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Isba launches guidance to inform decision-making on proprietary media, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 18, 2026

Agency Management

Isba has issued guidance to help advertisers assess proprietary media, where agencies buy inventory and resell it at a markup without disclosing margins. The practice, increasingly used by major holding groups, can offer benefits such as preferential pricing and exclusive access, but raises concerns over transparency and conflicts of interest.

The guide outlines 10 steps, including upfront transparency agreements, explicit contractual approval and clear labelling of proprietary media. Advertisers are urged to seek performance proof, placement data and consider capping usage.

While the IPA welcomed improvements and fair remuneration principles, critics argue proprietary media undermines impartial advice and risks damaging client trust.

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Consumers ready for broadcast switch-off in 2030s, without a nightlight, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 18, 2026

A report by Oliver & Ohlbaum, commissioned by Sky, finds strong UK consumer support for a full broadcast switch-off in the 2030s, with limited appetite for a reduced ‘nightlight’ service of core channels. Surveys suggest many would instead move to streaming, and satellite options attract minimal interest.

The study indicates most broadband households would upgrade to connected TV if given a clear deadline, leaving around 330,000 hold-out homes by 2034. Most respondents favour funding digital inclusion over maintaining limited broadcast services.

Public service broadcasters back a managed transition to internet-delivered TV, supported by platforms such as Freely, stressing that no one should be left behind.

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Perplexity drops advertising as it warns it will hurt trust in AI, reports FT

General

Feb 18, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Perplexity has abandoned advertising, citing concerns that it could undermine user trust. The AI start-up, which tested sponsored answers in 2024, began phasing out ads late last year and now has no plans to revive them.

Executives said users must believe they are receiving the best possible answers, warning that ads risk creating doubt, even if clearly labelled and separate from responses.

While rivals including OpenAI and Google are introducing ads to monetise free users, Perplexity relies mainly on subscriptions. Valued at $18bn, it says its focus remains on accuracy rather than advertising revenue.

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Saudi Arabia’s Humain Invests $3 Billion Into Elon Musk’s XAI, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 18, 2026

Investment Rounds

Saudi-backed AI firm Humain has invested $3bn in Elon Musk’s xAI, becoming a significant minority shareholder before xAI’s recent acquisition by SpaceX. Its stake will convert into SpaceX shares following the $1.25tn merger.

The deal strengthens ties between Musk and Saudi Arabia, with plans to build a 500 megawatt data centre in the kingdom.

Humain, launched in 2025 with backing from the Public Investment Fund, is investing heavily in AI to diversify the economy, including backing Luma AI and partnering with AMD and Cisco on data centre projects.

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German court orders X to grant data access for Hungary election research, reports Reuters

General

Feb 18, 2026

Responsible Media

A German appeals court has ordered X to grant vetted researchers access to public data linked to Hungary’s April 12 election, including post reach and engagement. The ruling takes immediate effect and cannot be appealed.

The decision is seen as a landmark in enforcing the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires major platforms to share data for research into risks such as disinformation and election interference.

The court said German courts had jurisdiction where local researchers were denied data. NGOs hailed the move as a precedent strengthening digital transparency across the EU.

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Meta's Zuckerberg faces questioning at youth addiction trial, reports Reuters

General

Feb 18, 2026

Advertising To Children

Mark Zuckerberg is due to testify in a Los Angeles jury trial over claims Instagram harmed young users’ mental health. The case centres on a woman who says Instagram and YouTube fuelled her depression and suicidal thoughts, and seeks damages from Meta and Google.

The lawsuit forms part of a wider backlash against social media’s impact on children, with several countries introducing or considering age restrictions.

Meta denies wrongdoing, citing safety features and research disputing harm. Internal documents showing awareness of risks are expected to be examined, in a case seen as a test for thousands of similar claims.

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California builds AI oversight unit and presses on xAI investigation, reports Reuters

General

Feb 18, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is creating an AI accountability programme as his office investigates Elon Musk’s xAI over non-consensual sexual images generated by its Grok chatbot. A cease-and-desist letter was sent last month, and officials are seeking assurances the conduct has stopped.

Bonta said xAI deflected responsibility and still allows some sexualised content for paying users. He warned companies cannot avoid consequences by halting future behaviour.

California is expanding its AI oversight amid calls for federal control. Lawmakers are considering a bill to formalise the programme, while scrutiny of OpenAI and other firms continues.

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Taboola Taps Ex-Amazon Exec Krishan Bhatia as its first Chief Business Officer, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 18, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Taboola has appointed Krishan Bhatia as its first chief business officer, tasking him with driving global revenue through sales and partnerships. He joins from Amazon, where he expanded Prime Video’s advertising and live sports business, and previously helped grow Peacock at NBCUniversal.

His arrival comes as Taboola pushes beyond native ads into AI and performance products, including DeeperDive, Realize and a connected TV partnership with Paramount. Shares are down 15% over the past year.

Bhatia will focus on scaling new products, attracting mid-market and enterprise advertisers, and building broader industry partnerships as Taboola seeks faster growth.

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CMOs are adopting AI more slowly than it’s evolving, reports Digiday

General

Feb 18, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

AI adoption in advertising is accelerating technologically, but marketers remain cautious. Most brands use AI mainly for insights, optimisation and creative support, while humans retain control over strategy, budgets and final decisions. Even advanced tools are typically confined to limited tasks rather than full autonomy.

Concerns centre on governance, transparency and liability. Fragmented data, opaque supply chains and black-box systems make it risky to hand over spending authority, especially in complex programmatic markets already reliant on automation.

Executives argue AI’s greatest value currently lies in efficiency gains, not wholesale transformation. Structural industry issues, rather than technical limits, continue to slow full-scale delegation to AI.

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Google Search Console AI-powered configuration rolling out, reports Search Engine Land

General

Feb 17, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Google has rolled out its AI-powered configuration tool in Search Console to all users, after testing it for over two months. The feature allows users to ask questions in natural language and automatically configures Performance reports based on their request.

The tool selects relevant metrics, applies filters such as query or device, and sets up comparisons, including custom date ranges. It is currently limited to Search results Performance reports.

While responses may not always be perfect, the feature aims to simplify analysis and help users uncover new insights more efficiently.

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Meta adds Manus AI tools into Ads Manager, reports Search Engine Land

General

Feb 17, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is integrating its newly acquired Manus AI technology into Ads Manager, offering advertisers automated tools for reporting, research and campaign optimisation. Some users are already seeing prompts to activate Manus within their workflow, signalling a broader rollout.

Manus functions as an in-platform assistant, helping build reports and analyse audiences. The move reflects Meta’s effort to link heavy AI investment directly to measurable advertising performance.

Under pressure to prove returns on AI spending, Meta is embedding automation across its ad ecosystem. Early adopters may benefit from efficiency gains and improved campaign results.

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TikTok launches AI-powered ad options for entertainment marketers, reports Search Engine Land

General

Feb 17, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

TikTok has launched new AI-powered advertising tools in Europe aimed at entertainment marketers. The formats include Streaming Ads, which personalise content for users based on engagement signals, and New Title Launch ads targeting high-intent audiences using data such as genre preferences and price sensitivity.

The move coincides with the Berlinale Film Festival and reflects TikTok’s growing influence on viewing habits, with millions of daily film and TV posts and strong links to box office success.

The company says the tools help convert cultural buzz into subscriptions, ticket sales and increased viewership through more precise targeting.

