
GH05T is expanding its reputation offer with a Reddit focus. The agency says peer-led discussions increasingly shape brand perception as AI tools summarise the web. Its approach will track sentiment, spot misconceptions, and advise response strategy. Data shows rising Reddit usage and Google referrals, reinforcing the platform’s role in discovery.

Gucci faces backlash for using AI images at Milan show. The Italian luxury brand’s use of AI-generated visuals for Milan fashion week has sparked criticism over concerns about its impact on craftsmanship and heritage.

Audion has launched Audion AI to optimise digital audio campaigns. The company says the agent turns a brief into multi-platform media plans, spanning streaming, podcasts, digital radio, and audio-first video, and adjusts spend during delivery using contextual signals and measurement data. It also unveiled a refreshed brand identity with launch.

Google partners with Open Partners on proprietary ad tech. The collaboration will see the independent agency’s Automated Campaign Execution platform — ACE — formally developed within the Google ecosystem ahead of a planned early 2026 launch, following reported uplifts of 20–30% in ROAS and conversions.

Europe is drawing a hard line around teen social accounts. After Prague signalled support for an under-15 ban, Slovenia began drafting legislation, Greece said it was “very close” to acting, and Spain set out an under-16 prohibition. Marketers now face a structural shift in reach, data, and measurement this year.

British travellers’ destination choices are revealing the growing commercial weight of data-led marketing. In 2025, Forward data showed Dublin up 130%, Amsterdam down 13%, signalling how targeted promotion and sustainability branding are reshaping Europe’s tourism landscape.

Weekend reviews are more likely to be negative. Mannheim researchers analysed 400 million online ratings and found that reviews written on weekends received fewer 5-star and more 1- to 3-star ratings than those written during the week, with the strongest effect observed in workplace-related feedback.

Email marketing remains a vital channel for brands in 2026. Russ Wilmot, Co-founder and Director of Acquirz, explores how evolving technologies, audience behaviour, and AI-driven tools are transforming campaign performance this year.

Audion appoints Ina Börner as head of sales & market growth DACH. The move strengthens the company’s presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as it builds on strong regional momentum and expands its pan-European digital audio operations.

Customer engagement in the financial sector is evolving at speed. Jon Burghart, Chief Revenue Officer at AnywhereNow, examines how legacy systems, fragmented data, and overstretched teams are redefining how banks serve their customers. The winners will be those who unify people, technology, and data into one strategy.