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

• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] Advertising growth in the media and entertainment category is forecast to be 2.6% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026. Marketing-Interactive
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] More television, more audio and more commerce media will be transacted programmatically in 2026. Digiday
• [New] Universal standards will likely emerge in 2026 that enable any blockchain to communicate with any other blockchain through standardized interfaces, similar to how TCP/IP enables communication between different types of computer networks today. SEI Blog
• [New] The MEDIA 2026 calls represent a key strategic tool for strengthening the competitiveness, diversity and international circulation of European audiovisual content. MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo
• [New] Google's launch of its latest AI image generator, capable of photorealistic people, flawless typography, and richly detailed scenes, has intensified fears that humanity is on the cusp of being unable to distinguish real from synthetic media. Insurance Business
• [New] In a milestone shift, global retail media is expected to surpass TV advertising in 2025, rising 11.3% to $174.2 billion, even as TV spending inches up just 0.6%. Baton Rouge Business Report
• [New] More generally, age restrictions will apply to social media platforms that meet three specific conditions, unless the Australian government determines they should be excluded. SKY
• [New] The introduction of 6G networks, anticipated in 2026, is poised to bring about a major change in the wireless communication industry. Daily Host News
• The social media marketing world of 2025 will be AI-enhanced, video-centric, community-driven, and authenticity-focused. NorthPennNow
• Creator economy ad spend is projected to reach $37 billion in 2025, a 26% increase year over year and about four times faster than the media industry overall. Digiday
• Advertisers are shifting budgets quickly: creator ad spend is projected to hit $37 billion in 2025, up 26% year over year-about 4 x faster than overall media growth. hotelagio.com
• Multi-channel scams, where victims are lured from social media or text messages into encrypted chats and fraudulent payment pages, will become the dominant pattern in 2026. Trend Micro
• Central banks' communications departments consider dis / misinformation on social media their top risk for the year ahead, the Communications Benchmarks 2025 show. Central Banking
• Moving into 2026, brands need to prioritize genuine connection and storytelling, rather than blindly hopping on social media trends and chasing fleeting moments. Sprout Social

Last updated: 18 December 2025