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Spain to Probe X, Meta, TikTok Over AI Images, reports WSJ

General

Feb 17, 2026

Responsible Media

Spain’s government has asked prosecutors to investigate X, Meta and TikTok over potential crimes against minors linked to AI-generated nude images. A minister said around three million such images, including of minors, appeared online within two weeks.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused platforms of undermining children’s mental health and rights. Companies said they prohibit child sexual exploitation and non-consensual imagery, citing safeguards and removal policies.

The move follows wider European scrutiny of AI tools, including investigations into X’s Grok, and Spain’s plans to introduce age-verification and potentially ban under-16s from social media.

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Warner Reopens Talks With Paramount After Sweetened Offer, reports WSJ

M&A

Feb 17, 2026

Warner Bros. Discovery will reopen talks with Paramount after it informally indicated it could raise its offer to at least $31 a share, escalating a takeover battle with Netflix. Paramount’s $77.9 billion bid now includes covering Netflix’s $2.8 billion break fee and a quarterly “ticking fee”.

Netflix, which has a signed $72 billion deal for Warner’s studios and HBO Max, has granted a seven-day waiver for talks and retains the right to match any rival bid.

Warner still favours Netflix’s offer, citing regulatory certainty, while shareholders and regulators scrutinise both proposals.

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Snapchat launches creator subscriptions in the US, reports TechCrunch

General

Feb 17, 2026

Influencer Marketing

Snapchat is launching creator subscriptions in alpha in the US from 23 February, allowing users to pay for exclusive content from selected creators. Subscribers will gain access to premium posts, priority replies and ad-free viewing of a creator’s Stories. Creators can set their own monthly prices, with Snap suggesting tier options.

The move adds to Snapchat’s existing monetisation tools, including its Unified Monetization Program and Snap Star Collab Studio.

Snapchat reported 946 million monthly active users in Q4 2025 and plans to expand subscriptions to Canada, the UK and France soon. Rival Meta offers similar features on Instagram and Facebook.

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Ad Net Zero’s Young Leaders publish guide to implementing sustainability into everyday business, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 17, 2026

Carbon Emissions

Ad Net Zero has released recommendations from its Young Leaders Group to embed sustainability into everyday business strategy. The proposals respond to IPA research highlighting climate anxiety among advertising professionals and low confidence in raising environmental concerns at work.

Four actions are outlined: making climate literacy a core skill through training; introducing reverse mentoring to connect senior leaders with emerging talent; encouraging open, regular discussion of sustainability; and integrating environmental metrics into KPIs and appraisals.

Developed by over 40 industry professionals, the recommendations aim to drive accountability, reduce greenwashing and align environmental responsibility with business performance.

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EU privacy watchdog opens probe into Elon Musk’s X over sexualised AI images, reports FT

General

Feb 17, 2026

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has opened a large-scale inquiry into Elon Musk’s X over AI-generated non-consensual sexual images created by its Grok chatbot. The probe will assess whether X breached GDPR rules in processing EU users’ data when generating and publishing harmful content.

The investigation follows global scrutiny after thousands of sexualised deepfakes, including of women and children, were produced using Grok. Authorities in the UK and France have also launched inquiries, while the EU is examining the issue under the Digital Services Act.

X says it has introduced safeguards and denies wrongdoing, calling some actions politically motivated.

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India Is Discussing Age-Based Social Media Curbs, Minister Says, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 17, 2026

Advertising To Children

India’s federal government is in discussions with technology companies about possible age-based restrictions on social media, Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, marking its first formal comments on the issue.

The move reflects growing national concern over teenagers’ unrestricted access to online platforms. The government’s recent annual economic survey highlighted social media use among adolescents as a key area of worry.

Several state leaders have also been exploring measures to limit access by age in recent months, signalling rising political momentum for tighter controls.

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Google Ads tool is automatically re-enabling paused keywords, reports Search Engine Land

General

Feb 16, 2026

Some advertisers report that Google Ads may be automatically re-enabling paused keywords through its “Low activity system bulk changes” tool. Activity logs show automated updates turning previously paused keywords live, a function historically linked to pausing inactive items rather than reactivating them.

Google has not clarified whether this behaviour is intentional, experimental or a bug, nor what triggers it or how widely it is being applied.

The issue could disrupt budgets and performance in tightly managed accounts. Advertisers are advised to monitor change histories closely and quickly undo any unintended activations until further guidance is provided.

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Apple takes on YouTube and Spotify with new video podcasting push, reports CNBC

General

Feb 16, 2026

Apple will introduce an integrated video experience to Apple Podcasts this spring, reflecting rising demand for video podcasts. Around 37% of people over 12 watch video podcasts monthly, and rivals including Spotify, YouTube and Netflix have expanded their offerings.

Users will be able to switch between audio and video within one feed, use picture-in-picture and download episodes. The update adds support for Apple’s HLS streaming, enabling adaptive playback and dynamic video ad insertion.

Apple will not charge creators to distribute content but will take an impression-based fee from ad networks. Several hosting partners will support the new format.

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ByteDance pledges to prevent unauthorised IP use on AI video tool after Disney threat, reports Reuters

General

Feb 16, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

ByteDance said it will strengthen safeguards to prevent unauthorised use of intellectual property on its AI video generator Seedance 2.0, after threats of legal action from US studios. The tool has gone viral for creating cinematic videos from simple prompts.

Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter alleging Seedance used copyrighted characters from franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel without permission, creating derivative works featuring characters including Spider-Man and Darth Vader.

Paramount Skydance has also issued a legal warning. ByteDance did not detail its measures but said it is working to prevent misuse of intellectual property and likenesses.

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UK to tighten online safety laws to include AI chatbots, reports FT

General

Feb 15, 2026

Responsible Media

Sir Keir Starmer has warned Elon Musk and other tech leaders that no platform will escape UK rules on illegal content, after xAI’s Grok chatbot was used to create sexualised deepfakes. The government plans to amend legislation to bring AI chatbots fully within the Online Safety Act.

Ministers want powers to act quickly, including requiring chatbot operators to protect users from illegal material. Ofcom can already fine companies up to £18mn or 10 per cent of global turnover.

The government is also consulting on banning under-16s from social media and may restrict minors’ use of VPNs to prevent evasion of safeguards.

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Warner Bros. Weighs Reopening Sale Negotiations With Paramount, reports Bloomberg

M&A

Feb 15, 2026

Warner Bros Discovery is considering reopening talks with Paramount Skydance after receiving an amended hostile offer. Board members are assessing whether Paramount could deliver a superior deal, potentially triggering a renewed bidding war with Netflix, though Warner Bros still has a binding agreement with the streamer.

Paramount has offered to cover Warner Bros’ $2.8bn break fee to Netflix, backstop debt refinancing and compensate shareholders if closing is delayed, while maintaining its $30-a-share bid.

Both Paramount and Netflix have indicated willingness to raise offers, as some shareholders urge greater engagement despite limited shares tendered so far.

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China’s ByteDance releases Doubao 2.0 AI model for agent era, reports Reuters

General

Feb 14, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

ByteDance has launched Doubao 2.0, an upgraded version of China’s most-used AI chatbot, ahead of the Lunar New Year. The move is seen as a pre-emptive strike against rivals, particularly DeepSeek, whose rapid rise last year surprised global markets.

Positioned for the emerging “agent era”, Doubao 2.0’s pro version offers advanced reasoning and multi-step task capabilities, which ByteDance claims rival leading US models at significantly lower cost.

Doubao has 155 million weekly active users, but faces mounting pressure from Alibaba’s Qwen app, which recently boosted usage through a large-scale promotional campaign.

