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The news: WhatsApp will begin showing ads for the first time since Meta鈥檚 2014 acquisition, starting with the Updates tab鈥檚 Status feature. Sponsored search placements and optional paid subscriptions will also be added to WhatsApp Channels. Ads won鈥檛 appear in encrypted chats or groups, and targeting will rely only on minimal metadata unless users opt in to link accounts. Our take: Meta is threading a careful line鈥攎onetizing WhatsApp while keeping privacy promises intact. With over 3 billion global users and deep consumer trust, the platform鈥檚 subtle shift into ads and subscriptions could deliver big returns if Meta avoids sparking user backlash over commercialization.

The news: Streaming watch time outpaced cable and broadcast combined for the first time ever. Streaming accounted for 44.8% of TV viewing in May, per Nielsen, compared with broadcast鈥檚 20.1% and cable鈥檚 24.1%.Our take: With TV viewership increasingly fragmented, advertisers that abandon cable and broadband entirely could leave many consumers behind. Brands should use a hybrid placement model that makes selective investments in linear TV while using streaming to reach younger cord-cutters, helping to retain flexibility as user habits fluctuate.

Declines in linear TV viewers, time spent with linear, and the number of linear addressable TV households, combined with streaming services outpacing traditional TV subscription revenues, makes it unclear whether linear ad spend will continue growing.

The news: Charter Communications Inc. will merge with rival Cox Communications, bringing together two major cable providers, the companies announced Friday. The transaction, which 鈥渨ill create an industry leader in mobile and broadband communications services, seamless video entertainment, and high-quality customer service,鈥� values Cox Communications at about $34.5 billion.

Comcast gives details on its spinout of several NBCU cable networks: As Peacock takes center stage, legacy TV networks must adapt to stay relevant.

The pivot to streaming won鈥檛 include everyone: Millions of consumers will remain without streaming in coming years. Here鈥檚 how brands can reach them.

While competitors like Comcast consider spinning off cable assets, Murdoch confirmed Fox has no such plans. That鈥檚 because political and live-event programming continue to drive cable revenues, distinguishing Fox from peers facing more significant cord-cutting pressures.

Cutting the cord: Comcast is considering spinning off cable network assets like MSNBC and CNBC, potentially forming a shareholder-owned company. This move would allow Comcast to shift resources toward digital growth and place greater emphasis on Peacock鈥檚 expansion. By separating traditional cable from its high-growth streaming sector, Comcast could better adapt to the current media landscape.