A holiday campaign by a well-known retailer produced record traffic and orders. Then the hangover hit, Retail Touchpoints writes. Most of the “new” customers never returned, and those that did require deeper and deeper discounts. 

This year is shaping up to be one in which AI search is rewriting the rules of discovery and creator ecosystems are starting to look more like traditional media, eMarketer predicts. Even B2B is changing as a result of the blurring of consumer and professional audiences. 

It is not yet clear what the shutdown of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) means for independent public media. Stations in rural and tribal areas -- many of which received half of their annual budgets from CPB -- are at the greatest risk, Columbia Journalism Review writes.   

Google is using CES 2026 to promote its Android XR in addition to its usual focus on Google TV, 9to5 Google reports. Android XR has repeatedly been advertising on the Sphere, using the tagline “Gemini on Android XR. It’s a must-see.” 

WHSmith North America Media Network is partnering with In-Store Marketplace on a retail media network for U.S. airports, Retail Customer Experience reports. The arrangement will lead to a single programmatic ecosystem that brings together audio and over 700 digital screens. 

Early Warning Services has selected Havas Media Network as its new agency of record. Havas will handle media, primarily to inform consumers about Paze, an online checkout solution, and to maintain Zelle’s reputation as a fintech brand, Campaign reports.  

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a bill requiring social media platforms to display warning labels on the mental health impact of some addictive features. These include addictive feeds, auto play or infinite scroll to post labels, Mid Hudson News reports. 

Amazon will meet with marketers during the Consumer Electronics Show this week to pitch executives on its ability to help sell goods and services through its e-commerce portal. It will also highlight its ability to build consumer reach via streaming content and programmatic alliances with rivals such as Disney, Roku and Netflix. 

Comcast has completed the separation of most of its cable networks into the separate Versant Media Group, with Mark Lazarus serving as CEO. Versant will be a potential partner and acquirer of complementary media businesses. 

A Virginia law that restricts the amount of time minors can spend on media platforms has taken effect in Virginia. It requires that media companies limit young users to an hour per day, WWBT reports.