Interviews, insight & analysis on digital media & marketing

What you need to read today: big tech’s war with regulators, biased social media, and more

New Digital Age highlights some of the best stories you should read across the media, marketing, and advertising press.

Travel 

CNBC

The biggest travel trend of 2022: Go big, spend big

If 2021 was about domestic travel, 2022 may be the year of the “bucket list” trip. This is one of the biggest trends that travel insiders expect this year.

M&A

CNBC

Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet went on a buying spree in 2021 despite D.C.’s vow to take on Big Tech

In the seven months since Lina Khan took over as chair of the Federal Trade Commission, there’s been a cold war brewing between several of the largest technology companies and regulators.

Social media

Business Insider

A social media app just for ‘females’ intentionally excludes trans women — and some say its face-recognition AI discriminates against women of color, too

An app marketed towards “females” has faced a barrage of online criticism for excluding transgender women with its use of artificial intelligence.

Mediatel

TikTok agrees to use AI-powered brand safety measurement

TikTok has announced the launch of new brand safety and suitability solutions that will be integrated into its Ad Manager.

Advertising

The Drum

BBC finally breaks the ice for its Winter Olympics coverage with stunning trailer

The BBC has dropped its first Winter Olympics campaign close to the wire with the debut of its first promotion for the low-temperature multi-sport event just 10 days before the games kick-off in Beijing.

The Drum

TikTok reaffirms zero politics advertising stance in wake of Australian scandal

TikTok has issued a pointed reminder to Australian politicians that political advertising of any kind is forbidden on the platform after it emerged that a marketing agency had been offering payments of $300 for videos criticizing prime minister Scott Morrison.

Consumers

Marketing Week

Confidence takes a knock as consumers brace for cost of living squeeze

Rising inflation and energy price increases have dampened consumers’ confidence in January, but marketers are warned to “hold firm”.

Google

The Guardian 

Google warns of ‘devastating’ impact if court ruling on defamatory hyperlinks not overturned 

Google has warned of a “devastating” impact on the internet if a court ruling that the search giant is liable for defamatory material contained in hyperlinked pages is not overturned.

Publishers 

Digiday

Publishers use subscriber-only events to sweeten subscription pitches

As some publishers refrain from returning to in-person events just yet, they are employing their virtual events to aid another direct revenue source: subscriptions.

Economy

City A.M.

UK services economy withstands Omicron plan B assault

Britain’s services economy has stood strong in the face of the re-emergence of curbs on daily life in a bid to clamp down on the Omicron variant, reveals a closely watched survey released today.

Agency

Campaign

What3words maps out creative direction with Neverland appointment

New multimillion-pound brand campaign including TV work expected this spring. Goodstuff working on media.

Marketing

Campaign

Disney+ unveils TV campaign in debut work by Leo Burnett

‘House of Disney+’ showcases the array of content available to watch on the streaming platform.

Campaign

Government campaign promises to help youth ‘Get the jump’ in their futures

M&C Saatchi and the Department for Education aim to help young people decide on their next steps.

DEI

Campaign

WFA offers guide for DEI-conscious media planning and buying

The World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) has released a freely available guide to diversity and representation in media planning and buying.