The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Stagwell transforms Assembly into global agency Stagwell Media

Stagwell Media will be led by Liz Rutgersson and offer an integrated model tailored for brands ‘looking for a new media model built around technology, platforms, connectivity and evolving consumer journeys.’

Marketers should be tracking ad awareness, says Thinkbox study

The study found that ad awareness has both a direct and indirect relationship with brand consideration.

TikTok leans into agentic commerce ‘to take the operational load out of making purchase decisions’

TikTok has launched an AI shopping assistant as part of a wider effort to automate commerce for both consumers and marketers.

Why are The Times and Sky News reporting on scam ads while carrying them?

Journalists report on scam advertising, yet their employers still run many of the fake adverts they warn against. What can be done?

When content is infinite, human connection becomes scarce

Just as Bowie’s protagonist questions whether something better exists, a more rewarding route is to focus on what people increasingly feel is missing in life, writes Chris Herbert-Lo.

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Opinion

Lucy Hinton

For an industry built on creativity, innovation, and connecting with people, we’ve done a surprisingly poor job of showing the next generation what a career in advertising actually looks like, argues Lucy Hinton.

Ross Sergeant

GB News’ Ross Sergeant argues that incrementality, not familiarity, should decide what makes the media planner’s longlist.

Omar Oakes

Advertising and media want finished talent but won’t pay to develop it. A missed opportunity, but change is happening, writes Omar Oakes.

Industry News

How to traverse a non-linear career in media – with TheZoo.London’s Rachel Forde and Marco Bertozzi

A day in the life of a media planner: Ocean Outdoor

September box office up 3% as Resident Evil ends strong Q3

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

Dominic Williams promoted to CEO of Mail Metro Media

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

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

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

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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The Future of Media Manchester 2026

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

Stagwell transforms Assembly into global agency Stagwell Media

Stagwell Media will be led by Liz Rutgersson and offer an integrated model tailored for brands ‘looking for a new media model built around technology, platforms, connectivity and evolving consumer journeys.’

Marketers should be tracking ad awareness, says Thinkbox study

The study found that ad awareness has both a direct and indirect relationship with brand consideration.

TikTok leans into agentic commerce ‘to take the operational load out of making purchase decisions’

TikTok has launched an AI shopping assistant as part of a wider effort to automate commerce for both consumers and marketers.

Why are The Times and Sky News reporting on scam ads while carrying them?

Journalists report on scam advertising, yet their employers still run many of the fake adverts they warn against. What can be done?

When content is infinite, human connection becomes scarce

Just as Bowie’s protagonist questions whether something better exists, a more rewarding route is to focus on what people increasingly feel is missing in life, writes Chris Herbert-Lo.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Why advertising needs to do a better job of selling itself

Diverse planning means the whole country, not the whole demo

The part Manchester City got right: Build your own academy

Industry News

How to traverse a non-linear career in media – with TheZoo.London’s Rachel Forde and Marco Bertozzi

A day in the life of a media planner: Ocean Outdoor

September box office up 3% as Resident Evil ends strong Q3

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

Dominic Williams promoted to CEO of Mail Metro Media

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

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

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

Upcoming Event

The Future of Media Manchester 2026