The past week indicated that the media and digital world is on the cusp of fundamental changes, where artificial intelligence plays a major role – whether for the good of the user or as a source of concern. From convincing publishers to transforming infrastructure and new content formats, one thing is certain: stagnation is not happening.
Media: AI Changes the Rules, Publishers Resist and Seek New Paths
- End of the click-through era? Publishers such as Time and Condé Nast are preparing for “Google Zero,” where AI in search will limit click-throughs to websites. Strategies include stress testing revenue without the search giant and building a direct relationship with readers. This represents a fundamental shift in the previously dominant distribution channel.
- Perplexity AI in critical fire: Artificial intelligence Perplexity AI is trying to repair strained relationships with media publishers, but is encountering resistance and lawsuits over copyright infringement. The entire situation underlines the complexity of integrating AI into the existing media ecosystem and the question of fair revenue sharing.
- Project 11am expands portfolio: The publishing house CZECH NEWS CENTER is strengthening its 11am project with expert podcasts and business events. This is an effort to deepen engagement with the audience and diversify revenue streams in a time of uncertainty regarding search engine click-throughs.
- PPF bets on synergies and expansion: The PPF Group's annual report confirms the strategic importance of the CME media division, which is a driver of profitability. Under the control of the Kellner family, the group is betting on connecting content with telecommunications infrastructure and expansion in the Balkans. This indicates a trend of vertical integration and regional dominance.
- UK Local News Fund: The UK's £12 million local news fund opens a debate about the survival of regional journalism. Is this amount sufficient to save dozens of areas without media coverage? The question of the sustainability of regional media remains pressing.
- Week in Media #22/2026: Last week brought a flurry of news from the world of television and radio broadcasting. From licensing decisions for Prague TV or Joj Cinema, through the threat to Barrandov Krimi and Barrandov Kino, to the success of EDU Rádio with a nationwide license. The world of broadcasting is constantly evolving and looking for new strategies to retain viewers and listeners.
- TV Nova and Week for the Future: Television Nova is launching a new year of the media project Week for the Future, which focuses on smart savings. Long-term projects with community impact are becoming part of media houses' strategies.
Marketing: Trust and Sustainability Over the Hunt for Attention
- Commercial media seeks new path: In digital marketing and retail media, a shift is occurring – from the battle for attention to building trust. Trust is becoming a key element for sustainable growth. This is especially relevant in a time of growing distrust and information overload.
- Value of sports sponsorship at risk: International sports fans are increasingly choosing to watch tournaments from home this year, disrupting the expectations of sponsors and organizers. This trend sparks debate about the effectiveness of investments in global sports partnerships and forces a reevaluation of fan engagement strategies.
PR & Communication: Quiet Shift and Synthetic Groups
- Brands limit public statements: The Global Communication Report 2026 reveals growing caution among companies. Due to extreme social polarization and the risk of online attacks, brands are opting for a “quiet shift” in public relations. The pressure for CSR and authenticity conflicts with fears of unwanted criticism.
- AI replaces traditional surveys: PR teams are beginning to use artificial intelligence to create synthetic focus groups. This method allows testing creative ideas and communication messages without expensive physical surveys, making PR processes more efficient.
Digital: AI as a Threat and Opportunity, Europe Strengthens Sovereignty
- Debate about AI psychosis: Box founder Aaron Levie talks about “AI psychosis,” where users are leaving Google because of artificial intelligence. Growing user resistance to aggressive AI integration could have far-reaching consequences for tech giants.
- Malta introduces “AI for all”: Malta is becoming a pioneer in integrating AI into everyday life and will offer all citizens annual access to ChatGPT Plus for free after completing a course. This is an ambitious step towards mass technological education.
- Czechs and AI at work: Generative artificial intelligence tools are already used by 38% of employees in the Czech Republic, but companies lack rules and safety training. The Ipsos survey highlights the need for education and regulation in the field of AI.
- Europe strengthens digital autonomy: The European Commission has launched an ambitious legislative package aimed at technological sovereignty, including a threefold increase in data center capacity and new chips. The Union is striving to reduce reliance on the USA and Asia.
- CRA changes strategy: České Radiokomunikace accelerates its transformation into a provider of comprehensive digital infrastructure and will focus on AI, cloud, and data center development by 2026. This strategic shift indicates dynamic development in key digital services.
- Jan Kavalírek and #CzechAItoTop10: Jan Kavalírek launches a program about AI with the aim of educating the public and promoting the Czech Republic among leading European technological leaders. An inspiring initiative that aims to raise awareness of the potential of artificial intelligence.
- Social Media Management in 2026: Cross-posting saves hours of time daily. Native tools are free, but professionals are forced to use specialized software for efficient management.
Television and Radio: Digitization Continues, Key Questions for the Future
- ČTÚ and the future of DVB-T2: The fate of television broadcasting via antenna after 2030 depends on data that the Czech Telecommunication Office will begin to collect. An important decision that will affect millions of viewers.
- Czech Television launches the talk show Na jednoho: The new show, where celebrities are interviewed by neurodivergent questioners, aims to break down prejudices about autism and bring authentic conversations. Such projects strengthen inclusion and awareness.
- Montenegro launches radio digitization: Montenegrin public radio has launched test digital broadcasting in the DAB+ standard in the capital city of Podgorica. Modernization of the radio spectrum is crucial for achieving European standards.
- Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to harmonize radio frequencies: The countries are strengthening cooperation in radio spectrum management and will focus on 5G and digital radio. International cooperation in this area is essential for the effective development of telecommunications.
- ČTÚ strengthens online supervision: The Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ) will host a series of professional trainings within the European E-Enforcement Academy project. This event focused on detecting illegal activities in the digital environment underlines the growing importance of online world regulation.
What to watch next week:
- How will the lawsuits against Perplexity AI develop and will an agreement with media publishers be reached?
- How will “AI psychosis” manifest further, and will users continue to abandon platforms with aggressive AI integration?
- What will be the next steps of the European Commission in strengthening digital autonomy and how will this affect Czech companies?