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

• [New] The creator economy is expected to continue expanding as digital media consumption grows globally. ACCESSWIRE Newsroom
• [New] Opportunities are strong as Retail Media is expected to continue growing fast in spend and networks in 2026. IAB Europe
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] YouTube's latest initiative could set a precedent for other platforms in handling AI-generated media responsibly. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] Iranian state media and allied accounts are amplifying AI-generated videos and unverified claims to project resilience to international audiences. Institute for Strategic Dialogue
• [New] The surge in IRS warning on hidden credits and deductions is directly tied to the explosion of financial content on social media. Economic Times
• [New] The Tackling Antisemitism in Education Innovation Fund will support projects that address misleading information, strengthen media literacy and promote safe and respectful behaviour online to prevent antisemitism. GOV.UK
• By 2027, AI chatbots will handle 80% of all customer inquiries on social media. HyScaler
• Ultimately, social media in 2026 rewards the deliberate, and brands that favor automated shortcuts over community building risk being permanently ignored by a more selective, skeptical audience. Sprout Social
• Social Media: TikTok Shop appears set to move from novelty to necessity, and we expect platforms to enforce built-in paid partnership / commercial content offerings in short video and live shopping more aggressively. National Law Review
• Under INTERPOL coordination, law enforcement agencies will move quickly to disrupt operations at source - freezing bank accounts, shutting down communication channels and carrying out coordinated raids to bring scam networks to justice. GOV.UK
• Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually adopting advanced media technologies as investments in digital infrastructure and content delivery networks expand, creating opportunities for both local and international broadcasters to enhance content quality and distribution capabilities. openpr
• Average daily media consumption per U.S. consumer is projected to reach 13.1 hours, accounting for 40.5% of their day. SQ Magazine
• Digital media revenues are expected to surpass $1.25 trillion, exceeding 40% of total industry income. SQ Magazine
• Marketers who stay proactive, attend industry events, invest in new skills, and maintain close relationships with technology partners will be best prepared to navigate the fluid landscape of media buying in 2026 and beyond. Wisconsin Scorpions
• In 2026, the social media world will face a fundamental realignment: artificial intelligence and algorithms will automate almost every aspect of social media marketing, while users will simultaneously crave more authenticity. infludata
• Data privacy risk is reaching critical mass in 2026 as zombie privacy claims, tougher state laws, and everyday AI use converge to create significant liability for companies. Los Angeles Business Journal
• From NYX to Urban Outfitters to Primal Kitchen to Anthropologie to Levi's to Primark, savvy brands have been linking up with the social media platform to build data-driven experiences that turn Pinterest Predicts trends into real-world touchpoints. Event Marketer

Last updated: 02 April 2026