This Week's Notebook #28/2026
The past week was marked by the relentless advance of artificial intelligence into all corners of the media world, from programming to crisis communication, and also brought significant player shifts on the media scene. Discover the key events that shaped digital and traditional media.
Digital Transformation and AI at Full Speed
- OpenAI Introduces GPT-5.6 Models: 54% More Efficient in Coding, Developed Under Government Supervision
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the widespread deployment of new GPT-5.6 models, with the most powerful demonstrating over half higher efficiency in programming. Importantly, the development took place under the supervision of US government agencies, indicating growing regulatory interest in this area.
- Czech Landscape Digitalized by IoT: Sensors Monitor Pastures and Forest Humidity
The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming a key tool for managing the Czech landscape. Sensors and artificial intelligence allow farmers and foresters to monitor animal health and soil moisture in real-time, helping to prevent damage caused by climate change.
- Companies Address AI Adoption: New Handbook Shows How Not to Forget the Human Factor
Implementing artificial intelligence into corporate processes requires not only technological equipment but also an emphasis on psychology and employee trust. The new e-book "Making AI Work for People" offers practical guidance on how to effectively integrate AI with regard to the human factor.
- Corporate AI Purchases Decided on GitHub Six Months Before Tender
Traditional sales strategies in the technology sector are changing. A study shows that multi-billion dollar investments in artificial intelligence are decided by ordinary developers on GitHub long before corporate purchasing departments get involved, emphasizing the importance of community influence.
- New Handbook for Ethical Communication and AI Regulation Created
In response to the rapid development of AI, a new expert handbook has been created, summarizing international approaches to AI regulation and ethics. It combines legislative analysis with practical examples, which is crucial for responsible AI deployment.
Media: Records, Acquisitions, and Expansion
- CANAL+ Acquired Broadcast Rights from Venice and Signed Agreement with Italian RAI
Media group CANAL+ strengthened its position in the film world through a partnership with the Venice Film Festival and renewed cooperation with Italian RAI. Viewers in Europe and Africa can thus look forward to exclusive footage.
- Viaplay Exits the Netherlands. Sells Division for CZK 3.6 Billion to DPG Media Group
The Swedish streaming group Viaplay, controlled by PPF and Canal+, continues to reduce its foreign activities by selling its Dutch division. The company will focus exclusively on its home market in the Nordic countries in the future, marking a strategic shift.
The British BBC has reached a historic milestone, with its content viewed by 502 million people weekly. This success is mainly due to successful digital transformation and growing interest in news in key regions.
TV Nova's news reported record audience interest at the beginning of the summer holidays. The TN.cz website recorded the highest weekly viewership, and the digital channel TN Live reached a historical maximum in the number of video content views, indicating the growing popularity of digital news.
British media group Sky has agreed on a significant acquisition of ITV's television assets. This transaction, subject to regulatory approval, could lead to the creation of an entity with a dominant position in the advertising market.
Production companies Fiasco Global Media and Bonus Production Services are joining forces to support the creation of new television projects in Canada. Their alliance will focus on developing scripted works with international potential, strengthening Canadian production.
Marketing and PR: AI, Data, and Crisis
- Communication Teams Have a Plan for AI Implementation: Transformation Takes 30 Days
For the implementation of artificial intelligence in communication teams, a new methodological plan exists that transforms a team into an AI-native workplace with clear workflows and security standards within four weeks. This represents a structured approach to AI adoption.
- Why Do Corporate Intranets Fail? Study Reveals 10 Main Reasons
Corporate intranets often fail due to technical barriers and poor user interfaces. A new analysis reveals ten common mistakes organizations make, which is key to improving internal communication.
- How to Turn Corporate Data into a Media Hit: Specialists Advise Building on Human Stories
Using internal data for PR is becoming a key discipline. Experts advise how to transform transactional data and user patterns into engaging stories that resonate in the media, even years later.
- Four Steps to Preparing a Plan for a Reputational Crisis
Building a crisis communication system must precede the problem's emergence. According to experts, the key is a combination of early risk mapping and long-term built trust for surviving a reputational crisis.
- It Will Speed Up, But Not Improve: Expert Advises How to Choose an AI Tool for PR and Writing
Choosing the right artificial intelligence tool is crucial for professional communicators. The expert emphasizes that different platforms excel in different disciplines, from research to crisis management, requiring careful selection.
- Korean Cosmetics in the US No Longer Just Need Press Releases, AI Decides Success
The Korean cosmetics market in the US demonstrates a shift in PR approaches. Companies' success is now determined by visibility in artificial intelligence tools and optimization for systems like ChatGPT, showing a move away from traditional press releases.
- Cybersecurity Marketing Dominated by US and Israeli Leaders, Relying on Trust and Research
B2B cybersecurity marketing is a demanding discipline, requiring the building of extreme trust and long sales cycles. Leaders from the US and Israel rely on research and thorough relationship building.
- Survey: A Quarter of Czechs Stop Worrying About Money on Vacation for Experiences
A new Ipsos agency survey shows that Czechs on vacation often prioritize experiences over budget constraints, even though they carefully save for their holidays. The tendency to prioritize immediate joy is strong.
- World Celebrates Chocolate Day, Recalls Its History and Ethical Aspects of Production
July 7th marked World Chocolate Day, recalling not only the long history of this delicacy but also the current ethical aspects of its global production.
Television and Radio: Listening Habits and Trends
- Podcast Listening Significantly Grows, But Classic Radio Still Dominates in Cars
The global audio market is seeing record numbers for podcasts and DAB+ digital radio broadcasting. While podcast listening is growing, traditional radio maintains a dominant position, especially among car drivers, indicating different listening habits.
People and Events
- Petr Kellner's Last Flight: An Alaskan Tragedy That Began as a Powder Day and Ended in Whiteout
A detailed analysis of the NTSB investigation report reconstructs the final minutes of Petr Kellner's flight. The article focuses on the circumstances of the accident and questions surrounding the arrival of help, offering a new perspective on one of the biggest tragedies in Czech business.
What to Watch Next Week:
- Further developments in AI regulation and ethical frameworks, given the rapid deployment of new AI models.
- Media acquisitions and sales: Whether there will be further consolidations in the market, especially in connection with the transfers of streaming platform assets.
- The implementation of AI into corporate communication strategies, and how AI's impact on PR and marketing processes is evolving.