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

• [New] With global revenues projected to surpass $3 trillion by 2026, the Media & Entertainment industry is not evolving - it is being structurally redefined. TO THE NEW
• [New] By 2026, over 85% of global media consumption will occur via connected TV, mobile-first, and hybrid OTT platforms. TO THE NEW
• [New] By 2026, generative AI in media and entertainment will shift from experimentation to operational dependency. TO THE NEW
• [New] Gerstl adds that content aggregation remains a priority, but 2026 will mark an accelerated fusion of traditional and social media experiences. IBC
• [New] In 2026, podcast teams will treat their show less like a weekly file upload and more like a reusable media product. Resilient Voice Media
• [New] TikTok will become more similar to American-owned social media applications when it comes to access to data and how it's monetized. Los Angeles Times
• [New] In the age of social media, bundling live games with content tailored to younger audiences will further strengthen fan loyalty and enhance the behavioral data that powers personalized engagement, advertising strategies, and global expansion. PwC
• [New] Creator economy ad spend was projected to reach $37 billion last year, growing four times faster than the total media industry. Digiday
• [New] Media will diversify again in 2026. D-Studio Consulting
• [New] In a recent report, the Reuters Institute foresees an abundance of existential challenges the media will be confronting over 2027, with Generative AI and personality-led news emerging as the most formidable ones. Inforrm's Blog
• [New] Change in the media industry is relentless, and 2026 promises to be another year of significant disruption and experimentation. Pugpig | The mobile publishing platform for newspapers,
• [New] The news media industry faces a critical inflection point in 2026, navigating the dual pressures of generative AI disruption and the fragmentation of audiences across increasingly diverse platforms and content creators. Pugpig | The mobile publishing platform for newspapers,
• [New] In 2026, transparent communication will emerge as the single most important driver of organizational culture. Training
• [New] The entertainment and media sector is projected to reach $2.6 trillion by 2026, driven by a growing demand for experiential leisure and social activities. INDESTROOM
• [New] Monthly active mobile AR users worldwide are expected to exceed 2 billion, driven by social media and retail use cases. Market.us Scoop
• [New] The global AI in media and entertainment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.22% during the forecast period. Polaris
• [New] In 2026, media organizations will fully grasp that AI is not primarily a tools problem, but a systems problem. media.am
• [New] Nearly four years after the launch of ChatGPT, in 2026, media experts and newsroom leaders around the world are trying to understand what new rules will shape journalism in the near future. media.am
• [New] The media success of libraries like Columbus Metropolitan Library and Los Angeles Public Library is going to drive more libraries to invest in creative storytelling. Super Library Marketing: Practical Tips and Ideas for L
• [New] Prediction: In 2026, social media will be more about connection than reach. Super Library Marketing: Practical Tips and Ideas for L
• [New] Paid media will remain an important traffic driver in 2026, but long-term success will be anchored in strong organic channels. Elite Site Optimizer
• [New] TikTok will begin to roll out new age-verification technology across the EU in the coming weeks, as calls grow for an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s in countries including the UK. The Guardian
• [New] Oxford research identified misinformation as a major threat to society and public health, with social media significantly contributing to its spread and global reach. Forbes

Last updated: 29 January 2026