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

• [New] The defining opportunity for 2026 is achieving unified data visibility across the media supply chain, which enables companies to understand and act on all the information behind content creation, distribution and monetization. NewscastStudio
• [New] By the end of 2026, major broadcasters will point to fully realized Dynamic Media Facilities, not as conceptual architectures, but as measurable business engines. NewscastStudio
• [New] The broadcast and media industry's ongoing technical transformation is expected to reach several inflection points in 2026. NewscastStudio
• [New] In 2026, digital and social media-driven recruitment has become more than just a trend; it's an essential strategy for engaging Gen Z candidates. Elevatus
• [New] There are so many social media marketing trends ahead going into 2026. Sprout Social
• [New] Denmark and Malaysia are among the nations expected to roll out social-media bans for teens and children as soon as 2026. Gizmodo
• [New] Given the heightened focus on social media usage amongst children and teens, it is interesting to note that six in ten 18-24 year olds - more than any other age group - say they will look to reduce their mobile screen time, while also cutting back on social media in 2026. Business Plus
• [New] Retail media is expected to grow to $190 billion in 2026. Marketplace
• [New] In 2026, digital ads will be led by retail media. Marketplace
• [New] Media companies need to rise to the experience that consumers expect. Digiday
• [New] Rapidus' first fabrication plant in Hokkaido aims to mass-produce cutting-edge two-nanometer chips by 2027, following successful prototypes in 2025. New Energy Industrial Strategy (NEIS) Newsletter
• [New] Optimus is anticipated to be the new American humanoid robot poster boy due to Tesla's AI advancements and mass-production goals. Interesting Engineering
• By 2026, interactive streaming is emerging as a core monetization strategy rather than an experiment - and a defining feature of modern media and entertainment industry trends. Avenga
• Live sports alone account for $94.7 billion by 2033, growing at a robust CAGR of 17.2% during the forecast period, reinforcing their unmatched value within the broader media industry trends ecosystem. Avenga
• By 2026, platforms that invest in predictive algorithms, interoperable identity layers, and cross-platform behavioral analytics will define the competitive benchmark across the media industry trends landscape. Avenga
• What differentiates 2026 from previous cycles is that growth now hinges on efficient monetization, meaningful viewer engagement, and the intelligent application of emerging technology trends in media and entertainment industry - particularly artificial intelligence. Avenga
• The macro trend to end all macro trends in media revenues shows no sign of slowing: in 2026, a yet greater share of ad dollars will go to digital channels, raking in 83.7% of all revenues. The Drum
• Advertising growth in the media and entertainment category is forecast to be 2.6% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026. Marketing-Interactive
• In terms of media, total advertising spend is estimated to grow 8.3% in 2025, with an additional 9.9% increase anticipated in 2026. Marketing-Interactive
• With projected speeds near 1 terabit per second and the rise of terahertz communication, real-time holograms, digital twins, and ultra-intelligent IoT networks could redefine work, communication, and global infrastructure. Tech Times
• A survey by European media agency Mediaplus of over 800 marketers found AI & automation their top priority going into 2026, well above creative effectiveness, sustainability or indeed brand-building activities. Digiday
• More television, more audio and more commerce media will be transacted programmatically in 2026. Digiday

Last updated: 25 December 2025