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Warner Bros Discovery sees activist Sachem Head increase stake in Q4, reports Reuters

M&A

Feb 14, 2026

Warner Bros. Discovery has drawn interest from activist investor Sachem Head Capital Management after agreeing to sell its streaming and studios business to Netflix. The hedge fund more than doubled its stake to nearly 8 million shares in the fourth quarter, making it one of its top US holdings.

The move comes as Paramount Skydance pursues a hostile bid for Warner, recently increasing pressure and hinting at a potential board fight.

Sachem Head also disclosed new investments in EchoStar, Carvana and Live Nation. Such filings, though backward-looking, are closely watched by investors for market signals.

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Roku Earnings For CY 2025 Show +15.2% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +168.3% YoY

+ 15% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 13, 2026

AdExchanger reports:

Roku believes generative AI will lower content production costs, boosting viewing time and engagement, which in turn increases advertising revenue. Platform revenue rose 18% to $4.1bn last year, with streaming hours up 15% and The Roku Channel ranking as the second most popular free ad-supported app.

The company is using AI to enhance recommendations, home screen layouts, content descriptions and voice search, with sports content seen as an early opportunity for scalable AI-generated clips.

Roku also views AI as a major advertising tailwind, enabling easier video creation and attracting more small and medium-sized businesses without harming margins.

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Pinterest Earnings For CY 2025 Show +15.8% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -77.6% YoY

+ 16% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 13, 2026

CNBC reports:

Pinterest shares fell nearly 17% after fourth-quarter results missed expectations, with revenue of $1.32bn and net income down 85% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA and first-quarter guidance also came in below forecasts, reflecting weaker performance.

Chief executive Bill Ready cited tariff-related shocks and reduced advertising spend from large retailers. The company is cutting up to 15% of its workforce and office space while reallocating resources towards AI products.

Analysts downgraded the stock, warning of continued macro pressures. However, Pinterest reported record monthly active users of 619m, with particularly strong growth among Gen Z.

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Sky’s new bundle and the launch of HBO Max set to shake up UK streaming, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 13, 2026

Warner Bros Discovery will launch HBO Max in the UK and Ireland on 26 March with five pricing options, including ad-supported tiers and a TNT Sports add-on. Its arrival follows the end of a Sky Atlantic carriage deal and brings the service to a competitive market.

Days later, Sky unveiled a £24 monthly bundle combining Sky, HBO Max with ads, Disney+ with ads and Netflix, with Hayu joining in July. The move signals deeper collaboration between major streamers.

Industry analysts say bundling reflects slowing subscriber growth and rising churn, with companies favouring retention and ad-supported models over further price increases.

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Disney sends cease and desist letter to ByteDance over Seedance 2.0, reports Axios

General

Feb 13, 2026

Disney has sent a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, accusing it of using copyrighted characters to train and power its new Seedance 2.0 AI video model without permission. The studio alleges willful infringement involving franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel.

The letter claims Seedance enables users to create and distribute videos featuring characters including Spider-Man and Darth Vader, amounting to large-scale piracy. Hollywood bodies have also condemned ByteDance’s actions and urged authorities to intervene.

Disney has previously taken legal action against other AI firms, while signalling it is open to licensed partnerships, including a recent deal and investment agreement with OpenAI.

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Google warns EU against erecting walls in tech sovereignty push, reports FT

General

Feb 13, 2026

Google’s chief legal officer Kent Walker has warned that Europe risks harming its competitiveness by restricting access to foreign technology in pursuit of digital sovereignty. He argued that limiting use of leading technologies could be counter-productive as the EU seeks economic growth.

The EU is preparing a tech sovereignty package to boost independent cloud and software capabilities, amid fears of US tech dominance and geopolitical tensions. Walker urged an “open digital sovereignty” model, combining local control with access to global innovation.

He cautioned that regulatory fragmentation could stifle innovation, while expressing optimism about resolving ongoing EU investigations under the Digital Markets Act.

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Dentsu to appoint Takeshi Sano as its new global CEO, reports Campaign

General

Feb 13, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Dentsu Group has announced that president and global CEO Hiroshi Igarashi will step down next month, to be succeeded by Takeshi Sano from March 27, 2026, subject to shareholder approval. The leadership change comes just before the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year results.

Sano, currently CEO of Dentsu Japan and deputy global COO, has held senior roles in business transformation and digital growth. His appointment signals a focus on accelerating transformation, AI-led innovation and strengthening Dentsu’s competitiveness.

Igarashi departs after four decades at the company. The reshuffle follows stalled efforts to sell Dentsu’s international business.

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Mustafa Suleyman plots AI self-sufficiency as Microsoft loosens OpenAI ties, reports FT

General

Feb 12, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft is seeking “true self-sufficiency” in artificial intelligence by building its own frontier foundation models and reducing reliance on OpenAI, according to AI chief Mustafa Suleyman. The shift follows a restructuring of its partnership with OpenAI, despite retaining access to its models until 2032.

The company is investing heavily in data, talent and infrastructure, forecasting $140bn in capital expenditure this year. Microsoft aims to develop “professional grade AGI” to automate white-collar work and strengthen its enterprise offering.

Suleyman also highlighted ambitions in healthcare and stressed that future systems must remain under human control, amid competition and investor concerns over AI spending.

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Comcast-owned Sky's $2.2 billion ITV deal talks have slowed, sources say, reports Reuters

M&A

Feb 12, 2026

Talks between Comcast-owned Sky and ITV over a £1.6 billion sale of ITV’s broadcast channels and ITVX streaming platform have slowed in recent weeks, sources said. The deal aims to create a top-three UK streamer to rival global platforms.

Negotiations have been complicated by the separation of ITV’s Studios arm and difficulties valuing the broadcast business. Broader industry disruption, including bids for Warner Bros Discovery, has also weighed on discussions.

Economic uncertainty and investor caution towards traditional broadcasters are additional factors, though talks continue and a deal is still hoped for.

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TikTok’s Chinese Parent Has an App to Replace Hollywood, reports WSJ

General

Feb 12, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

ByteDance has unveiled Seedance 2.0, an AI model that creates short, story-driven videos from text prompts, positioning the TikTok owner as a rival to OpenAI and Google. Available on CapCut and its Chinese version, the tool generates up to 15-second clips with voiceovers and scene changes, drawing strong interest in China.

The launch has sparked copyright and privacy concerns in Hollywood and among creators, including claims of unauthorised use of likenesses. ByteDance says it respects intellectual property and has suspended some features.

Amid US chip restrictions, the company is expanding overseas data capacity to support its growing AI ambitions.

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Google Says Deep Think AI Can Partner on Advanced Math, Science, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 12, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Alphabet has updated its Gemini 3 Deep Think AI model to improve performance in maths and scientific research. Developed with researchers, it aims to bridge theoretical reasoning and practical application, while using Google Search to reduce inaccuracies and incorrect citations.

The model supports work in chemistry, computer science and physics, and forms part of a broader push by AI developers to tackle complex coding and research tasks.

Google also introduced Aletheia, a maths research agent that can work autonomously or with humans and admit failure to improve efficiency. The tools are available to select researchers and AI Ultra subscribers.

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Portugal approves restrictions on social media access for children, reports Reuters

General

Feb 12, 2026

Advertising To Children

Portugal’s parliament has approved, at first reading, a bill requiring explicit parental consent for children aged 13 to 16 to access social media. Lawmakers say the measure aims to protect minors from cyberbullying, harmful content and online predators.

