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The Media Leader’s guide to Cannes: How to survive and thrive

The Media Leader’s guide to Cannes: How to survive and thrive

Cannes can be glamorous, exhausting and deceptively hard work. We asked regulars, veterans and one first-timer for the no-nonsense version. What to do, what to avoid, and how to come home with something to show for the trip.

What 1,356 Cannes Lions event listings reveal about adland in 2026

What 1,356 Cannes Lions event listings reveal about adland in 2026

Propeller’s comprehensive list of parties and events at Cannes Lions is both a must-have social tool and an historical barometer of trends and shifting sands, writes its creator, Ben Titchmarsh. 
What Cannes Lions reveals about the next era of agency competition

What Cannes Lions reveals about the next era of agency competition

This Cannes will be a celebration of independent agencies, but let’s not forget we need independent technology too, writes MINT Square’s CEO. 
We’re losing trust and interest in current affairs. What should be done?

We’re losing trust and interest in current affairs. What should be done?

From a local to a global level, trust in news is in decline. The impact may be felt all the way to 10 Downing Street, writes Ray Snoddy. 
The difference between showing up and being welcome

The difference between showing up and being welcome

There’s a level beyond reach, one where brands create a genuine connection that people remember and welcome. It takes more effort and more creative risk, but it’s worth it.
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Opinion

A healthier digital ecosystem will not be created through regulation alone

The social media under-16 ban is a moment for accountability – but regulation alone won’t fix the problem, says Bauer’s Simon Kilby.

Cannes 2026: How agentic AI levels the playing field for indie agencies

You won’t find true agentic AI being sold on a superyacht because it threatens the very companies that pay to play captain for a day. Indies should ignore the allure, writes Converge’s CEO.

What to wear? The Cannes costume conundrum

A last-minute dash to Arket for linen trousers, a panic-purchase pair of Axels, and a more-than-you-should-have splurge at Folk. Sound familiar? The Guardian’s fashionista, Imogen Fox, solves your Cannes wardrobe dilemmas.

Industry News

Skipped podcast ads still drive action, finds YouGov survey

Skipped podcast ads still drive action, finds YouGov survey

The Brief – Wednesday 16th June: ITVX best seven day performance; IAS and Spotify launch episode-level pre-bid optimisation; OpenAI’s ChatGPT market share

The Brief – Wednesday 16th June: ITVX best seven day performance; IAS and Spotify launch episode-level pre-bid optimisation; OpenAI’s ChatGPT market share

Advertising Association launches brand campaign ahead of Cannes Lions trade mission

Advertising Association launches brand campaign ahead of Cannes Lions trade mission

WPP Media upgrades growth forecast despite macro headwinds

WPP Media upgrades growth forecast despite macro headwinds

‘Right diagnosis, wrong prescription’? Adland torn as Starmer announces under-16s social media ban

‘Right diagnosis, wrong prescription’? Adland torn as Starmer announces under-16s social media ban

News UK’s Octave extends audio reach with new third party inventory

News UK’s Octave extends audio reach with new third party inventory

The Brief – Monday 15th June: Fox buys Roku, ITV’s highest peak audience of the year, Spotify defines a podcast ‘play’

The Brief – Monday 15th June: Fox buys Roku, ITV’s highest peak audience of the year, Spotify defines a podcast ‘play’

‘This is not good enough’: The business case for online safety

‘This is not good enough’: The business case for online safety

Data Analysis

Mapping the UK agency landscape

Mapping the UK agency landscape

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

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

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

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

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

Data Snapshot

Data-led charts from across the UK media landscape

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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

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