Interviews, insight & analysis on digital media & marketing

Programmatic

What 2026’s media predictions are really telling us

The start of 2026 has arrived with a familiar ritual in the marketing and media industry: a wave of predictions, outlooks and trend reports attempting to explain what the year ahead will hold. Read enough of them and a common set of themes quickly appears.

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NDA MENA

What is behind the Dubai boom?

Dubai’s digital media scene is booming due to what seems to be a unique perfect storm of world-class infrastructure, aggressive government policy, and one of the most hyper-connected populations on Earth. As of 2026, Dubai has firmly established itself as the digital bridge between the East and West. NDA will be covering the region a lot more in the coming year and asked those in market for their views

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General

The Long-Form Comeback – Why Substack Is Becoming the New Home for Authenticity and Brand Trust

While artificial intelligence is accelerating the speed and volume of online content, something unexpected is happening – people are slowing down. They’re seeking out substance over scroll. Across demographics, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, audiences are showing a renewed hunger for meaningful long-form content that offers human personality and depth. In this shifting landscape, Substack has emerged as the go-to platform for writers, creators, and increasingly, brands.

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Programmatic

My first year in CTV: Why it looked pretentious and why I was (mostly) wrong

Today marks my first full year working inside CTV ecosystem

If I’m honest, my preconceptions of the space weren’t flattering
At the time, CTV often felt pretentious. Heavy on jargon, dense with acronyms, and surrounded by what appeared to be a familiar inner circle receiving red-carpet treatment at industry events. Conversations felt over-engineered and difficult to penetrate unless you already spoke the language.
I was wrong. Sort of.

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