Global Scans · Media & Entertainment · Weekly Summary

• [New] FanDuel Predicts is a $300 million investment commitment from its parent company Flutter Entertainment that indicates the potential opportunity and the threat that prediction markets will be to traditional gaming companies. Iredell Free News
• [New] Ministers hope to raise £5 billion over the next five years from the digital services tax, which imposes a 2% levy on the revenues of search engines, social media services and online marketplaces operating in the UK. HuffPost UK
• [New] Richer media experiences require substantially more power and larger batteries, which is why IDC expects non-display glasses to drive near-term growth while display-equipped devices gain momentum closer to 2027. Next Reality
• [New] In the United States alone, industry forecasts expect online sports-betting handle to exceed $210 billion by 2026, amid further state-level legalization and tighter media integrations. PMG
• [New] The mass adoption of public Large Language Models as a replacement for traditional search is expected to drive a significant increase in PR and earned media budgets by 2027. Vuelio -
• [New] Since 79% of young people get personal finance advice from social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they are primed to expect quick wins and easy money. Fortune
• [New] Most top social media platforms barring X grew their audience year on year Social media users plan to spend most time on Facebook, followed by Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn, with preferences varying across different generations of users. Typeface
• [New] Sectors where user identity is crucial are particularly at risk, with the top-five industries most affected by identity fraud in 2025 and 2026 being dating, online media, financial services, crypto, and professional services. Sumsub
• [New] While copyright and profitability issues remain unresolved, 2026 is anticipated to be the year media companies develop their own survival guide for the age of artificial intelligence. Sada News Agency
• [New] A recent study from the MIT Media Lab warns that excessive reliance on AI-driven solutions may contribute to cognitive atrophy, diminishing students' ability to think independently and critically. Greater Good
• [New] The spatial computing entertainment segment was valued at USD 45,245.44 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 218,418.73 million by 2032, growing at a 22.2% CAGR. openpr
• [New] Employment in arts, entertainment, and media occupations is projected to grow 12% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Research.com
• [New] The sharpest growth in creator spend is coming from paid amplification of content beyond social media, projected to jump 56% to $11.1 billion. Mediabistro
• [New] In the entertainment sector, Netflix, Inc. stands out as a winner with 15.2% projected growth, thanks to successful price hikes and a maturing ad-supported tier that has isolated it from the broader struggles seen in legacy media. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] By leveraging AI technology, Dollar General hopes to provide advertisers with better attribution and performance insights, positioning itself as a significant player in the in-store media landscape. Retail Media IQ
• [New] In 2026, artificial intelligence for content personalization in digital media is forecast to be a $5.4 billion industry, a technology already deeply embedded in online platforms for customizing game recommendations and player bonuses. The Jerusalem Post
• [New] [13] 78% of ad buyers plan to strengthen their focus on generative AI in media campaigns in 2026, compared to 62% in 2025. AI Video Bootcamp
• [New] In 2026, social media platforms are expected to implement more sophisticated AI features that facilitate content generation. Demand & Convert
• [New] In 2026, shoppable posts and in-app checkout features are expected to become standard across major social media platforms. Demand & Convert
• [New] The social media and short video dubbing segment alone is projected to reach $92 million by 2028, with micro-series revenue forecast to exceed $7.8 billion globally in 2026. Vozo
• [New] International and local hits indicate Netflix's ability to draw on a huge range of content to engage a range of audiences, and very few media companies could build international hits from local commissions, for example, Baby Reindeer or Squid Game. The Current
• [New] The media landscape has changed dramatically with AI, and the real opportunity for small partners is in thought leadership, LinkedIn engagement, and building an externally wired narrative that positions you as a trusted voice in your niche. ChannelBuzz.ca

Last updated: 27 April 2026