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Postcards from Cannes 2026 – The Media Leader Live from Cannes

Postcards from Cannes 2026 – The Media Leader Live from Cannes

The Media Leader’s live blog is powered by Tickaroo and delivered in partnership with Channel 4.
Unstereotype Alliance launches AI framework for responsible advertising

Unstereotype Alliance launches AI framework for responsible advertising

The coalition of advertising businesses is led by UN Women and launched the framework at Cannes Lions.
ITV promotes challenger brands and record-setting World Cup as Sky deal remains ‘active’

ITV promotes challenger brands and record-setting World Cup as Sky deal remains ‘active’

ITV held its 16th annual Showcase in Manchester on Thursday, promoting TV as a high-attention medium that is actively working to onboard more new-to-TV advertisers amid a record-setting World Cup.
You are what you price

You are what you price

The question is not whether YouTube “is TV,” but whether television’s pricing and trading structures have contributed to premium video being viewed increasingly through a broader digital-video lens, writes analyst Ian Whittaker.
Brands in Cannes should get back to basics

Brands in Cannes should get back to basics

While AI is a genuine addition to how people discover, it’s not a reason to look away from the platforms where desire begins, writes the MD at Vudoo.
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Opinion

The innovation razor: The hard truth about tech scaling

To explain why some technologies take hold whilst others languish unused in the garage, Phil Rowley explains three key consumer requirements: interoperability, infrastructure, and Improvement.

Nothing to fear but fear itself

When we experience fear, there are typically four behavioural responses, all helpfully beginning with ‘F ’. Jan Gooding analyses how frightened humans respond to perceived threats from AI.

Keeping sustainability on the Croisette

Mobsta is ensuring sustainability remains part of the Cannes Lions conversation by hosting a roundtable to explore how it can transition from a series of commitments to influencing everyday media planning and investment decisions.

Industry News

How AI, China and media consolidation is keeping the global ad market ‘buoyant’ – with WPP Media’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

How AI, China and media consolidation is keeping the global ad market ‘buoyant’ – with WPP Media’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

The Brief – Friday 19th June: ITV peak viewership, DMG Media rebrand, and Yahoo DSP’s Agent Network

The Brief – Friday 19th June: ITV peak viewership, DMG Media rebrand, and Yahoo DSP’s Agent Network

The Brief – Thursday 18 June: BBC cuts, Snap’s new Specs, and Pinterest’s new AI assistant

The Brief – Thursday 18 June: BBC cuts, Snap’s new Specs, and Pinterest’s new AI assistant

Josh Krichefski on why PMG is going big at this year’s Cannes Lions

Josh Krichefski on why PMG is going big at this year’s Cannes Lions

Next steps in addressable: Unifying audiences, demand sources, AI and ops teams

Next steps in addressable: Unifying audiences, demand sources, AI and ops teams

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

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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World Cup Wonders

Digital listening maintains its pull

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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.
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