Media analyst Antony Young brings you the latest updates from the global media landscape in a regular column for StopPress.
This week’s highlights include:
- A Finnish puppy livestream captivates audiences.
- Netflix encounters challenges as younger viewers gravitate towards short-form content.
- Weight-loss medications like Ozempic are altering consumer spending behaviors.
- Lush demonstrates the possibility of brand growth without social media.
- CBS transforms election coverage into betting content.
- J.Crew embraces humor over traditional fashion advertising.
Finnish Puppy Livestream Captivates Audiences
In Finland, a 24/7 livestream featuring a mother dog and her six puppies has taken the television world by storm. The program, known as Pentulive (Puppy Live), has attracted over 1.85 million unique viewers and amassed more than a million hours of watch time in just two weeks.
Now entering its sixth season, the show, aired by Finnish broadcaster Yle, showcases the puppies from their birth to their initial clumsy steps. Engaging elements include live breeder discussions, podcast features, weigh-ins, and audience voting for naming the pups. The appeal has even crossed borders, with Sweden picking up the program and the format being licensed in the Netherlands.
Netflix Struggles with Changing Viewer Preferences
Despite boasting 325 million subscribers and quarterly revenues of USD 12.9 billion, Netflix is facing scrutiny from investors as its traditional content strategy struggles to compete with the likes of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Shares dropped by 5.3% in October following forecasts of slower revenue growth and a reduction of $300 million in its 2026 advertising revenue projections, attributed to delays in new advertising capabilities. In response, Netflix is focusing on premium television, films, and live events, which includes leadership changes and job cuts to streamline its offerings.
While some analysts recommend more innovative approaches to attract younger viewers, others remain optimistic about Netflix’s extensive subscriber base and advertising potential. The company plans to introduce its advertising model in New Zealand early next year, according to StopPress.
Ozempic Alters Consumer Spending Patterns
Weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are not only addressing health concerns but are also influencing consumer behaviors, as highlighted in a recent PwC study.
Approximately 11% of U.S. adults are now using GLP-1 medications. An analysis reveals that household spending on fast food declines by 9% after six to eight months on the medication, with pizza purchases dipping by 22%. The study shows that 61% of users opt for fewer sugary snacks and beverages, while 44% purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables.
The savings in food expenditures are being redirected toward apparel, with a notable 66% increase in spending on jeans and 31% on swimwear. Fitness facilities are adapting as well, enhancing strength-training options for those keen on maintaining muscle mass. Furthermore, analysts suggest that airlines could see a financial benefit, estimating a potential savings of USD 580 million in fuel costs for major U.S. airlines due to a lighter passenger load.
Lush Demonstrates Growth Without Social Media
In a bold move, UK-based beauty brand Lush has distanced itself from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat in 2021, citing concerns over privacy practices and their impact on mental health.
By reallocating its marketing budget away from traditional social media and investing in influencer partnerships, collaborations, and direct customer engagement, Lush has reported a 9.4% revenue increase to £736 million in 2025. Collaborations with renowned names such as Wicked and Hello Kitty generated an estimated £34 million in revenue.
The brand’s mobile application now boasts 2.8 million users, and its email database encompasses over 6 million subscribers globally. Lush maintains an organic presence on platforms like YouTube and Pinterest, with North American marketing head Julia Hamfelt stating, “Our philosophy really is to invest in people over platforms.”
CBS Innovates Election Coverage with Betting Elements
As the U.S. prepares for its highly contentious midterm elections, CBS News is merging political reporting with commercial partnerships and betting elements.
The network has forged a sponsorship deal with sports betting company DraftKings to support election coverage across its local TV stations, featuring several sponsored segments daily. This partnership introduces a notable DraftKings branding presence during critical coverage periods.
In addition, CBS has aligned with prediction market Kalshi to feature betting odds in its national election broadcasts, focusing on key Senate and House races. This controversial approach raises concerns about editorial integrity and the commercialization of political reporting, particularly in light of public sentiment, which shows that 70% of Americans oppose betting on elections.
J.Crew Brings Comedy to Fashion Advertising
J.Crew is taking an innovative approach to its advertising strategy by incorporating comedy into its latest menswear campaign, enlisting a trio of comedians from Saturday Night Live.
The campaign, named “We Take Suiting Seriously,” features Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy as amusingly inept sales associates during their first day at the New York Suit Shop. This humorous twist transforms a typical product display into an engaging skit that highlights J.Crew’s three main suit styles: Ludlow, Crosby, and Kenmare.
J.Crew’s CMO, Julia Collier, noted the aim was to infuse “personality and humor” into the often daunting process of purchasing a first suit. By allowing comedians to lead the creative direction, the advertising feels less like a sales pitch and more like engaging content that resonates with viewers.
The post Around the World: Finland’s Puppy TV Show Takes Center Stage appeared first on StopPress.
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