## Advertising and Media

**Netflix leads bidding for Warner Bros Discovery studios and streaming unit** — The streaming giant is moving forward in acquisition discussions with the media conglomerate.[1]

**Publicis rings in centenary with AI-powered ‘A Lion Never Gives Up’ New Year film** — The advertising group is marking its 100-year milestone with a hybrid live-action and generative AI production as it prepares to enter its second century in 2026.[1]

**Adani Group calls pitch to consolidate media mandate** — The conglomerate is seeking to shift from a fragmented agency structure to a single partner with strong digital, influencer, and ROI capabilities.[1]

**Sephora reorganizes US marketing department** — The mass beauty retailer restructured its marketing team to improve efficiency, affecting 27 roles.[5]

## E-Commerce and Retail Strategy

**Target to launch ChatGPT app with multi-item baskets and fresh food** — The retailer is deepening its partnership with OpenAI to enable generative AI-powered shopping experiences for consumers.[5]

**Gap ties viral marketing to retail results as Gen Z relevance rises** — A recent campaign with girl group Katseye generated 8 billion media impressions and contributed to double-digit gains in the adult denim category.[5]

**Carnival combats screen-induced ‘fun deficit’ with new brand platform** — The cruise line launched ads starring Nick Offerman that address doomscrolling while promoting cruise experiences.[5]

## Startup and Creator Economy

**Dream11 shifts business to sports watchalong app, monetizing via ads and in-app purchases** — Following India’s real-money gaming ban, the platform is developing a watchalong service starting with cricket, with no layoffs announced.[1]

**As big brands flood the podcast ad space, startups are refining strategies to stand out** — Startups like Asset (a butt-care brand) are testing podcast advertising strategies as competition increases from major brands. Acast is using AI and creator profile databases to help match advertisers with relevant shows, while deeper data and technology solutions are becoming critical for measurement and targeting.[4]

## AI and Marketing Technology

**How 2025 quietly changed ads forever** — Dentsu’s 2025 Media Trends report indicates media is becoming 100% addressable, shoppable, and accountable, with AI-augmented planning, niche fandoms, and a more uneven digital landscape emerging as key trends for brands.[1]

**Stop calling raw data ‘insights’** — Perfetti Van Melle India’s marketing director advocates for sharper brand-linked storytelling, deeper agency-client partnerships, and smarter AI use rather than treating raw data as insights.[1]

## Brand Campaigns

**Maybelline taps into microdrama trend with holiday content series** — The beauty brand created a five-part “Maybe This Christmas” series reuniting co-stars from Netflix’s “Hot Frosty” to promote Instant Eraser Concealer.[5]

**Molson Coors says ‘Just Bring the Beer’ in bid to millennials, Gen Z** — The brewer launched a holiday campaign highlighting its brands with a focus on experiences over traditional gifts, targeting younger demographics.[5]

**RC Cola’s comeback campaign** — Keurig Dr Pepper is reviving the brand to capitalize on consumer interest in nostalgic beverages and classic cola flavors.[5]

**Keurig grounds new brand platform in post-pandemic realities** — The coffee brand’s first major work from bespoke Publicis unit KDPOne aims to reset the company ahead of parent Keurig Dr Pepper’s planned split into two separate entities.[5]