The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Media for planners who give a shit

Craft Media is planning a get-together for like-minded media planners this autumn. Hadyn Millar explains the thinking behind it.

Navigating the nascent world of GEO – with Havas’ Amy Banks

Havas Media Network’s head of SEO and GEO talks GEO strategies and who the early winners and losers are in the developing AI search market.

It’s not how big your data is, it’s what you do with it

WPP offers a practical overview of how to turn data from a vast resource into a clear driver of growth.

The Future of Media Manchester 2026: What to expect

This year’s theme centres around one question: What makes media work – and how can we make it work harder for business?

‘We are platform agnostic’: The company betting on creators as media businesses

The founders of creator media company Everywhere argue that audiences are no longer confined to individual platforms, creating an opportunity for more integrated creator campaigns.

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Opinion

Jasmine Dawson

The opportunity on YouTube is not simply to make big numbers bigger. It is to turn global attention into durable brand value, writes BBC Studios’ SVP of digital.

James Longhurst

PubMatic’s CRO EMEA, Emma Newman, is in the hot seat for our probing and quick-fire Leading Questions.

David Wilding

Brands looking to replicate Amol Rajan’s approach need to build and maintain a robust backbone of fame and shared meaning. Perhaps via curated, shared, familiar and routine media.

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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28 Jul 2026

23 Jun 2026

Our next event

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

Media for planners who give a shit

Craft Media is planning a get-together for like-minded media planners this autumn. Hadyn Millar explains the thinking behind it.

Navigating the nascent world of GEO – with Havas’ Amy Banks

Havas Media Network’s head of SEO and GEO talks GEO strategies and who the early winners and losers are in the developing AI search market.

It’s not how big your data is, it’s what you do with it

WPP offers a practical overview of how to turn data from a vast resource into a clear driver of growth.

The Future of Media Manchester 2026: What to expect

This year’s theme centres around one question: What makes media work – and how can we make it work harder for business?

‘We are platform agnostic’: The company betting on creators as media businesses

The founders of creator media company Everywhere argue that audiences are no longer confined to individual platforms, creating an opportunity for more integrated creator campaigns.

The Media Leader

Opinion

The year of YouTube: What happens when the side door becomes the front door?

Leading Questions with Emma Newman – PubMatic

Amol Rajan’s next chapter was written by broadcast media

Industry News

Piccadilly Lights format to be updated for first time in 10 years

The Media Leader announces judging panel for The Future 100 Club 2026

Mail Metro Media’s second annual Padelfest raises £100k for British Heart Foundation

Ateme puts the spotlight on European tech sovereignty at IBC

Channel 4 to cut more than a quarter of workforce

Streamers promised simplified pipelines for interactive experiences like Multiview

Clearcast expands into digital advertising with AI pre-screening tools and services

MediaKind and Accedo offer joint white-label platform solution for operators

Data Analysis

Has Origin failed?

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

Data Snapshot

Podcast Ad Promo Position Plays A Part In Perception

The ad-vantages of streaming

Our next event

Upcoming Event

The Future of Media Manchester 2026