Ad-free social feeds, AI billions, & the global EV race

How privacy rules, AI growth, and EV competition are reshaping advertising

In this episode of the Media Intelligence Podcast, the team unpacks the week’s biggest stories in media, marketing, and global business. From Europe’s push toward ad-free social media to AI’s economic boom and the worldwide EV race, they explore how regulation, consumer values, and technology are reshaping advertising strategies. Regional insights from WPP’s global forecast and the impact of major sports events round out a packed agenda.

Key Topics Discussed

• Europe’s “consent or pay” social media models and regulatory push on privacy, youth safety, and mental health.
• Global sentiment on banning social media for children under certain ages.
• Potential long-term advertising impacts if younger generations delay or avoid social media adoption.
• PepsiCo’s Q3 performance, cost optimization, and brand refresh toward healthier products.
• Dell’s AI-driven growth, PC sales trends, and the Windows 10 end-of-support upgrade cycle.
• China’s goal to produce one-third of the world’s cars by 2030 and its EV export strategy.
• Tesla’s pricing changes and the challenges of EV adoption in the U.S.
• Economic bifurcation affecting auto sales and marketing messaging.
• Digital addressable advertising now comprising ~80% of total ad spend.
• Regional insights from WPP’s “This Year, Next Year” forecast: EMEA, APAC, and LatAm trends.
• The advertising boost from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics.
• Gen Z’s shifting values and what they mean for brands and hiring managers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Europe’s Ad-Free Social Media Models
05:25 PepsiCo Earnings & Healthier Snacking Trends
09:50 Dell’s AI Growth & Hardware Market Insights
14:55 China’s Auto Ambitions & Global EV Competition
19:46 Economic Divide, Auto Marketing & Addressable Ads
22:25 Global Ad Forecast Insights: EMEA, APAC & LatAm
25:44 Sports Events Driving Future Ad Spend
27:13 Closing Thoughts & What’s Next