TVNZ takes 15% stake in AI ad platform Youdooh to move into outdoor screens
What's the deal? New Zealand broadcaster TVNZDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has bought a 15% stake in YoudoohDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a locally built digital advertising business, as it pushes beyond broadcast and streaming. The company confirmed the purchase today, framing it as a "future-focused" investment.
What does Youdooh do? It runs a cloud-native, AI-enabled platform that places advertising on digital screens across billboards, shopping centres, airports, and bus shelters. TVNZ says the stake will connect its own digital ad products with Youdooh's screen network.
What's the endgame? TVNZ Chief Executive Jodi O'Donnell said the investment extends the broadcaster's advertising offer, giving brands "new ways to reach New Zealanders across more moments, places and screens." Co-founder Richard Pook said the backing gives Youdooh "more momentum to grow in New Zealand, Australia and beyond."
Why now? The deal follows TVNZ's push into digital under its Digital+ strategy. Last week the broadcaster posted a $16.3 million statutory profit for the 2026 financial year and 16.8% digital revenue growth, though operational earnings came to a $23.5 million loss tied to planned investments in products and platforms.
TVNZ will pay the Government a dividend of $2.2 million.
The signal: The stake marks TVNZ's attempt to hedge against a shrinking traditional advertising base by moving into out-of-home screens. Backing a New Zealand technology business with trans-Tasman ambitions lets the broadcaster expand its ad footprint without building the network itself.
Read more: 1news.co.nz
Image credit: ell brown