Parents would grant permission through the Digital Mobile Key system, which would also help enforce the existing ban on under-13s using social media, video-sharing platforms and online betting sites.

The proposal may still be amended before a final vote and follows similar moves in France and Australia to tighten youth access to social media.

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IAB Releases Direct Buy Addendum to Terms and Conditions for Public Comment

General

Feb 12, 2026

The Interactive Advertising Bureau has released a Direct Buy Addendum v1.0 and updated its General Terms and Order-Specific Terms as part of efforts to modernise digital advertising contracts. The modular framework, open for public comment until 31 March 2026, aims to streamline direct buy agreements and reduce legal friction.

Designed for voluntary use, the new terms seek to replace bespoke addenda with standardised language reflecting current market practices. The framework allows flexible adoption and builds on terms finalised in 2025.

Developed with input from over 200 member companies, the initiative aims to improve efficiency, transparency and trust across the media-buying ecosystem.

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Google targeted by EU over online ad price practices unfair to advertisers, reports Reuters

General

Feb 12, 2026

Google faces potential new EU antitrust scrutiny over concerns it may be unfairly inflating online advertising prices. In a letter to advertisers, the European Commission highlighted worries about Google Search ad auctions, particularly whether clearing prices are being artificially increased to advertisers’ detriment.

The Commission has not launched a formal investigation but is seeking feedback by March 2. Google said its real-time auctions prioritise relevance, competition and ad quality, helping businesses compete and keeping the web accessible.

The move adds to existing EU probes and echoes US Justice Department claims that Google manipulated auction systems to boost revenues.

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Amazon launches agentic Creative Agent tool in UK, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 12, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon has launched its AI-powered Creative Agent in the UK, France, Germany and Spain, offering advertisers a free conversational tool to research audiences, develop ideas and produce video and display ads for Amazon properties including Prime Video and Twitch. It builds on Amazon’s earlier AI Video Generator and uses retail data to create campaigns quickly.

Creative assets can only be used within Amazon’s platforms. The tool aims to lower costs and widen access to high-quality creative, appealing to both SMEs and major brands.

Amazon declined to disclose the tool’s energy usage, citing broader sustainability commitments, and said monetisation is not currently planned.

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Apple faces new tensions with Trump administration, reports FT

General

Feb 12, 2026

News Publishing

The Federal Trade Commission has warned Apple not to suppress conservative content on its Apple News platform, amid rising tensions with the Trump administration. FTC chair Andrew Ferguson cited a report alleging bias towards “leftist outlets” and urged Apple to review its terms of service to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws.

FCC chair Brendan Carr backed the move, while President Trump amplified criticism of Apple and its chief executive Tim Cook. Apple has not commented.

The dispute follows broader clashes between Trump and Big Tech, alongside political controversy surrounding Apple’s recent public appearances and sponsorships.

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Retargeting Has Found Its Way to the Chatbots, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 12, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

As answer engine advertising emerges, familiar digital tactics are reappearing in chatbot form. GEO firm Evertune has expanded Partner Connect to enable retargeting of users after they leave AI chat sessions, in partnership with The Trade Desk and Index Exchange. Brands can serve ads on websites users visit post-chat, targeting high-intent audiences.

Currently, targeting is contextual, based on probabilistic analysis of cited pages. A forthcoming update will allow query-based retargeting using referral data.

The development signals that advertising in AI environments may resemble existing digital models rather than reinvent them.

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OpenAI details how ads will work in ChatGPT, reports Search Engine Land

General

Feb 11, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI’s Assad Awan says ads in ChatGPT will appear only to Free and Go users, while Plus, Pro and Enterprise tiers remain ad-free. Ads will be clearly separated from responses, with no sharing of conversations, no ads in sensitive topics and user controls over personalisation.

Awan stressed that user trust takes priority over advertiser value and revenue. The model cannot see or reference ads unless users ask about them.

OpenAI envisions AI helping small businesses run campaigns through simple prompts. Early tests will prioritise relevance and usefulness as the company refines formats and placements.

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Omnicom consolidates PR agencies following IPG merger, reports Axios

General

Feb 11, 2026

Agency Management

Omnicom has merged Porter Novelli into FleishmanHillard and combined Ketchum with Golin following its tie-up with IPG, signalling further consolidation in the agency sector. The move mirrors rivals such as WPP and reflects mounting economic pressure, evolving client demands and disruption from AI.

FleishmanHillard and the new Golin-Ketchum entity will operate under new leadership, while Weber Shandwick, MMC and Omnicom’s public affairs firms remain unchanged. No broad staffing cuts were announced, though job losses may follow.

The restructuring must reassure investors that the merger will drive profits. Omnicom has delayed its upcoming earnings call.

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Elon Musk Restructures xAI’s Divisions After Co-Founders Depart, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 11, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Elon Musk has reorganised xAI after the departure of two co-founders, Jimmy Ba and Tony Wu, along with other staff. In an all-hands meeting posted on X, Musk said the company would now focus on four core areas: Grok’s chatbot and voice, coding, the Imagine video product and Macrohard, which aims to create digital agents to run companies.

Musk stressed speed and acceleration as key to leadership and thanked departing employees. Since its 2023 launch, six of xAI’s original co-founders have left.

The changes follow xAI’s merger with SpaceX, valuing the combined group at $1.25 trillion and potentially easing funding pressures.

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Activist Investor Pushes Warner to Walk Away From Netflix Deal, reports WSJ

M&A

Feb 11, 2026

Activist investor Ancora Holdings has built a roughly $200 million stake in Warner Bros. Discovery and is opposing its $72 billion deal to sell its studios and HBO Max to Netflix. Ancora argues Warner failed to properly engage with Paramount Skydance’s rival $30-a-share all-cash bid for the entire company.

Ancora has warned it may launch a proxy fight if the board does not negotiate with Paramount, which recently sweetened its hostile offer with a ticking fee and agreement to cover Netflix’s termination fee. A shareholder vote is expected next month.

Warner backs the Netflix deal as offering greater certainty and cleaner regulatory approval.

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Instagram Boss to Defend Platform Its Researcher Called a Drug, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 11, 2026

Responsible Media

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri is set to testify in a landmark Los Angeles trial in which a 20-year-old woman blames Instagram and YouTube for years of mental health struggles. The case is seen as a test for thousands of similar lawsuits seeking billions in damages.

Plaintiff lawyers plan to question Mosseri over internal messages describing Instagram as “a drug” and raising concerns about its impact on teens’ brains and dopamine responses. The woman’s lawyer says she felt trapped, sometimes scrolling for over 16 hours a day.

Mosseri has defended Instagram as supportive for teens and highlighted recent safety measures, including restricted teen accounts. Meta and Google deny wrongdoing.

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Google Pushes AI Shopping Features in Search and Gemini Chatbot, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 11, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Google is introducing new ways for consumers to shop directly within its AI-powered Search and Gemini chatbot, aiming to monetise AI usage. New ad formats in AI Mode will allow retailers to sell products, while features such as Direct Offers enable brands to promote discounts.

Users can now purchase items from retailers including Etsy and Wayfair within Gemini. Google is also integrating AI agents into shopping, partnering with Shopify, Target and Walmart to streamline checkout.

The move follows similar efforts by OpenAI, but has drawn scrutiny from US lawmakers over privacy and potential consumer harm.

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Criteo Earnings For CY 2025 Show +0.6% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +30.2% YoY

+ 1% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 11, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

AdExchanger reports:

Criteo’s shares fell after it reported lower Q4 2025 revenue, a reduced take rate and net profit of $46 million, down from $72 million. A $75 million forecast shortfall, largely from Uber Eats and Target’s Roundel cutting spend, has weighed on outlook, despite claims the core business is growing modestly.

