CNN builds in-house agent infrastructure as it prepares for AI-driven media trading CNN is advancing its plans to develop an agentic infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to transition into AI-driven media trading by the first quarter of 2027. The news network, which operates under Warner Bros. Discovery, aims to finalize the scoping of agentic protocols by the end of the second quarter of 2026, according to Faisal Karmali, vice president of digital business operations at CNN International Commercial. The timeline includes testing one or two properties in the third quarter to evaluate how large language models (LLMs) interpret agentic systems, followed by an analysis of buyer behavior and budget allocation for agent-to-agent trading experiments in the fourth quarter. Karmali emphasized that the goal is to have a fully operational trading model and a new revenue stream by early 2027, with the fourth quarter focused on preparing for budget testing to ensure the system is “tried and tested” before full-scale implementation. The timeline remains flexible, as Karmali noted that agentic protocols and the broader industry landscape are still evolving. CNN’s approach combines in-house development of agentic infrastructure with partnerships involving third-party technology and trading vendors, including demand-side platforms (DSPs). While specific partner names were not disclosed, Karmali highlighted that the U.S.-based team is leading the infrastructure development, which could be adapted internationally with relative ease. The company is also collaborating with the IAB Tech Lab and its agentic roadmap framework to ensure its protocols align with industry standards and deliver consistent outcomes for buyers. CNN has been evaluating all available protocols, including AdCP, to build a robust agentic system.#cnn #warner_bros_discovery #faisal_karmali #iab_tech_lab #adcp
