A week of sporting action, cultural moments and seasonal shifts drove strong engagement across Ozone’s platform. Ed Sheeran’s tour drama, an Oasis announcement and Earl Spencer’s Diana book dominated the cultural conversation, while sport fired on all cylinders and a new wave of university students headed off to start their next chapter.
Topical News
Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour was thrown into doubt last week. First, support act Macklemore was fired from the remaining tour dates due to backlash over his statements regarding his support for Palestine; then, Sheeran’s entire support and backing band quit; and finally, Sheeran’s own public response was criticized. Music & Audio has lifted 21% as a result, and Concerts & Music Events has flown up 54%. In other music news, Oasis has announced a 2027 tour, sending Variety Music & Audio soaring 25%.
Books & Literature has turned the page with a huge 54% uplift, as Earl Spencer’s new book about his sister, Princess Diana, makes headlines ahead of its release. The attention has sent Biographies soaring 2.5x, as Brits read up on the revelations and stories emerging from the book.
Autumn TV is back, with some of the UK’s biggest shows returning to screens. Strictly Come Dancing kicked off its new series over the weekend, while The Celebrity Traitors is set to return next month. With cosy nights in creeping closer and a packed schedule of autumn TV ahead, Television and Reality TV engagement will be on the rise.
Seasonal Events
Sport has had a busy week, with action across both sides of the Atlantic driving engagement. Premier League and League Cup fixtures have pushed Football up 5%, while the NFL and the first-ever NCAA Union Jack Classic at Wembley have helped American Football climb 39%.
Elsewhere, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth has driven Golf up 40%, while the first ATHLOS London sent Track & Field soaring 2.6x. The all-women’s athletics meet also sparked conversation off the track, as athletes criticised Sydney Sweeney’s controversial Novig campaign.
University students are packing up and heading off to new cities for the start of term, pushing Education engagement up 29%, with Adult Education rising 92%. As students stock up on everything they need for university life, Shopping is also up 4%, driven by a 14% rise in Household Supplies.
New York Fashion Week wrapped up last week after unveiling the latest Spring/Summer 2027 collections. Fashion Trends and Women’s Shoes & Footwear both stepped up 9%, while Women’s Fashion rose 7% within category Style & Fashion, up 4%.