The company is pursuing AI initiatives, including LLM-powered product recommendations, though monetisation remains unclear and is not yet reflected in forecasts.

Criteo is also expanding into CTV and social, but these channels carry lower take rates, pressuring profitability in the near term.

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TikTok is tracking you, even if you don't use the app, reports BBC

General

Feb 10, 2026

TikTok is expanding its data collection through updates to its tracking “pixel”, which gathers information about users’ activity across other websites, even if they do not use the app. Investigations found sensitive data, including health-related details, being shared with TikTok via embedded trackers.

The changes follow the sale of TikTok’s US operations and include a new advertising network enabling tracking beyond the app. Privacy experts say the updated pixel is unusually invasive, though TikTok argues websites control what data is shared and users have privacy options.

Experts recommend using privacy-focused browsers or tracker-blocking extensions, while calling for stronger regulation.

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Google expands tools to let users remove sensitive data about themselves from Search, reports TechCrunch

General

Feb 10, 2026

Responsible Media

To mark Safer Internet Day, Google has expanded its “Results about you” tool to allow users to request removal of Search results containing sensitive data such as passport, driver’s licence and Social Security numbers. The tool monitors results and alerts users if their information appears, though removal from Search does not erase content from the wider web.

Google has also simplified the process for removing non-consensual explicit images. Users can now report multiple images at once and track requests in one place.

An additional safeguard lets users opt in to proactive filtering of similar explicit results.

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Instagram, YouTube Called Addiction Machines at Landmark Trial, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2026

Responsible Media

A 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley briefly appeared before a Los Angeles jury in a landmark trial against Meta and Google, alleging Instagram and YouTube were designed to addict children. Her lawyer argued the platforms exploited brain science to hook young users, likening them to “slot machines”.

Meta’s defence said Kaley’s psychological distress stemmed from family issues and bullying, not social media, and noted she still uses the apps. Google also denies wrongdoing.

The case is a test for thousands of similar lawsuits and could lead to major financial settlements and changes to youth social media use.

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Meta Ran Thousands of TV Ads Ahead of Teen Addiction Trial, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2026

Responsible Media

Meta has aired thousands of television adverts promoting its teen safety features ahead of a landmark Los Angeles trial over claims it designed products to addict children. The commercials, highlighting Instagram’s teen accounts, have run more than 3,500 times since November across major US networks.

The campaign resumed this week as the trial began, with Meta and YouTube accused of exploiting behavioural science to keep young users scrolling. Meta says teen accounts reduce harmful content and unwanted contact.

Critics argue the advertising is an attempt to influence public opinion and potential jurors before proceedings that could shape thousands of similar lawsuits.

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Google secures EU antitrust approval for $32 billion Wiz acquisition, reports Reuters

M&A

Feb 10, 2026

Alphabet’s Google has secured unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz, marking its largest deal to date.

The European Commission said the transaction would not raise competition concerns, noting that Google remains behind Amazon and Microsoft in cloud infrastructure and that customers will retain credible alternatives.

Regulators also concluded that any data obtained through the deal would not be commercially sensitive or restrict other security providers, despite heightened scrutiny of major tech acquisitions in recent years.

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Paramount sweetens WBD bid, but stops short of raising its per-share value, reports CNBC

M&A

Feb 10, 2026

Paramount Skydance has sweetened its hostile $30-per-share all-cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery by adding a “ticking fee” to compensate shareholders for regulatory delays.

The fee would pay 25 cents per share per quarter after the end of 2026, while Paramount also offered to cover a $2.8bn Netflix termination fee and remove $1.5bn of refinancing costs.

Paramount says the revised, fully financed offer provides greater certainty than Netflix’s rival bid, and will continue to press shareholders if WBD’s board refuses to engage.

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Publishers are turning to AI-powered mathmen, reports Digiday

General

Feb 10, 2026

News Publishing

Advertisers have long avoided news content over brand safety fears, often relying on blunt blocklists that divert spend to walled gardens. Publishers and ad tech challengers now argue news has been over-blocked, inflating prices elsewhere and limiting reach, and are promoting context-aware measurement to unlock misclassified inventory.

Initiatives such as the IAB’s Project Eidos aim to modernise measurement, with growing calls to assess news on ROI rather than last-click attribution, which disadvantages traditional publishers.

However, agency risk-aversion, rebate dynamics and rising competition from platforms such as ChatGPT ads mean reallocating budgets will remain challenging.

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Spotify Earnings For CY 2025 Show +9.7% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +94.4% YoY

+ 10% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 10, 2026

Audio Advertising

WSJ reports:

Spotify grew monthly active users 11% year on year to 751 million in the fourth quarter, while premium subscribers rose 10% to 290 million, both ahead of guidance. Net income reached €1.17 billion, up sharply from a year earlier, with full-year profit rising 86% to €2.2 billion on revenue of €17.19 billion.

Growth was supported by global audiobook expansion and features such as following music venues. More than 300 million users engaged with Spotify Wrapped.

For the current quarter, Spotify expects further user and subscriber growth, revenue of €4.5 billion and a 32.8% gross margin.

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WhatsApp wins right to challenge €225mn EU privacy fine, reports FT

General

Feb 10, 2026

WhatsApp has won the right to challenge a €225 million fine imposed by Ireland’s data regulator, after Europe’s top court overturned an earlier ruling.

The penalty, issued in 2021, related to failures to clearly explain how user data was shared with Facebook, following a GDPR investigation launched in 2018.

The European Court of Justice has sent the case back to a lower court to rule on the substance of the claims. The decision is part of wider legal pushback by US tech firms against EU digital regulation.

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Australia Ramps Up Roblox Pressure Over Child-Grooming Reports, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2026

Responsible Media

Australia’s government has summoned Roblox executives to explain allegations that very young children have been sexually groomed on the gaming platform.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the company must account for the claims, and asked the eSafety Commissioner to explore further regulatory options. Roblox says it has strong safeguards and is continually improving protections.

The move could lead to tighter controls, as Australia intensifies scrutiny of online safety for children. Regulators will test Roblox’s compliance with its safety commitments, with potential penalties of up to A$49.5 million.

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Social Media Giants Lose Last Bid to Avoid Trials With Schools, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2026

Responsible Media

Major social media companies, including Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap, have failed to block lawsuits from US school districts alleging harm to students’ mental health and disruption to education.

A federal judge rejected efforts to dismiss claims similar to those brought by more than 1,000 districts, and plans to hold the first jury trial later this year.

Judges said districts plausibly linked features such as Snapchat streaks and Instagram filters to specific harms. Claims could total nearly $500bn, while related personal injury cases are also reaching trial.

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Apple, Google Offer App Store Changes to Allay CMA’s Concerns, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2026

Apple and Google have agreed to changes to their app stores to improve fairness for developers and consumers, following discussions with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.

The voluntary commitments cover data collection, app ranking and interoperability, and aim to give developers fairer terms and enable greater competition, including with Apple’s digital wallet.

The assurances mark the first under the UK’s new digital markets regime. Designated as holding strategic market status, both firms will implement the changes from April, as the CMA continues monitoring competition in mobile ecosystems.

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Google hit by European publishers' complaint to EU over its AI Overviews, reports Reuters

General

Feb 10, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

The European Publishers Council has filed an EU antitrust complaint against Google over its AI-generated search summaries, known as AI Overviews.

