media industry news

Media Loop is your one-stop shop for staying informed in the ever-evolving South African media and marketing landscape. We provide news, analysis, and insights for industry professionals, keeping you up-to-date on the latest trends, awards, and key players shaping the market. Our aim is to be your trusted partner in navigating this dynamic space, offering valuable resources and fostering connections within the South African media and marketing community.

LOCAL

Netflix is testing vertical video features for mobile
February 2, 2026
The streamer plans to add video podcasts into its mobile feed and upgrade its mobile user interface.
Hollywood Reporter
How banking leaders are using digital sales and service to compete, grow and retain
February 2, 2026
According to a new report from Omnicom Media, consumer influence has fundamentally shifted, from institution-controlled messaging to distributed, consumer-driven validation. For retail banking executives, the rules of market share capture have been completely rewritten.
The Financial Brand
Mapped: AI adoption rates by country
February 2, 2026
Key Takeaways: • The UAE has an AI adoption rate of 64.0%, the highest globally in 2025. • Even though the U.S. is a global leader in AI infrastructure and frontier model development, it ranks 24th in AI adoption based on analysis from Microsoft.
Visual Capitalist
Like and subscribe: YouTube’s reach can no longer be ignored
February 2, 2026
YouTube’s growth isn’t driving the imminent demise of other platforms and channels. But TV advertisers should consider how it fits into media plans for the year ahead.
The Media Leader
Google launches new Google Ads insights podcast
February 2, 2026
Looking to learn more about Google Ads, and how they can help to boost your business? This will help.
Social Media Today
Pinterest adds media planner to help manage campaigns
February 2, 2026
You’ll be able to track each ad set within each campaign, so it’s kind of like Meta’s Ad Manager platform, making it easier to manage your process.
Social Media Today
Meta tests paid subscriptions
February 2, 2026
What is happening. Meta is testing new subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, offering app-specific premium features while keeping core experiences free. The plans will experiment with different models focused on productivity, creativity and enhanced AI tools.
Search Engine Land
Creative and media together drive advertising impact
February 2, 2026
Creative quality and media support together explain 60.1% of the business results generated by advertising, according to The Creative Dividend, a new book published by System1 and Effie.
Warc
The future of search visibility: What 6 SEO leaders predict for 2026
February 2, 2026
AI search now handles discovery, decisioning, and transactions. Here’s what that means for SEO strategy in 2026.
Search Engine Land
UK to Google: Let sites opt out of AI overviews
February 2, 2026
The U.K.-based Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has asked Google to build in an opt-out feature for publishers that would allow them to restrict their content from being used in AI Overviews or to train AI models.
MediaPost
AI is rewriting the CTV advertising playbook
February 2, 2026
Generative AI is intensifying the streaming wars as marketers and streamers adopt AI-powered ad products, despite growing consumer distrust. While AI boosts efficiency in connected TV advertising, it also introduces disruptive costs, according to Needham analyst Laura Martin.
AdExchanger
Future of Media 2026: competing in the ‘intention economy’
February 2, 2026
We now have a clearer view of evolving search habits and where AI systems cite from, and marketers are beginning to respond, but keeping pace with the ever-evolving search market is a challenge – the Future of Media 2026 goes deep into the changing nature of visibility and the shift from attention to intention.
Warc
South Africans are flourishing more than you might expect – here’s why
February 2, 2026
Contrary to a gloomy view of the country, adult South Africans are flourishing in many ways that mirror the broader world.
The Media Online
New Human8 report reveals how South Africans are reframing identity in 2026
February 2, 2026
Human8’s research, conducted with more than 13,000 consumers across 16 markets, including 800 South African respondents, reveals a world defined by contrasts.
Bizcommunity
See it? Snap it, shop it! Amazon Lens now available in SA
February 2, 2026
Amazon has officially launched Amazon Lens in South Africa, bringing its visual shopping tool to more customers seeking a faster, easier way to shop online.
Bizcommunity
DStv-owner’s plan to stop bleeding subscribers
February 2, 2026
Canal+ says it is working on a plan to turn Multichoice’s subscriber numbers around, with the South African broadcaster bleeding customers in recent years. The group is working on a “Strategic Update” that will be published alongside its full-year results, which will detail its plan of action and initiatives.
Business Tech
Woolworths Wins at International Content Marketing Awards
February 2, 2026
Woolworths South Africa has taken top honours at the International Content Marketing Awards in London, winning the Grand Prix Gold for Best In-house Agency, recognised for its integrated brand storytelling and long-standing partnership with Media24 Advertising and Content Marketing.
Media Update
World Economic Forum selects South Africa for 2027 Summit
February 2, 2026
Announced by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola at Davos, the decision recognises Africa’s most industrialised economy as a strategic convenor of global leaders tackling shared economic and geopolitical challenges and development priorities.
Bizcommunity

GLOBAL

Netflix is testing vertical video features for mobile
February 2, 2026
The streamer plans to add video podcasts into its mobile feed and upgrade its mobile user interface.
Hollywood Reporter
How banking leaders are using digital sales and service to compete, grow and retain
February 2, 2026
According to a new report from Omnicom Media, consumer influence has fundamentally shifted, from institution-controlled messaging to distributed, consumer-driven validation. For retail banking executives, the rules of market share capture have been completely rewritten.
The Financial Brand
Mapped: AI adoption rates by country
February 2, 2026
Key Takeaways: • The UAE has an AI adoption rate of 64.0%, the highest globally in 2025. • Even though the U.S. is a global leader in AI infrastructure and frontier model development, it ranks 24th in AI adoption based on analysis from Microsoft.
Visual Capitalist
Like and subscribe: YouTube’s reach can no longer be ignored
February 2, 2026
YouTube’s growth isn’t driving the imminent demise of other platforms and channels. But TV advertisers should consider how it fits into media plans for the year ahead.
The Media Leader
Google launches new Google Ads insights podcast
February 2, 2026
Looking to learn more about Google Ads, and how they can help to boost your business? This will help.
Social Media Today
Pinterest adds media planner to help manage campaigns
February 2, 2026
You’ll be able to track each ad set within each campaign, so it’s kind of like Meta’s Ad Manager platform, making it easier to manage your process.
Social Media Today

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