The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

How Netflix’s ads business is becoming a meaningful growth driver – with EMEA ads VP Damien Bernet

Bernet speaks to host Jack Benamin about Netflix’s ad tier expansion in Europe and new innovations aimed at automating programmatic buying.

Advertising is poisoning the internet and it’s getting worse

The Tai Chi scammers aren’t the only ones preying on our addiction to social media. Why is adland not discussing ways to root out this poison?

Podcast measurement proposal claims standardisation could unlock $1bn in ad spend

The Alliance of Measurement in Podcasting (AMP) released the AMP Accords whitepaper on 23 July, and defines a podcast as a medium that “works with your eyes closed”.

Fewer ads drive more attention on websites, finds Lumen and Mail Metro Media

Digital environments with lower ad loads drive more attention and improve brand recall and purchase intent, a new study by Lumen Research, Mail Metro Media and Havas Media Network found.

How Mail Metro Media stopped killing its golden goose

Mail Metro Media deserves credit for shifting its mindset from how much revenue can be extracted from today’s web page to how valuable tomorrow’s page could become, writes Lumen’s Mike Follett

The Media Leader

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Opinion

Felicity Bowen

The very things that make in-store feel safe are precisely what make it risky when overused, writes Spark Foundry’s strategy partner.

James Longhurst

Bloomberg’s European MD for advertising, David Bradford, is in the hot seat for our probing and quick-fire Leading Questions.

Lou Thompson

Strong campaigns give people an anchor and a mission to rally around, especially across teams that may not work closely together, writes NABS’ marketing director.

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

How Netflix’s ads business is becoming a meaningful growth driver – with EMEA ads VP Damien Bernet

Bernet speaks to host Jack Benamin about Netflix’s ad tier expansion in Europe and new innovations aimed at automating programmatic buying.

Advertising is poisoning the internet and it’s getting worse

The Tai Chi scammers aren’t the only ones preying on our addiction to social media. Why is adland not discussing ways to root out this poison?

Podcast measurement proposal claims standardisation could unlock $1bn in ad spend

The Alliance of Measurement in Podcasting (AMP) released the AMP Accords whitepaper on 23 July, and defines a podcast as a medium that “works with your eyes closed”.

Fewer ads drive more attention on websites, finds Lumen and Mail Metro Media

Digital environments with lower ad loads drive more attention and improve brand recall and purchase intent, a new study by Lumen Research, Mail Metro Media and Havas Media Network found.

How Mail Metro Media stopped killing its golden goose

Mail Metro Media deserves credit for shifting its mindset from how much revenue can be extracted from today’s web page to how valuable tomorrow’s page could become, writes Lumen’s Mike Follett

The Media Leader

Opinion

Don’t let short-term ROI re-write your marketing budget

Leading Questions with David Bradford – Bloomberg Media

The best campaigns don’t just build brands. They build culture

Industry News

‘The first tremors in an earthquake’: Digital publisher revenues decline 4.6% amid falling referral traffic

Belonging in Britain: The power of community-led strategy

The Media Leader launches fifth Future 100 Club to spotlight next generation of media leaders

Inaugural advisory board announced for The Future of Media London

What should TV leave behind? Five European senior marketers have their say

‘OOH needs to be traded in the same way as everything else,’ says Broadsign CEO

Only one-third of marketers claim to fully measure carbon impact of AI usage

Week in focus: The Future of Publishing recap

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

Our next event

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The Future of Media Manchester 2026