Maya Media Brief — Welcome to Storyflo Daily Me...

Welcome to Storyflo Daily Media. I'm Maya.

**Story 1: Brands Shift Focus to Offline and Experiential Marketing** As AI and digital saturation take hold, marketers are increasingly opting for more traditional ad channels, like in-person and experiential marketing, to stand out and connect with their target audiences. According to a study by the IAB, a significant 41% of US ad buyers are planning to increase their investments in offline marketing initiatives. As marketing budgets continue to fluctuate, it's becoming clear that a mix of digital and offline tactics will be key to success in today's rapidly changing media landscape. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 2: Publishers Eye Paid Traffic as Referral Traffic Declines** As the media industry grapples with declining referral traffic, publishers are turning to paid traffic to shore up their audience growth. While publishers are still cautious about the practice of buying paid traffic, many are now questioning whether it's a necessary evil to ensure their continued relevance. According to Digiday, a growing number of publishers are exploring the potential of paid traffic, hoping to offset declining referral traffic and stay ahead of the curve. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 3: AI Raises Red Flags for Media Agencies** The increasing reliance on AI in the media industry has raised concerns about transparency, with some industry leaders warning that the technology may be masking issues around media buying and rebates. As the lines between AI-generated and human-created content continue to blur, Digiday reports that media agencies are facing growing scrutiny around their practices. Will the industry find ways to adapt and thrive in this new era of AI-driven media buying? (Source: Digiday)

**Story 4: Brands Turn to Strava for Fitness-Focused Marketing** Starbucks is partnering with fitness app Strava to promote its new exercise-based marketing campaign, which asks users to walk 22 minutes a day for 10 days to win a Starbucks-branded weighted vest. This move highlights the growing appeal of fitness-focused marketing and the potential for brands to connect with health-conscious consumers through targeted, experiential initiatives. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 5: Curated Marketplaces Emerge as Key Players in DOOH Advertising** As digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising continues to grow in popularity, curated marketplaces are becoming increasingly influential. Offering targeted and measurable experiences, these marketplaces are providing brands with the tools they need to make the most of their DOOH investments. According to VIOOH, curated marketplaces are giving brands greater control and flexibility in the DOOH advertising space. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 6: Perplexity Faces an Uphill Battle to Win Publisher Trust** Perplexity, an AI-driven advertising platform, is facing significant challenges in its bid to win publisher trust, with several copyright lawsuits threatening the company's reputation and future. As the industry continues to grapple with questions around AI and transparency, Perplexity's struggle highlights the need for increased accountability and trust in AI-powered advertising. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 7: Affiliate Marketing Gains Favor as Brands Seek More Measurable, Scalable, and Controllable Options** Creator Lola Torres is bucking the trend by prioritizing affiliate marketing over brand partnerships, highlighting the growing appeal of a more stable and measurable approach to influencer marketing. With brands seeking more control and flexibility, affiliate marketing is becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking to connect with their target audiences. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 8: The Chief AI Officer May Soon Be an Outdated Role** As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of business operations, the role of chief AI officer may become less relevant, with some predicting that the position will eventually become extinct. This shift highlights the industry's growing need for AI-fluent professionals who can integrate the technology into their existing operations. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 9: Publishers Invest in Engagement, Registration, and Citations Amid AI-Driven Traffic Declines** As consumer use of AI search accelerates, publishers are seeing significant traffic declines, pushing them to invest in engagement, registration, and citations to stay ahead of the curve. According to Piano, publishers are adapting to the changing media landscape by developing new strategies to connect with their audiences. (Source: Digiday)

**Story 10: Finalists Announced for the 2026

Maya Media Brief — Welcome to Storyflo Daily Media. I'm Maya.