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

• [New] The convergence of generative AI, virtual production, and synthetic media is creating an entirely new category of creative infrastructure that will define entertainment production for the next decade. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] In 2026, NTT DATA predicts a rise in AI-powered disinformation, with synthetic media spreading fake news or inciting unrest. Reputation Ace - Reputation Management
• [New] For media companies in the year ahead, a focus on deepening audience relationships, diversifying revenues, demonstrating value and deploying AI strategically and realistically, will be the key to success. Digital Content Next
• [New] The integration of mobile apps, intranets, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams into a unified platform will help centralize communication across different channels. Sociabble
• [New] American customers expect seamless movement between channels such as SMS, voice, chat, and social media. ProTelesis Corporation
• [New] In a new global roll-out beginning in March 2026, all new and existing users worldwide will have a teen-appropriate experience by default, with added security measures around communication, restricted access to age-gated spaces and content filtering. Silicon Republic
• [New] Spain plans under-16 social media limits and stronger age checks - Spain signalled plans to restrict social media access for under-16s and strengthen age verification requirements, reflecting growing political focus on online harms and youth protections. Digital Forensics Magazine
• [New] The Spanish government will ban social media usage for children under 16 years old, joining Australia, France, and Denmark. Everything Briefing
• [New] Just over two months ago, Australia's much-anticipated provisions governing social media platform access by under-16s came into force. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] French lawmakers have voted in favour of legislation that will ban under-15s from social media amid growing concern that children's attention is being hijacked by algorithms. Positive News
• [New] As we learned from smartphones and social media, technology adoption always outpaces etiquette - and 2026 will likely serve as the pivot point where we begin defining the communal norms for a world integrated with ubiquitous AI vision. Intelligent Living
• [New] Forrester expects retail media spending in Europe to more than double, reaching $43 billion by 2030. Forrester
• [New] Affirm and Virgin Media O2 are today announcing a new partnership that will see the transparent and flexible payment network provide upfront and honest hardware financing to O2 - one of the UK's leading mobile providers. FinExtra
• [New] Tesla AI5 should be in mass production Q2 of 2027. NextBigFuture.com
• [New] In 2026, more non-retail companies will enter the retail media space. Mirakl
• [New] As retail media matures, success in 2026 will depend less on expanding inventory and more on how effectively retailers adapt their infrastructure. Mirakl
• [New] U.S. ad spend is projected to grow 9.5% in 2026, with double digit gains expected in social media (14.6%), CTV (13.8%) and commerce media (12.1%). Digiday
• [New] More ad buyers expect to strengthen focus on using generative AI in media campaigns in 2026 (78% vs 62% in 2025) - representing the top-cited area. StreamTV Insider
• [New] In 2026, media companies will invest in data warehousing solutions that securely and intelligently provide data access to power analytics, integrations, and AI. WideOrbit
• [New] In 2026, sales teams will rely more on AI tools that use predictive modeling to build media plans that accurately forecast audience reach across platforms, identify optimal flighting patterns, and enable fluid budget allocation and optimization. WideOrbit
• [New] Rather than simply reacting, media organizations have an opportunity to take a more intentional, collaborative approach to connecting linear and digital operations, applying new technologies where they add real value, and positioning themselves to grow and compete in the coming year and beyond. WideOrbit
• [New] The need to piece together the AI tools used for media and entertainment will lead to an increase in connectivity points between recommendation engines, ad-tech, CMS, and analytics under a single layer. AI Business
• [New] In 2026, enterprises will emphasize using AI agents more, with a clearer purpose within their organizations and geopolitical locations, and clearer usage across verticals such as media and retail. AI Business

Last updated: 12 February 2026