Department of Justice to Hold Workshop on Competition in Television and Digital Advertising

Washington, DC - The Department of Justice will hold a public workshop on May 2-3, 2019, to explore industry dynamics in media advertising and the implications for antitrust enforcement and policy, including merger enforcement. The workshop will cover the different types of television and online advertising, and it will highlight, among other developments in the industry, the role of online and mobile advertising networks.

Panelists will discuss a range of topics, including how each type of advertising may fit into an advertising campaign, how inventory is priced, the economics of advertising, developments in advertising technologies, the effects from changes in consumer behavior, and the competitive dynamics of media advertising in general, in light of the rise of digital advertising. 

Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim for the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division will open the workshop, which will bring together academics and high level executives from leading companies, including buyers and sellers of advertising inventory. The Division intends to explore the practical considerations that industry participants face and the competitive impact of technological developments such as digital and targeted advertising in media markets. The workshop will consist of a series of panels examining (1) television advertising; (2) internet and mobile advertising; (3) the competitive dynamics in media advertising; and (4) trends and predictions for advertising generally.

The Department of Justice invites comments from the public on the topics covered by this workshop. Interested parties may submit public comments online now through June 15, 2019, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The workshop is free and open to the public and will take place at the Anne K. Bingaman Auditorium and Lecture Hall, Liberty Square Building, 450 5th St. N.W., Washington, D.C., from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 2, 2019, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 3, 2019. A recording of the workshop will be available on the Division’s website.  Registration information, an agenda, directions to the event, and a list of speakers will be available in the near future on the event web page. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to register in advance for each day of the workshop at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Members of the press should also copy Jeremy Edwards in the Office of Public Affairs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on their registration email. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees should bring a valid government-issued photo ID (government badge, license, passport, etc.) and arrive in time to go through security.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. If you need such an accommodation, please contact Jeremy Edwards at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodations needed and a way to contact you if we require further information