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

• [New] Retail media is the fastest-growing digital channel, with 14.1% growth projected in 2026. AFFiNCO
• [New] With a significant increase in sales, retail media is becoming arguably the most lucrative aspect of e-commerce, with expected growth rates in the coming years. Amaano blog
• [New] [13] 78% of ad buyers plan to strengthen their focus on generative AI in media campaigns in 2026, compared to 62% in 2025. AI Video Bootcamp
• [New] Broadcasting companies are expected to see the biggest surge over the next six months, signaling that the media and content industries are on the verge of a significant AI-driven transformation. Fortune
• [New] Social media users in the UK are becoming less active on tech platforms due to the rise of video apps and fears that posts could come back to haunt them. The Guardian
• [New] In 2026 we expect commerce to play a greater role than ever, connecting across all forms of media. Digiday
• [New] In the attempt to try to prevent Iran from developing a weapon of mass destruction, the U.S. handed Iran a weapon of mass disruption. gCaptain
• [New] Britain's FCA warned last year that people were increasingly being targeted on social media by online trading scams where fraudsters offer currency trades. MarketScreener
• [New] The U.K.'s Home Office recently published a paper identifying digital currencies and AI as part of a growing fraud threat, in which victims are deceived into willingly transferring money through scams on social media platforms and messaging apps. Coingeek
• The creator economy is expected to continue expanding as digital media consumption grows globally. ACCESSWIRE Newsroom
• Opportunities are strong as Retail Media is expected to continue growing fast in spend and networks in 2026. IAB Europe
• While full standardization will not be solved in 2026, collaborative bodies like IAB Europe remain essential to building the trust and comparability required for Retail Media to unlock true brand media budgets. IAB Europe
• Europe has a unique opportunity to show how mature Retail Media can operate when creativity, technology, and partnership come together around shared objectives. IAB Europe
• 90% of the people in the [ANA] study said they worry about the lack of transparency leading to a retrofitting of media plans to fit the deals that already exist. Digiday
• YouTube's latest initiative could set a precedent for other platforms in handling AI-generated media responsibly. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• The pilot rollout underscores YouTube's commitment to mitigating the risks posed by synthetic media, which has grown increasingly sophisticated with advancements in generative AI. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• Often, social media companies will rely on a defence called Section 230 of America's Communications Act, which protects online platforms publishing third-party content. SKY
• Populist politicians across multiple continents have adopted a playbook of bypassing traditional media entirely, giving interviews to sympathetic podcasters, hosting their own YouTube channels, and using legal threats to intimidate journalists. Sophie Pomme
• Iranian state media and allied accounts are amplifying AI-generated videos and unverified claims to project resilience to international audiences. Institute for Strategic Dialogue
• The surge in IRS warning on hidden credits and deductions is directly tied to the explosion of financial content on social media. Economic Times

Last updated: 09 April 2026