Hello internerds. Let’s get down to some links.
New Futures:


Why some direct-to-consumer businesses are making peace with their Amazon frenemy.
Credit card swipe fees are about to jump up, hurting businesses who are already at a disadvantage beause of COVID-19.
Advertising/Marketing/PR:


Facebook launching advertising campaign defending targeted advertising.
Inside the Venezuelan creative agency diaspora.
The subtext and behind-the-scenes of Google abandoning cookies.
Target investing $4 billion in store growth and supply chain tech.
Media:
Axios discontinuing their Codebook cybersecurity newsletter.
Al Jazeera launching right-wing news platform for US conservatives.
Spotify is investing a whole, whole lot of money in podcasting.
Marvel exec Kevin Feige on bridging the gap between casual and hardcore fans.
Post-Bon Appetit, Sohla El-Waylly’s signed some big name management.
In a sign of a healthy media economy, the Toronto Star is launching their own online gambling brand.
Tech:
What happens when Apple cuts off your accounts because of a data glitch.
Why the US government (and other governments) buy location data from app makers.
Restaurant-tech firm Toast is flirting with an IPO.
Instagram expanding Rooms functionality in a fresh addition to our interacting-by-video hell.
Fun:
Fisher-Price’s My Home Office for children.
Bringing mammoths back, the fellowship.
Why Chicago White Sox fans are the heaviest drinkers in baseball.
Things I’ve Enjoyed Lately:
Land of the Giants’ epic podcast on YouTube’s history.
David Bowie on establishment co-opting of subculture.
That’s it for this issue. Email me here and please don’t hesitate to contact if I can be of assistance + thank you for taking the time to read this damned thing.
Love and coffee,
Neal
About This Newsletter: Neal Ungerleider is a strategic communications consultant who works with individuals, brands and agencies. He writes this weekly newsletter about the media communications industrial complex and hopes you find it useful. Check out his bio, his portfolio, and current projects.
Connect on Twitter or LinkedIn and learn more about at nealungerleider.com. To reach Neal, reply to this email or drop a line in the comments.