.
One portfolio-wide engine replaces today's three optimizers: break-level decisions, a 13-week horizon, and reach and frequency as real inputs. Already powering the quarter-scale delivery targets that shipped in Cycle 4.
R&F goals as first-class optimizer inputs. Today R&F happens at goal-op level, converts to GRP goals, and pushes down; that was always a stopgap.
Try anything for your plan across the whole portfolio, store variants, see the full impact without the clicks. If you like it, do it.
When the optimizer does something unexpected, planners can see why and what to do about it.
Edit a log and get an updated, constraint-aware plan back without a full re-run.
The constraint types WBD's testers asked for across secondary events, rotators, CNNi/e and placement, built once on the new engine.
Builds on cycle 1.
Constrain graphics by avail type so IPMs stop landing on open inventory that should stay open.
Keep graphics from landing back-to-back within one program segment, not only within a time window.
One constraint governs both promo and graphic placements for a campaign.
Force a rotator creative into a specific pod position, such as first in pod, rather than only excluding positions.
Express rotator rules as a share of allocation by day and daypart, combining creative and daypart in one rule.
Percentage distributions enforce across the broadcast week today; daily-level sharpens control.
Set an exact number, not only a minimum or maximum.
When a rotator asks for more spots than inventory allows, place what fits instead of failing.
Constrain placement by program genre, first for CNNi and CNNe.
Prefer a :30 for a :30 avail when one is available, and other placement choices that match how a planner would fill the break.
Planners see where every campaign stands, ahead or behind and why, without pulling as-runs by hand.
Builds on cycle 1. Pacing matters more once optimization is portfolio-wide.
Secondary campaigns appear in the Inventory Analyzer pacing view alongside primary, so graphics pacing stops being tracked by hand.
Pace a campaign against its full flight, not only the current week.
See planned, placed, and available GRPs side by side per network, so as-runs don't have to be pulled by hand.
Change capacity mid-week and see the effect immediately.
Both views in one report.
Proactive signals when a campaign is ahead or behind, and why.
Today's traffic and pacing tools reworked so they keep working once optimization spans the whole portfolio.
One campaign-centric view: configuration, live pacing, series history, past-season results, and competing shows by slot.
Fewer repetitive setup steps and notifications that close loops the team currently closes by hand.
Independent of the engine. Can run alongside any other cycle.
One creative group serves every network in a campaign instead of one per network.
Fewer setup steps for graphics templates, with audience targets and the index heatmap in the flow.
Push template edits through the bulk editor; removes manual trickle-down verification.
Automate the manual Replace step delivered 5-18-2026; close the workflow loop.
Re-run for a date range without disturbing default placeholders.
Who changed what, when.
The quarterly lookback refresh runs on its own instead of as a manual maintenance task.
Carry configurations forward across campaigns and weeks without re-entering them.
Warn before templates expire and offer extension. Find and replace creatives inside templates.
Linear outcomes join streaming and theatrical, and outcome reporting becomes readable by people and by Mo.
Continues Cycle 4 of 2026.
Streaming and theatrical attribution shipped as a first pass. Next: the live data feed, linear outcomes, and making outcome influence visible in optimization.
Streaming, theatrical, and linear outcomes each feed optimizer scoring as the data lands.
Outcome reports readable by people and by Mo, so results feed the next plan.
Content-level streaming ratings as a measurement source alongside linear.
Rule-driven packaging elements for the remaining use cases, and secondary optimization to the metrics beyond GRPs.
Impressions, share of graphic inventory, and hit counts as optimization targets.
Brand and creative-type restrictions exist today; show-specific rules do not. Release notes Q&A says 'planned'.
Rule-driven stunt wraps and hosted interstitials, and program ratings and advisory elements placed automatically before program start.