The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

What publishers can learn from NYT’s ‘solar system’ model – with global ads VP Tom Armstrong

Host Jack Benjamin spoke with Armstrong in sunny Cannes about how NYT’s strategy of surrounding its news reporting with verticals like cooking and games, its international expansion, and why it’s pivoting to video.

The future belongs to publishers who build relationships, not just reach

As AI makes it harder for audiences to distinguish credible journalism from the growing volume of online content, the value of trusted editorial brands continues to grow, says the PPA’s CEO.

Why chasing scale is quietly eroding publisher revenue

A less-is-more approach improves both the user experience and the value of your ad inventory. Refinery89’s CEO explains.

Why do publishers struggle to find their social voice?

The way Time Out Media’s head of social and video thinks about social is through a simple funnel: know, like and trust.

Netflix embraces publishers in ‘fit for TV’ push

Analysis: Netflix is positioning itself as a legitimate alternative to YouTube for finding (and advertising against) content from premium publishing brands.

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Opinion

Nicola Kemp

At a crushing time of year for working parents, leaders must ensure that caring responsibilities are not a career killer, writes Nicola Kemp.

James Longhurst

We sat down with the new Mail Metro Media commercial leadership team, find out more about them here.

James Longhurst

Mail Metro Media’s chief revenue officer, Dominic Williams, is in the hot seat for our probing and quick-fire Leading Questions.

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 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

What publishers can learn from NYT’s ‘solar system’ model – with global ads VP Tom Armstrong

Host Jack Benjamin spoke with Armstrong in sunny Cannes about how NYT’s strategy of surrounding its news reporting with verticals like cooking and games, its international expansion, and why it’s pivoting to video.

The future belongs to publishers who build relationships, not just reach

As AI makes it harder for audiences to distinguish credible journalism from the growing volume of online content, the value of trusted editorial brands continues to grow, says the PPA’s CEO.

Why chasing scale is quietly eroding publisher revenue

A less-is-more approach improves both the user experience and the value of your ad inventory. Refinery89’s CEO explains.

Why do publishers struggle to find their social voice?

The way Time Out Media’s head of social and video thinks about social is through a simple funnel: know, like and trust.

Netflix embraces publishers in ‘fit for TV’ push

Analysis: Netflix is positioning itself as a legitimate alternative to YouTube for finding (and advertising against) content from premium publishing brands.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Being too busy for sports day is not a leadership flex

Mail Metro Media – Commercial Leadership Team – Meet the Media Owner

Leading Questions with Dom Williams – Mail Metro Media

Industry News

Why TV should play the performance game

Case Study: Turning London’s cable cars into karaoke booths

Audiotrack at 10: If you’re not going to do it for 20 years, then you probably need a rethink

How Channel 4 is taking a ‘platform mindset’ to TV — with David Amodio and Jay Kassam

‘Fresh team, fresh approach’: Mail Metro Media on becoming a ‘modern broadcast publisher’

Jellyfish CEO Nick Emery: ‘Traditional agencies are finished’

Adelaide links creative measurement to media buying with partner ecosystem

Audiotrack at 10: AI can create an audio ad in 30 seconds. It just can’t tell you if it’s any good

Data Analysis

Mapping the UK agency landscape

The industry is calling it cross-media. It’s not

Campaign ROI is maximised when audio gets 25% of spend, finds Radiocentre report

Tech firms must enforce tougher age checks for social media platforms, regulator says

Data Snapshot

The ad-vantages of streaming

World Cup Wonders

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The Future of Media Manchester 2026