The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Goalhanger to bring all ad-sales in-house from 2027

The podcast company continues to expand into a broader multi-platform media business, and plans to host its first upfronts later this month.

Dominic Williams promoted to CEO of Mail Metro Media

The former chief revenue officer was named to the new role one day after its upfront event in London.

Week in focus: The Future of Planning, Strategy and Innovation recap

Last week, we spotlighted media planning and strategy, exploring how roles are changing, what planners need to know now, and where the industry is heading next.

Leading Questions with Rob Gold – Trilliad

Channel 4 B Corp TV winners: “This is going to irritate the rest”

TOTM and Holy Moly tell The Media Leader what they expect from Sunday’s Channel 4 ad-break takeover, while Channel 4 Sales sets out its ambitions for the scheme.

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Opinion

Jakob Sanders

Twenty years ago, commercial broadcasters were advised to take a hard look at their business models. They did, and it’s now paying off, WPP Media’s analytics manager writes.

Danny Donovan

Are more brands embracing publisher partnerships, and what rules should they follow to maximise results? Danny Donovan looks at the evidence.

Raymond Snoddy

There should be proper discussion about where BBC cuts should fall, rather than well-loved personalities and programmes simply disappearing without a trace.

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

28 Jul 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

Goalhanger to bring all ad-sales in-house from 2027

The podcast company continues to expand into a broader multi-platform media business, and plans to host its first upfronts later this month.

Dominic Williams promoted to CEO of Mail Metro Media

The former chief revenue officer was named to the new role one day after its upfront event in London.

Week in focus: The Future of Planning, Strategy and Innovation recap

Last week, we spotlighted media planning and strategy, exploring how roles are changing, what planners need to know now, and where the industry is heading next.

Leading Questions with Rob Gold – Trilliad

Leading Questions with Rob Gold – Trilliad

Channel 4 B Corp TV winners: “This is going to irritate the rest”

TOTM and Holy Moly tell The Media Leader what they expect from Sunday’s Channel 4 ad-break takeover, while Channel 4 Sales sets out its ambitions for the scheme.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Airwaves to algorithms: How commercial radio found its second wind

Are we entering a golden age of publisher partnerships?

How to get the most out of a universal BBC licence fee

Industry News

How much longer can streamers promise a truly ad-free experience?

Reallocating search and social budget into audio could add £1m to profit, Radiocentre research finds

Mark Penn: ‘We’re it in terms of a fourth alternative’

UK digital adspend in H1 2026 exceeds whole of 2020

Retail leads global programmatic DOOH spend as omni-channel buying gains ground

Consumers don’t trust AI assistants for product recommendations. Brands are investing anyway

Global brands are shifting to paying for outputs, not time

What we learned from ‘the first digital-first’ World Cup – with The Guardian, Mirror, Sun and Daily Mail

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

End of year cinematic treats

Podcast Ad Promo Position Plays A Part In Perception

Our next event

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The Future of Media Manchester 2026