The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Charmingly silly: Mark Barber on 25 years making the case for radio

After 25 years at Radiocentre, the planning director reflects on his career championing radio, the impact of its effectiveness research and the work still needed to win advertisers’ budgets.

Exclusive: James Denton-Clark takes charge of Stagwell Europe

Stagwell’s chief growth and client officer takes on James Townsend’s remit as the challenger network prepares to step up investment in the region

Thinkbox launches tool to compare cultural impact of media channels

The free Cultural Compass tool compares media channels across seven dimensions of cultural impact and 19 audience groups.

Anonymous group of ad execs asks for intervention on ad industry’s funding of hate

A new memo from the group, convened by Inside Track, says media agencies are incentivised to invest in paid social because it is ‘much more profitable than other types of spend’, ignoring concerns that brands are incidentally funding hateful content.

World Menopause Month: Enough talk with no change – we need to move to action

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, employers with 250+ staff need to publish a menopause action plan from spring 2027. Kerry Nortcliffe looks at what makes a good policy.

The Media Leader

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Opinion

Danny Donovan

Positivity improves advertising receptiveness and recall. So why isn’t media spend going to the most positive environments? Danny Donovan asks.

Kelly Eagle

Brands can build on OOH’s reach by inviting people not just to see a campaign, but to stop, join in, and become part of the experience, writes Kelly Eagle.

Liz Parkin

KISS demonstrates that by combining the strengths of traditional media and the creator economy, established media brands can build on their heritage while adapting to changing audience behaviours.

Data Snapshot

Data-led charts from across the UK media landscape

Find out more about the UK's most comprehensive aggregator of media data.

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22 Sep 2026

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The Future of Media Manchester 2026 is the region's premier event bringing together media planners, strategists, and buyers to explore the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the commercial media landscape. Hosted by The Media Leader, the event features expert speakers, thought-provoking debates and research-led sessions designed to spark honest conversations about where the industry is heading. Taking place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on 17 September, the event will bring together 600+ industry professionals and 40+ speakers for a full day of insight, discussion and networking. Attendees can expect sharp debates, fresh perspectives and valuable connections with senior leaders across the media ecosystem — making it a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of the industry’s next chapter.
17 September 2026

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Charmingly silly: Mark Barber on 25 years making the case for radio

After 25 years at Radiocentre, the planning director reflects on his career championing radio, the impact of its effectiveness research and the work still needed to win advertisers’ budgets.

Exclusive: James Denton-Clark takes charge of Stagwell Europe

Stagwell’s chief growth and client officer takes on James Townsend’s remit as the challenger network prepares to step up investment in the region

Thinkbox launches tool to compare cultural impact of media channels

The free Cultural Compass tool compares media channels across seven dimensions of cultural impact and 19 audience groups.

Anonymous group of ad execs asks for intervention on ad industry’s funding of hate

A new memo from the group, convened by Inside Track, says media agencies are incentivised to invest in paid social because it is ‘much more profitable than other types of spend’, ignoring concerns that brands are incidentally funding hateful content.

World Menopause Month: Enough talk with no change – we need to move to action

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, employers with 250+ staff need to publish a menopause action plan from spring 2027. Kerry Nortcliffe looks at what makes a good policy.

The Media Leader

Opinion

The power of positivity

DOOH is no longer a spectator sport

The creator economy is a two-way street

Industry News

Channel 4 to launch on Disney+ with linear channel and day-and-date shows

Week in Focus: Future of Brands – Creator Economy recap

The asymmetry of risk: why does news pay a price platforms don’t

Why Stagwell launched Stagwell Media – with Slavi Samardzija

How Beehiiv is accelerating ad-funded indie publishing

Upfronts 2026: Paramount simplifies streaming ad buy; Goalhanger asserts ‘niche is the new mainstream’

Meta keeps growing amid $25bn fine and ‘outrageous assault on journalism’

Netflix reduces ad revenue forecast amid ‘slower than expected’ rollout of products

Data Analysis

Cities: A moving target for planners

How spectacular advertising can hijack the algorithm

Has Origin failed?

Mapping the UK agency landscape

Data Snapshot

Hear for a Reason

End of year cinematic treats

Our next event

Upcoming Event

The Future of Media Manchester 2026