Each day, New Digital Age gathers the most interesting digital marketing industry news from around the web…
WORLD CUP
The Guardian – Alexis Petridis, 20th July 2026
Hits, misses and Muppets: the star-studded World Cup half-time show nobody asked for
It zipped along, cramming in Shakira, Madonna and Coldplay, but football fans may not be convinced of need for this mid-match spectacle.
RETAIL
Retail Week – Francisco Uranga, 20th July 2026
More British retailers warn profits will fall short after Middle East conflict
A growing number of Britain’s biggest retailers are telling investors they will make less money this year than previously forecast, as rising costs and weaker demand squeeze margins across the sector.
Internet Retailing – Paul Skeldon, 20th July 2026
AI is scaling retail media creative, but community signals may determine whether it actually works
Generative AI is making it easier for retailers and brands to produce more advertising, more quickly and in more formats – yet new research suggests that the volume of creative being generated is increasing much faster than its quality.
Retail Insight Network – Mohamed Dabo, 20th July 2026
Why brands are sharing retail space
As retailers rethink the role of physical stores, more brands are opening their spaces to partners for pop-ups, events and shop-in-shop concepts.
BIG TECH
Performance Marketing World – Robin Langford, 20th July 2026
Is Apple about to expand Apple Ads beyond its own platforms?
Small print points to a potentially huge ad business expansion to third party inventory, placing the tech giant in direct competition with Google and Meta.
Bloomberg – Bloomberg reporters, 19th July 2026
Big Tech Needs to Justify AI Spending as Investors Dump Stocks
After last week’s wipeout in chips and the broader selloff in technology stocks, pressure is building for the biggest spenders on artificial intelligence.
AI
Mi3 – 20th July 2026
OpenAI strengthens Australian ads team with Meta and Google hires
OpenAI has expanded its Ads Solutions go-to-market team in Australia with the appointment of Andy Sinn and Mitch Pilar.
CONSUMER
Marketing Week – Russell Parsons, 20th July 2026
Rising budgets and pricing power: Your Marketing Week
At the end of every week, we look at the key stories, offering our view on what they mean for you and the industry. From the latest Bellwether showing budgets are up for the second quarter in a row to Center Parcs’ premiumisation plan, it’s been a busy week. Here is my take.
ANTITRUST
The Times – William Turvill, 18th July 2026
Could the music be about to stop for ticketing giant Live Nation?
The competition watchdog is gearing up to investigate the entertainment firm, owner of music venues and Ticketmaster, over claims it too powerful.
