Humans outnumbered
David Cohen, Chief executive of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), has climbed onto the dangerous prediction limb, with his 2026 Predictions, oppulently titled Search Takes a Backseat as Brands Battle Inside AI’s Black Box. AI seems to be top-of-mind, as four of the predictions (including the top three) focus on artificial intelligence. We will spill those top three below, but leaving out the editorial content which accompanies each of his forecasts:
- The internet will split between humans and agents, and humans will be wildly outnumbered.
- Brands will start competing in AI’s black box.
- One or more LLMs will start an advertising business, and travel will be the first big category to advertise.
More predictions about the nature of advertising, the most important AI developments, and a shakeup in TV neworks, HERE.
Having it all
Howard Stern is in a good mood. “I’m happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all,” he proclaimed, re-upping his SiriusXM contract with a three-year extension. “More free time, and continuing to be on the radio.” The telegraphing is obvious — a cutback in production hours. We have not found details in the official sources, but the radio star’s previous contract totalled 500 million dollars. Google’s Gemini mentions more time off in the new deal, fewer trips to the studio, and the secondary players (Robin Qivers and Fred Norris) remaining. The announcement ends at least six months of speculation, some of which portrayed the two sides irreconciably far apart.
December 16, 2025
