Chamber of Progress vs POLITICO

New Report: Automated Ridehailing Could Add Nearly $1.34 Billion to Canada’s GDP by 2050

Chamber of Progress released a new report today finding that automated ridehailing services (or “robotaxis”) could deliver significant economic and social benefits across Canada, adding CAD $1.34 billion...

New Jersey Bans Dynamic Pricing

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act on July 23, 2026, prohibiting businesses from using consumer data to set individualized prices. The law also imposes a one-year moratorium on the new adoption of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) while the newly created New Jersey Innovation Authority studies the technology's impacts. The legislation preserves retailers' ability to set prices for loyalty program members and offer discounts to broadly defined groups (e.g., teachers, veterans). The move drew mixed reactions: trade groups and tech coalitions urged changes or criticized the law, while labor unions praised it as consumer and worker protection. The law's text states it will take effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment.

• New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act on July 23, 2026.
• The law bans businesses from using consumer data to set individualized prices.
• A one-year moratorium is placed on new adoption of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) for retailers that haven't already installed them.

Axel Springer Launches Creator Program for Journalists

German media giant Axel Springer announced the launch of "Axel Springer Creators", a new program designed to support journalists in building and scaling their own media brands independent of established news outlets. Paul Ronzheimer, a prominent war correspondent, is the first participant and will leave his role as deputy editor-in-chief of Bild to focus on expanding his successful podcast "Ronzheimer" and developing new audio and video formats. The company will assist creators with production, technology, and marketing, offering them greater editorial and entrepreneurial freedom with a share of commercial success. This move reflects a strategic shift towards individual journalist brands, as highlighted by CEO Mathias Döpfner's previous comments on the growing importance of creators in the media landscape.

• Axel Springer launches 'Axel Springer Creators' program for journalists.
• Paul Ronzheimer joins as first participant, leaving Bild deputy editor-in-chief role.
• Ronzheimer's podcast 'Ronzheimer' had over 12 million cross-platform views in September.

CNN Launches Press Freedom Promo Amid White House Ban Threat

Amid threats from President Donald Trump to ban certain news outlets from the White House, CNN debuted a 60-second promo on Wednesday with the tagline 'Freedom of the press is not optional.' The spot features quotes from former presidents and highlights CNN's commitment to journalism. This comes after a preliminary injunction by Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the White House press ban likely violated the First Amendment, allowing CNN, MS NOW, and Politico to continue reporting from the White House. CNN CEO Mark Thompson has pledged to fight the case 'to the end,' and the network's marketing team produced the promo internally. The promo was shared on social media and during CNN News Central, where Thompson gave an interview.

• CNN aired a 60-second promo with the tagline 'Freedom of the press is not optional'.
• The promo features quotes from former presidents Thomas Jefferson, Calvin Coolidge, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
• A preliminary injunction by Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the White House press ban likely violated the First Amendment.

Digiday Awards 2026 Finalists Announced

The Digiday Awards 2026 finalists have been announced, showcasing innovation in audience engagement and multiplatform storytelling. Notable finalists include Amazon News for its immersive AWS Trainium chip story, Politico's CEO Goli Sheikholeslami for Media Leader of the Year, and Warner Bros. Discovery's retail media campaign with IKEA. The awards highlight trends such as agentic AI, retail media, and innovative publisher strategies. The full list spans categories like Best Use of AI, Best Use of Retail Media, and Most Innovative Publisher, reflecting a media landscape focused on measurable results and personalization.

• Amazon News is a finalist for Most Innovative Publisher for its AWS Trainium chip interactive story.
• Politico's CEO Goli Sheikholeslami is nominated for Media Leader of the Year.
• Warner Bros. Discovery and Ikea are finalists for Best Use of Retail Media for 'Decades of Possibilities' campaign.