Publishers argue Google is using its dominance in search to take journalistic content without consent or fair compensation, undermining the economic model of the open web. The EPC said publishers lack realistic ways to protect their content.

The complaint could reinforce an ongoing European Commission investigation into whether Google is abusing its market power by imposing unfair conditions on publishers.

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India Cracks Down on AI-Generated Content on Social Media, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 10, 2026

Responsible Media

India has tightened social media rules, focusing on AI-generated and manipulated content, according to amendments published by the government.

Platforms must comply with official takedown orders within three hours, clearly label AI content, and prevent users from posting unlawful material. Firms enabling synthetic content must also ensure compliance with Indian law and regularly warn users about penalties.

The changes follow complaints over sexualised AI images, including of minors, and form part of a broader push by the Modi government to exert greater control over online platforms.

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S4 Capital builds subscription model for the AI age, reports Digiday

General

Feb 10, 2026

Agency Management

Agencies are adopting subscription-style models as AI reshapes how marketing work is produced and priced. At S4 Capital’s Monks, subscriptions bundle senior talent, AI workflows and knowledge for a recurring fee, replacing hourly billing.

The model allows output to increase as AI improves, without renegotiating contracts, while absorbing setup and compute costs that clients prefer not to see as pass-throughs.

Subscriptions remain a transition from billable hours, reflecting systems rather than time. Success depends on managing volatile AI costs, client acceptance and gradually unwinding legacy contracts.

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YouTube’s upmarket TV push still runs on mid-funnel DNA, reports Digiday

General

Feb 10, 2026

YouTube is pushing harder for TV budgets while protecting its performance credentials, with Google sales teams increasingly pitching it as a mid-funnel rival to Meta rather than a pure brand channel.

The strategy leans on YouTube Shorts, Demand Gen campaigns and new measurement tools that better credit view-through conversions, helping justify spend across the funnel.

As AI pressures search economics, YouTube is positioned as a key growth engine. Advertisers are increasing budgets, and its role in DV360 deals is growing, though many still favour Google Ads for cost and measurement efficiency.

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Publicis forms new Influential Sports squad to hone its skills in the white-hot sports media arena, reports Digiday

General

Feb 10, 2026

Sports Marketing

Publicis Groupe has launched Influential Sports, a new unit combining creator and influencer marketing with sports data to help brands connect more deeply with fans.

The initiative builds on Publicis’ Influential acquisition and Epsilon data, targeting athletes, NIL talent and sports creators to uncover audiences beyond traditional demographics and drive measurable outcomes.

The move reflects surging interest in sports marketing, especially among younger audiences, with agencies using data and influencers to tap into one of the last mass cultural moments for consumers.

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WPP to overhaul creative agency structure in strategic rethink, reports FT

General

Feb 9, 2026

Agency Management

WPP is preparing to place its main creative agencies, including Ogilvy, VML and AKQA, under a new holding structure called WPP Creative, as part of plans to simplify its operations. The agencies will retain their brands but sit within a more integrated framework alongside media and production divisions.

The overhaul, expected to be announced later this month, comes as new chief executive Cindy Rose faces pressure after sharp share price declines and mounting concerns over AI-driven disruption.

WPP also plans increased investment in AI, focusing on its WPP Open platform, while discussions over potential disposals remain tentative.

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X debuts real-time Super Bowl ad conversation tracking, reports Axios

General

Feb 9, 2026

Sports Marketing

X tracked Super Bowl ad conversations in real time for the first time, using the event to showcase its relevance to advertisers after ad revenues fell following Elon Musk’s takeover.

Its AI tool BrandRanx analysed millions of posts to rank ads by buzz, sentiment and virality, while filtering out bot activity. Apple Music topped conversation levels, followed by Pokémon and Dunkin’.

Budweiser, Pokémon and Apple Music saw the most positive sentiment, while Kraft Mac & Cheese ranked as the biggest disrupter despite no TV spot. Several AI firms also used the Super Bowl to promote their technologies.

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Sam Altman touts ChatGPT’s reaccelerating growth to employees as OpenAI closes in on $100 billion funding, reports CNBC

General

Feb 9, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI says growth is accelerating despite rising competition from Anthropic and Google. CEO Sam Altman told staff that ChatGPT is again growing by more than 10% a month and that a new chat model is imminent.

Altman also highlighted rapid uptake of Codex, OpenAI’s coding tool, which grew about 50% in a week following the launch of a new model and app, as the company battles Anthropic’s Claude Code.

At the same time, OpenAI is preparing to test ads in ChatGPT and pitching strong consumer and enterprise momentum to investors ahead of a potential $100bn funding round.

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Alphabet lines up 100-year sterling bond sale, reports FT

General

Feb 9, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Alphabet is planning a rare 100-year bond as part of its first sterling bond sale, alongside new dollar and Swiss franc issues, to help fund heavy investment in artificial intelligence.

The move reflects a wider borrowing spree by Big Tech as companies face soaring costs for data centres and AI infrastructure, with long-dated bonds increasingly used to support spending.

Despite strong profits, Alphabet expects capital expenditure to reach $185bn this year, pushing up debt levels, though it retains substantial cash reserves as it expands its AI ambitions.

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EU threatens Meta with interim measure for blocking AI rivals from WhatsApp, reports Reuters

General

Feb 9, 2026

EU competition regulators have charged Meta with breaching antitrust rules by restricting access to AI rivals on WhatsApp.

The European Commission said Meta’s January policy allowing only its own Meta AI on the messaging service may harm competition, and it has issued a formal statement of objections.

Regulators warned they may impose interim measures to prevent serious and irreversible damage to the market, with any decision depending on Meta’s response and defence.

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ChatGPT starts serving ads, drawing early interest from major agencies, reports AdAge

General

Feb 9, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT has begun showing ads within its chat interface, with major agency groups including Omnicom, Dentsu and WPP already bringing dozens of brands into the pilot.

Ads appear in the free and Go tiers, triggered by relevant queries and clearly marked as sponsored, with formats ranging from placements below answers to direct brand chats. Early pricing is high, at around $60 CPM.

OpenAI says ads will not influence responses and are essential to keeping access broad, as brands seek visibility where consumers increasingly turn for advice.

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YouTube TV introduces cheaper bundles, including a $65 per month sports package, reports TechCrunch

General

Feb 9, 2026

YouTube has launched lower-priced YouTube TV plans, allowing subscribers to tailor packages around sports, news, entertainment and family content. More than 10 options will roll out, all cheaper than the $82.99 main plan, which remains available.

New bundles include Sports, Sports and News, Entertainment, and mixed family options, offering savings of up to $28 a month. Core features such as unlimited DVR and multiview remain.

The move responds to rising streaming costs and weaker consumer confidence, aiming to restore flexibility once promised by streaming alternatives to cable.

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FTC Probe Expands to IAS Over Alleged Ad Boycotts, Lawsuit Reveals, reports AdWeek

General

Feb 7, 2026

Integral Ad Science is among 16 media credibility groups under investigation by the US Federal Trade Commission over alleged collusion to boycott right-wing media, according to court filings.

The detail emerged in amendments to a lawsuit by the Global Disinformation Index, which claims the FTC’s demands are retaliatory and breach free speech rights. The probe involves broad requests for documents via civil investigative demands.

GDI says IAS ended their partnership amid scrutiny, harming its business. IAS confirmed it dropped GDI input from a brand safety product, while declining further comment on the investigation.

