Duo the Owl Rises Again After Cybertruck Showdown

Disney’s calling in the big guns—Bob Iger is back as CEO, and he’s got some fixing to do. From struggling streaming services to ESPN’s digital makeover, there’s a lot on his plate. The Verge reports that his game plan includes streamlining, cutting costs, and figuring out where ESPN fits in the future of sports media.

The internet is shifting from mass social platforms to smaller, curated communities focused on niche interests and meaningful engagement. The Verge, Edwin Wong & Andrew Melnizek as users grow wary of algorithm-driven feeds and misinformation, platforms like Discord, Geneva, and Substack are gaining popularity by offering more controlled and intentional interactions. This trend marks a move away from ad-driven models toward subscription-based and community-led experiences, reshaping how people connect online.

YouTube is now a key player in shaping US household purchases, with many consumers turning to the platform for product recommendations. A new study shows YouTube’s influence surpassing traditional media and some social platforms, especially among younger users. Advanced Television reports that 75% of those surveyed use YouTube for product guidance, highlighting its growing role in shopping decisions.

Creators hoping to make big bucks from YouTube Shorts are in for a reality check—earnings just don’t stack up against long-form videos. Despite racking up billions of views, Shorts’ revenue-sharing model leads to much lower payouts. As Digiday’s Alexander Lee reports, many creators are sticking to long-form content where the money is better.

Duo the owl just won’t quit—even after getting flattened by a Tesla Cybertruck. In Duolingo’s latest ad, the iconic mascot rises from the dead to keep reminding users to practice their language skills. As Adweek’s David Cohen highlights, Duolingo once again proves that a mix of chaos and humor is its secret to keeping users hooked.

Unilever’s CEO is out after less than a year as the company struggles to get back on track. According to The Wall Street Journal, investors weren’t happy with its slow growth, and leadership is making moves to turn things around. This change could mean big shifts for Unilever’s future strategy.

A recent Gartner study highlights why CMOs often lose their jobs, revealing key gaps between marketing leaders and the expectations of CEOs and CFOs. Interviews with 125 executives found that 69% would fire a CMO for failing to deliver results, while 58% cited a lack of adaptability, and 41% pointed to weak leadership presence. Reported by Rebecca Stewart and Paul Hiebert for Adweek, the study suggests CMOs can strengthen their position by delivering measurable impact, improving executive relationships, and aligning marketing goals with business growth.

Quitting your job to start a newsletter? Risky. Turning it into a million-dollar business in under two years? Impressive. That’s exactly what Oliver Darcy did with Status, his independent media newsletter that’s already gained 70,000+ subscribers. The Wall Street Journal reports that Darcy’s success is part of a bigger shift—independent journalists building their empires. With a premium subscription model, a growing team, and a podcast on the horizon, Status is proving that going solo can pay off—literally.

Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty, once a billion-dollar disruptor in lingerie, is struggling as CEO Hillary Super departs for Victoria’s Secret. The move raises questions about leadership stability and the brand’s future direction. Lauren Sherman for Puck reports on Savage x Fenty’s internal challenges and its place in a competitive market.

Timothée Chalamet is opening up about fame, Hollywood pressures, and what it means to be a leading man today. In a revealing GQ interview, he talks about navigating blockbuster roles, staying true to his indie roots, and handling life under a global microscope.