There is only one thing easy to predict about a new year - it will not be the same as the last.

But in broad-brushed media terms, much will remain the same, at least initially. With President Bush battling Congress and Senate over the Iraq war policy, it's clear that this conflict will remain top of the headlines for the best part of this year. Key words to look for in months ahead: "Vietnam" and "Quagmire".

HOT Celebrity-driven media

Whether it be an Oprah cooking show, or Bono's guide to Dublin's music spots, the allure for the media of celebrity-driven content will continue, as the industry continues to try to add extra lustre to their offerings in a crowded market.

NOT Free media content

Call us sceptics, but it seems to us that a key reason for media giants to buy the likes of Skype or YouTube is to instill a pricing model into them gradually, and rid the media market of the 'threat' of all the free content currently around. Critics will say that traditional media just "doesn't get it", but watch the freebees gradually disappear as media giants attempt to redress the balance between paid and free.

HOT Daniel Carter

Again, call (some of) us unashamed All Blacks fans, but with the NZ team firm favourite for this year's Rugby World Cup in France and soccer momentarily shelved, the media glare is bound to fall, ala J.Wilkinson, on the well toned frame of 23 year old Cantabrian kicker and first five eights Carter. And the fact that women will watch more World Cup games when he plays will not pass the notice of product sponsors for long.

NOT David Beckham

Heading to America to end your career when you're already more recognised as a fashion icon than a footballer is unlikely to help your street cred in England. And hopes that DB might morph into an overnight Hollywood icon might soon be dashed when people actually hear him speak. Head for coaching, Becks.

HOT: Vietnam