The consumer is not a moron
The recently published WARC Marketer’s Toolkit 2026 identifies the gap between brand and customer experience as a key trend impacting marketing effectiveness.
Over 60% of marketers set to supercharge creator investments in 2026
A net 61% of marketers plan to increase their investment in content creators in 2026, underlining a shift towards measurable ROI and long-term brand-building strategies, according to Kantar’s “Marketing trends 2026” report.
The SABC TV licence escape clause
South African households can legally stop paying SABC TV licence fees by having a technician remove their TV’s tuner, making it unable to receive broadcast signals. Such “denatured” TVs are exempt from licensing, provided owners submit proof of removal and pay a R300 inspection fee, although the SABC says it currently has no active inspectors.
Strength over size: How Omnicom is pitching the holding company post-IPG acquisition
Execs for the “largest media organization in the world” emphasized in Las Vegas that the company had more to offer than sheer scale
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