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EU warns TikTok over addictive feeds and risks to children, reports FT

General

Feb 6, 2026

Responsible Media

The European Commission has warned TikTok that its infinite scrolling design may breach the EU’s Digital Services Act by failing to address risks linked to addiction and harm to users’ mental and physical wellbeing.

Regulators say TikTok’s reward-based feed encourages compulsive use, particularly among children and vulnerable groups. If confirmed, the findings could lead to fines of up to 6% of global turnover.

TikTok rejects the claims and plans to challenge them. The action comes amid wider European scrutiny of the platform and growing moves by countries to restrict social media use by minors.

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Justice Department Casts Wide Net on Netflix’s Business Practices in Merger Probe, reports WSJ

M&A

Feb 6, 2026

The US Justice Department is investigating whether Netflix has used anticompetitive tactics as part of its review of Netflix’s proposed $72bn acquisition of Warner Discovery’s studios and HBO Max.

A civil subpoena shows regulators are examining whether the deal could entrench Netflix’s market power or reduce competition, including impacts on rivals, creative talent and future consolidation. Paramount has made a competing bid, which is also under review.

Netflix says the probe is a standard merger review and denies monopolistic behaviour. Regulators in Europe and the UK are also expected to scrutinise the deal.

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Germany's CDU weighs social media ban for under-16s, reports Reuters

General

Feb 6, 2026

Advertising To Children

Germany’s conservative party is considering a ban on social media for under-16s, citing concerns about hate, disinformation and children’s ability to navigate fast-changing platforms.

Supporters within the CDU favour following Australia’s example, with proposals for mandatory age verification and restrictions on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

However, coalition partners in the centre-left SPD oppose a blanket ban, arguing platforms should strengthen safeguards instead. A government-appointed commission is examining online harms to children, with tougher measures possible if voluntary steps fail.

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NFL plans to have discussions with partners outside of core media for live games, media chief says, reports CNBC

General

Feb 6, 2026

Sports Marketing

The NFL plans to hold discussions with non-traditional media companies about selling rights to a live game, reflecting growing interest from digital platforms.

The league has already tested this model, selling a week one game to YouTube for about $100m, and sees streaming services as increasingly able to match broadcast-scale audiences.

Separately, the NFL is expected to begin early talks with existing media partners about renewing its wider rights deals and may also sell a new package of international games as it expands overseas fixtures next season.

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WPP Media beefs up its sports insights prowess with new partnership with Genius Sports, reports Digiday

General

Feb 6, 2026

Sports Marketing

WPP Media has partnered with Genius Sports to integrate first-party league, team and transactional data into its planning systems, including Open Intelligence.

The deal creates a proprietary Brand Sports Momentum Score, combining Genius Sports’ FanGraph data with WPP insights to track fan acquisition, retention and spending, and uncover valuable audiences beyond major sports tentpoles.

The partnership aims to help clients build year-round, outcome-focused sports strategies using first-party data, giving WPP a competitive edge in a fast-growing sports advertising market.

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Programmatic is drawing more brands to this year’s Winter Olympics, reports Digiday

General

Feb 6, 2026

Sports Marketing

All-Clad will advertise alongside Peacock’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking its first live sports campaign after more than 50 years in business.

Programmatic buying has opened Olympic inventory to smaller brands, with Peacock CPMs ranging from about $40 to $75. This has lowered barriers previously reserved for major advertisers and expanded access via multiple DSPs.

Brands such as Arc’teryx are also joining, drawn by strong US viewership. Advertisers see live sports on streaming as a new growth opportunity for building awareness in a challenging economy.

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Ebiquity hires MediaLink executive for newly created role, reports AdAge

General

Feb 6, 2026

Leadership Transitions

Ebiquity has appointed David Muldoon as global managing director of marketing transformation, a new role focused on agency selection, operating models and the impact of AI.

The hire comes as marketers prepare for a surge in integrated reviews, driven by efforts to simplify agency relationships and decide what capabilities to keep in-house or outsource. Agency groups are also reshaping themselves, prompting brands to reassess existing arrangements.

Muldoon will work with clients earlier in the process to define strategy and structure before pitches begin. He joins from MediaLink, where he advised brands including Unilever and Diageo.

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Meta admits revenue from fraud and scam ads might have accounted for 3-4% of total revenue, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 5, 2026

Responsible Media

Meta disputed claims that it earned 10% of revenue from scam ads, saying the figure overstated the problem by including suspicious and copied legitimate ads.

The company said genuine scam advertising may have accounted for 3–4% of revenue in 2024, still billions of dollars, but expects this to fall as verification expands.

Meta said most ad revenue now comes from verified advertisers and defended its fraud controls, while industry figures debated whether existing standards, such as the IAB Gold Standard, go far enough to tackle scams.

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OpenAI Unveils Frontier, a Product for Building AI Co-Workers, reports WSJ

General

Feb 5, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI has launched Frontier, a new platform designed to help businesses build, deploy and manage AI agents that can act as “AI co-workers” alongside humans and rival agents.

The platform integrates multiple data sources and tools, enabling agents to complete tasks such as handling files, running code and working with business software like Salesforce and Slack.

OpenAI says Frontier will support, not replace, existing software, allowing other companies to distribute their own agents. The launch comes amid heightened competition in enterprise AI and ahead of OpenAI’s expected IPO preparations.

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Reddit Earnings For CY 2025 Show +69.4% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +209.4% YoY

+ 69% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 5, 2026

Bloomberg reports:

Reddit forecast first-quarter revenue of $595m to $605m, beating market expectations and signalling continued strength in its advertising business.

Fourth-quarter sales rose 70% year on year to $726m, exceeding forecasts, with international markets growing faster than the US. Shares jumped after hours.

Buoyed by rapid ad-led growth, Reddit announced its first $1bn share buyback since its 2024 IPO and said it will keep investing in advertising technology, machine learning and potential acquisitions to support expansion.

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Meta tests a stand-alone app for its AI-generated Vibes videos, reports TechCrunch

General

Feb 5, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Meta is testing a standalone version of Vibes, an app for creating and sharing short-form AI-generated videos, previously housed within the Meta AI app.

The move positions Vibes as a direct rival to OpenAI’s Sora, offering a dedicated feed where all content is AI-generated, with tools to create, remix and share videos across Meta platforms.

Meta says early traction has been strong and plans to test freemium subscriptions, allowing users to unlock additional AI video creation features, as it explores paid options for AI products.

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News Corp. Earnings For CY 2025 Show +2.4% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +141.7% YoY

+ 2% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 5, 2026

News Publishing

WSJ reports:

News Corp reported a 5.5% rise in second-quarter revenue to $2.36bn, driven by growth at Dow Jones, HarperCollins and digital real estate, beating expectations.

Adjusted earnings topped forecasts despite a fall in net income due to prior asset sale gains. Dow Jones saw higher advertising and subscription growth, HarperCollins benefited from strong titles, and digital property services delivered solid gains.

Chief executive Robert Thomson signalled confidence for the second half, citing strong content assets, cautious AI litigation strategy and modestly higher capital spending ahead.

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LiveRamp Earnings For CY 2025 Show +9.0% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +1276.1% YoY

+ 9% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 5, 2026

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Roblox Earnings For CY 2025 Show +35.8% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Up By +13.9% YoY

+ 36% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 5, 2026

Gaming / Metaverse

CNBC reports:

Roblox shares jumped up to 20% after fourth-quarter results beat expectations, with stronger bookings and higher-than-forecast daily active users.

Bookings rose 63% year on year, while losses widened to $316m. The platform reached 144m daily users, well above estimates, and forecast first-quarter bookings ahead of Wall Street expectations.

