7 Digital marketing trends to watch for in 2026
A look at some evolving industry shifts, including sharing behavior and emerging platforms.
Why SA’s retail giants are rethinking constant promotions
The South African consumer goods retail industry is nearing a turning point after years of inflationary pressure and fierce competition: value is still crucial, but it is getting harder for manufacturers and retailers to maintain “always-on” discounts.
Canal+’s last minute deal rescues Warner Bros. Discovery channels
A last-minute new multi-year deal on 31 December with Warner Bros. Discovery and Canal+ sees all 12 existing pay-TV channels from Warner Bros. Discovery to remain on DStv in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa.
CES 2026: For Monks, AI-powered personalization is key
One of the biggest takeaways from CES this year is that AI’s place in marketing is starting to feel more practical than hypothetical. Just look at how much tech platforms like Google, Amazon and Meta have invested in developing AI optimization tools for marketers that operate at scale, said Chris Wilhelmi, EVP and global head of data at Monks.
UK introduces landmark junk food advertising ban
The UK government has introduced a landmark ban on junk food advertising, marking a major regulatory shift aimed at reducing children’s exposure to HFSS food marketing through strict limits on when and where ads can appear.
Proposal to raise drinking age to 23 in South Africa
A South African organisation has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to between 21 and 23, citing concerns over alcohol abuse and public safety
Future of Media 2026: systems planning and why it matters
Traditional planning approaches, based on static plans, rigid personas and stable channel definitions are being disrupted by structural and technological shifts in media and marketing making them no longer fit for purpose – systems thinking is at the heart of the Future of Media 2026.
Deep Dive: 9 marketing predictions for 2026 as AI fuels polarity
The sense of a stable middle ground is eroding across an industry at a point of contraction, with many displaying mixed feelings about marketing’s future
What would a divided internet look like? Optimizing for humans vs. AI agents
As agentic AI reshapes commerce, brands may need to craft web strategies for two fundamentally different audiences, writes Semify CEO Patrick Briggs.
Fierce and complex’ battle for consumer attention, warns McKinsey
Digital media formats have untapped advertising potential, but it will rely on being able to effectively monetise time spent, according to a McKinsey & Co report that examines levels of consumer attention in the UK.