February 27, 2026
Welcome to The L@B Report
Welcome to this month’s issue of The L@B Report from GSG, where we track news and insights at the intersection of digital media and public affairs. In this edition, we explore the latest podcast consumption milestone, what Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary reveals about trust and knowledge online, and the growing challenge of identifying AI-generated content.
This issue of The L@B Report was compiled by Ryan Alexander.
In the News
Podcasts Now Surpass Talk Radio
Audio’s generational shift becomes official.
According to new research highlighted by TechCrunch, Americans now listen to podcasts more often than traditional talk radio.
Podcast listenership has steadily grown over the past decade, particularly among younger Americans, while traditional talk radio audiences have aged. What was once a niche, on-demand format has become a primary source of news, commentary, and entertainment.
Takeaway
Podcasts are no longer an alternative channel — they are mainstream media. What makes them especially powerful is not just scale, but intimacy. Hosts build direct relationships with listeners, often blending politics, culture, and personal commentary in ways that feel more conversational than broadcast.
For public affairs and communications professionals, this reinforces the need to prioritize podcast outreach alongside traditional earned media. The format’s loyal audiences and long-form structure make it particularly influential in shaping opinion and narrative.
Wikipedia at 25: A Platform Built on Volunteers, Still Defining Knowledge
What the data tells us about trust and participation.
As Wikipedia marks its 25th anniversary, new data from Pew Research Center sheds light on who contributes to the platform and how it continues to function as one of the most relied-upon information sources in the world.
The research shows that while Wikipedia remains enormously influential, its editor base is small and demographically narrow. A majority of contributors are male, and participation rates have plateaued in recent years. At the same time, the platform remains a top destination for information globally, often shaping search results and AI-generated summaries in platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
Takeaway
Wikipedia’s staying power highlights a paradox: a relatively small group of volunteers continues to shape how the world understands facts. For communicators, monitoring and responsibly engaging with Wikipedia pages remains important — particularly as AI systems increasingly pull from its content. Accuracy on Wikipedia is no longer just about search results; it affects how AI tools present your organization to the world.
The AI Detection Arms Race
Can we still tell what’s real?
A recent New York Times report explores the escalating challenge of identifying AI-generated photos and videos. As generative AI tools become more advanced, distinguishing authentic media from synthetic content is growing increasingly difficult, even for experts.
Researchers and technology companies are racing to develop detection tools, watermarking systems, and authentication standards. But critics argue the technology is evolving faster than safeguards.
Takeaway
For organizations and public affairs campaigns, the challenges consumers have in identifying AI-generated photos and videos raise both defensive and reputational considerations. Authenticity, documentation, and proactive transparency will become increasingly important in an era when visuals can be easily manipulated or outright generated and appear real.
More from GSG
Global Strategy Group has been ranked #1 on Observer’s 2026 PR Power List, earning recognition as the most powerful communications agency of the year. Over the past year, GSG has helped leaders across industries navigate defining moments, shape high-stakes debates, and drive measurable growth — powered by standout creative work that breaks through and drives impact. This honor reflects the strength of our fully integrated team, and we’re grateful to our clients and partners for their trust through every process. Here’s to another great year!