Roblox said mandatory age checks, rolled out globally, have slightly dampened growth but offer long-term safety and engagement benefits. The company also announced it will drop annual guidance from 2027, citing business volatility.

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Amazon Earnings For CY 2025 Show +12.4% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +31.1% YoY

+ 12% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 5, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

FT reports:

Amazon shares fell up to 10% after the company said it would spend $200bn on capital expenditure in 2026, far above expectations, as it ramps up investment in AI and infrastructure.

The spending plan alarmed investors amid broader market jitters over surging Big Tech investment. Earnings and guidance were weaker than forecast, though revenue rose 14% and net income was broadly flat.

Amazon Web Services grew strongly, with sales up 24%, highlighting its central role in Amazon’s AI ambitions despite heavy costs and ongoing job cuts.

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Alphabet Earnings For CY 2025 Show +15.1% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Up By +32.0% YoY

+ 15% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 5, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

FT reports:

Google plans to double capital expenditure to as much as $185bn, far above expectations, as strong advertising and cloud growth funds its expanding AI ambitions.

The company said heavy investment in data centres, custom chips and DeepMind is needed to meet surging demand, even as investors worry about an AI spending bubble.

Despite initial share volatility, Alphabet reported strong results, with profits and revenue beating forecasts, cloud sales up sharply, and no evidence that AI tools are cannibalising search advertising.

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AA publishes best practice guide for responsible use of generative AI in advertising, reports The Media Leader

General

Feb 5, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

The Advertising Association has launched a non-binding best practice guide on responsible use of generative AI in advertising, unveiled at its LEAD conference.

The framework sets out eight principles covering transparency, data use, fairness, human oversight, harm prevention, brand safety, environmental impact and ongoing monitoring, designed to complement existing UK law.

Developed with government support and industry bodies, the guide aims to maintain public trust as AI adoption grows. A simplified version targets SMEs, reflecting their increasing use of AI creative tools.

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Amazon Told to Stop Policing Prices, Pay $70 Million in Germany, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 5, 2026

Germany’s antitrust watchdog has ordered Amazon to stop enforcing price controls on retailers using its German marketplace and has seized €59m in alleged illicit profits.

The regulator said Amazon unfairly removed or downranked products it judged too expensive, despite competing with sellers on the same platform, risking distorted prices and retailer exclusion.

It is the first use of Germany’s new power to confiscate tech profits. Amazon can appeal, as scrutiny of its market dominance continues.

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Debate Over Teen Social Media Use Grows in Key Tech Market India, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 5, 2026

Advertising To Children

India is debating age limits for social media, with a proposed private bill seeking to bar under-16s from holding accounts to protect children from online harms.

While unlikely to become law directly, the proposal reflects growing concern among lawmakers and state governments, influenced by Australia’s under-16 ban and similar moves in Europe.

Any restriction would significantly affect platforms such as Meta, Snap and X, for which India is the largest or fastest-growing user market, despite lower revenue per user.

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Commission finds that Apple Ads and Apple Maps should not be designated under the Digital Markets Act

General

Feb 5, 2026

The European Commission has ruled that Apple Ads and Apple Maps will not be designated as core services under the Digital Markets Act.

After reviewing Apple’s submission, the Commission concluded that neither service acts as an important gateway between businesses and consumers, citing Apple Maps’ low EU usage and Apple Ads’ limited advertising scale.

The decision does not affect Apple’s existing gatekeeper status for other services. The Commission will continue to monitor the two services and publish a non-confidential version of its ruling.

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Dentsu is the latest holdco to reunite media and creative production, reports Digiday

General

Feb 5, 2026

Agencies are shifting focus from award-winning campaigns to the performance-driven creative that underpins paid social, online video and retail media, as advertisers demand integrated media and production briefs.

Holding companies are reorganising accordingly. Dentsu is launching Content Engine to link media planning with creative production, while rivals including WPP, Publicis and Omnicom are consolidating production capabilities to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Clients want higher volumes of optimised content, supported by data and AI. This trend suits large networks, but independents are also responding, signalling a broader move towards rebundling creative, media and production.

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OpenAI is building an 'integrity team' to prevent ChatGPT ads from going off the rails, reports Insider

General

Feb 4, 2026

Responsible Media

OpenAI is setting up an ads integrity team to support the launch of advertising in ChatGPT without undermining user trust.

A job posting shows the team will be built from scratch and focus on preventing fraud, ensuring brand safety and verifying advertisers through know-your-customer systems, a common practice in major ad platforms.

OpenAI will begin a small US test of ads on ChatGPT’s free and Go tiers, requiring a minimum spend of $200,000, while tracking basic performance metrics and refining its approach as the programme evolves.

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Fox Corp. Earnings For CY 2025 Show +9.2% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Income Down By -14.0% YoY

+ 9% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 4, 2026

WSJ reports:

Fox reported higher second-quarter revenue as growth in cable networks and advertising offset a slight decline in its television business.

Revenue rose to $5.18bn, beating expectations, while adjusted earnings of 82 cents a share far exceeded forecasts despite lower reported profit year on year.

Cable revenue grew 5%, driven by Fox News and sports, while advertising increased on stronger pricing, extra MLB postseason games and growth at Tubi, partly offset by weaker ratings and political advertising.

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Snap Earnings For CY 2025 Show +10.6% YoY Revenue Growth, Net Loss Down By -34.0% YoY

+ 11% YoY Opinions

Earnings

Feb 4, 2026

Bloomberg reports:

Snap reported holiday-quarter revenue slightly above expectations, helped by advertising improvements and growing subscription services, despite a fall in daily users.

Sales reached $1.72bn, with stronger margins and better-than-expected profits, as the company pursued a shift towards more efficient, profitable growth.

Daily active users fell to 474 million, the first decline since 2018, which Snap attributed to reduced spending on user acquisition as it prioritises financial performance over rapid audience growth.

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Alphabet won’t talk about the Google-Apple AI deal, even to investors, reports TechCrunch

General

Feb 4, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Alphabet avoided addressing investor questions about its AI partnership with Apple during its earnings call, signalling reluctance to discuss how the deal affects its AI-focused strategy.

While Google and Apple have long benefited from search agreements, the value of the newer AI deal to Google is less clear, particularly as advertising in AI-driven search remains experimental.

Executives mentioned Apple only briefly, noting Google’s role as a preferred cloud provider and collaborator on Gemini-based models, leaving the partnership’s longer-term commercial impact unresolved.

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N.F.L. Eyes New TV Deals Before the Old Ones Even Expire, reports NYT

General

Feb 4, 2026

Sports Marketing

The NFL is enjoying record viewership and is on track for $25bn in revenue, its highest ever, as this season approaches the Super Bowl.

Despite being early in a $120bn media deal, the league is expected to seek renegotiations, arguing its rights are undervalued given soaring audiences and growing competition among broadcasters and streamers.

With streaming platforms now prioritising live sports, the NFL has strong leverage. It is exploring options such as new packages, international games and possible season expansion to drive further growth.

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Amazon Launches AI-Enhanced Alexa for Prime Subscribers in US, reports Bloomberg

General

Feb 4, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon has launched its upgraded, AI-powered Alexa in the US, offering Alexa+ to Prime subscribers and a limited free version via web and mobile apps.

Built on large language models, the new assistant replaces scripted replies with real-time responses, putting Amazon into direct competition with ChatGPT and rival chatbots.

Non-Prime users can subscribe for $19.99 a month. The service is being tested in Europe and Canada, with wider international expansion expected later this year.

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