Each day, New Digital Age gathers the most interesting digital marketing industry news from around the web…
AI
The New York Times – Joe Rennison, 20th August 2026
How the AI borrowing binge helps drive up government bond yields
Analysts said the recent rise in Treasury yields partly reflected investor expectations that AI-driven growth could keep interest rates inflated.
BIG TECH
The Wall Street Journal – Amirth Ramkumar and Sabrina Rodriguez, 20th August 2026
Politicians Who Once Championed Data Centres Are Now Bashing Them
State governors, including Greg Abbott and Josh Shapiro, are slowing development of the facilities as anger over AI spreads
CREATORS
Digiday – Alyssa Mercante, 21st August 2026
For brands, the creator ambassador is becoming a creator executive
It wasn’t that long ago that a brand announcing a creator had taken up an internal role would’ve triggered an eye roll. Gemma Collins called herself creative director at Canva. Dhar Mann as the NFL’s chief kindness officer. Olivia Nell became “out of office” director at ASOS. Those examples were all recent, but something is shifting rapidly in the space.
CONSUMER
Reuters – Reuters Reporters, 21st August 2026
UK consumer confidence jumps to two-year high, GfK says
British consumer morale jumped to a two-year high this month as households became more confident about making major purchases, a survey showed on Friday, adding to a run of unexpectedly strong economic data.
RETAIL
Retail Gazette – Kieran Howells, 21st August 2026
Retail sales slip 0.5% as heatwave hits fashion demand
UK retail sales fell 0.5 per cent in July as the prolonged heatwave and an earlier start to summer promotions impacted fashion and non-food spending.
F&B
Retail Week – Ellis Hawthorne, 21st August 2026
Hot weather and the World Cup boosts July food and drink sales
Summer weather and World Cup celebrations gave food and drink sales a boost in July, but non-food sales dropped.
RETAIL MEDIA
EMARKETER – Marisa Jones, 20th August 2026
Walmart’s retail media strength offsets slowest sales gains in years
Walmart’s retail media business powered strong Q2 advertising growth, even as the company’s sales slowed to their lowest rate in years.
AdExchanger – 21st August 2026
RMN-Mania; Mom! Netflix And YouTube Are Fighting Again
There are hundreds of retail media networks. Even if you narrow the definition to brick-and-mortar retail chains – and ignore the endless parade of first-party data sellers now flying the “retail media” flag – there are still simply too many platforms for marketers to manage.
AFFILIATE
Performance Marketing World – Robin Langford, 20th August 2026
Affiliate salaries jump 16% as brands put a premium on partnerships
Exclusive PMW data indicates that average UK pay for affiliate and partnership roles has rebounded to £53,667 as brands seek marketers who can combine commercial relationships with measurable performance.
