Our Scans · (ZY.4.18) Media Studies · Weekly Summary

• [New] Deepfakes have evolved from early CGI research into a global risk as generative AI has made creating synthetic media fast, inexpensive, and highly convincing. Reality Defender - Enterprise-Grade Deepfake Detection
• [New] Growing concentration of media ownership and tensions between big tech and media are threatening media pluralism across Europe, leaving media systems increasingly vulnerable. European University Institute
• [New] The proliferation of well-funded, content-rich streaming services from major media companies (e.g., Disney +, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV +) poses a clear emerging threat. Trefis
• [New] Media and entertainment is projected to expand at a 38.19% CAGR through 2031, which makes it the fastest-growing end-user segment. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] Media and entertainment is projected to grow at a 33.56% CAGR through 2031, which reflects the increasing value of subscriber-level behaviour data in streaming and digital advertising. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] Sky, which is owned by the US telecoms company Comcast, will pay £1.2bn in cash initially for ITV's media and entertainment business, which includes its free-to-air TV channels in the UK and ITVX streaming platform. The Guardian
• [New] Nike focused much of its spend through May and June on TV, increasing from 42.9% to 50% of its overall media spending - perhaps an attempt to make up for the brand awareness it might have gained, if it were a sponsor like Adidas. Digiday
• [New] The increased security policy concerns resulting from the war in Ukraine are expected to increase national expenditure for military preparedness, which includes satellite-based communication. Ovzon
• [New] The UK's proposed restrictions on VPNs and social media for under-16s could have global implications, following similar moves in Utah and raising concerns about privacy and online access. Yahoo News
• [New] Average ad spending per internet user in the social media segment nearly tripled from $15.82 in 2017 to a modeled $42.77 in 2024, and is forecast to hit $60.90 by 2030. TechnologyChecker.io
• [New] Global social media advertising spending is on track to reach $275.98 billion in 2025 and $480 billion by 2030, while the number of social media users has already passed 5.4 billion worldwide. TechnologyChecker.io
• [New] The 2026 World Cup could erode the price that Fifa can command for its media rights as YouTube and TikTok compete directly with traditional broadcasters. City AM
• [New] The technology segment is growing with an estimated CAGR of 26.1% from 2025 to 2033, owing to the increasing reliance of hardware startups and deep-tech innovators on crowdfunding to validate ideas, secure early capital, and build customer communities before mass production. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Leading Application: Secure Communication & Cybersecurity holds the largest share at over 28% in 2026, valued at more than US$ 656.8 Mn, due to the critical importance of protecting military networks from cyber threats. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Social media platforms that fail to comply risk heavy fines of $50 million. Psychiatric Times
• [New] Comcast plans to separate NBCUniversal and Sky from its mobile and broadband networks, in a move that accelerates a dramatic reshaping of the US media industry. FTI Strategic Communications
• [New] The FDA announcement comes as the WHO warns that nicotine pouches are spreading so rapidly that regulation is struggling to keep pace in many countries, and that brands are increasingly using social media, influencers, and youth-oriented marketing to promote them. Wired
• [New] Whether artificial intelligence will cause mass workforce cuts over time remains up for debate, but it is starting to leave an imprint on US employment data. Insurance Journal
• [New] As China, allied nations, and strategic competitors expand R&D investment, domestic publishing capacity, high-quality research output, and science-policy infrastructure, constraints on US-based scholarly communication could reduce US convening power and global scientific leadership. CNS Media
• [New] There could be a global shortfall of 85 million workers by 2030 if current hiring trends continue with the technology media and telecommunications sector facing some of the most severe shortages. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The number of podcast listeners is anticipated to grow to 122 million in 2026 and nearly 150 million listeners are expected to make podcasts a part of their media diet by 2027. SEC EDGAR
• [New] Global data generation is projected to exceed 220-240 zettabytes by 2026, fueled by IoT devices, social media platforms, connected applications, and enterprise digital systems. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 16 July 2026