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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.
Universal Ads goes live in UK, providing TV with ‘easy button’

Universal Ads goes live in UK, providing TV with ‘easy button’

SMEs can now reach streaming TV audiences from ITV, Sky and Channel 4 through one self-service advertising platform.
Ad Net Zero updates sustainable tool to track 95% of global media spend emissions

Ad Net Zero updates sustainable tool to track 95% of global media spend emissions

The announcement comes as the not-for-profit undergoes a dual programme of activities at London Climate Action Week and Cannes Lions this week.
Yannick Bolloré: If you want to know where you’re going, it is important to know where you come from.

Yannick Bolloré: If you want to know where you’re going, it is important to know where you come from.

Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré discusses the agency’s strategy in an era of accelerating consolidation.
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.
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Opinion

Is paid social taking an unfair beating in the attention economy debate?

Dismissing paid social because its average attention metric is lower than TV’s is a bit like dismissing a well-targeted direct mail piece because it reaches fewer people than a national press ad, writes Republic of Media’s digital business director.

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.

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.

Industry News

Havas research finds 84% of brands are viewed with indifference by consumers

Havas research finds 84% of brands are viewed with indifference by consumers

The Brief – Tuesday 23 June: ESPN launches Fan House; new DOOH network across Cineworld; Snap finds audiences seek private connection

The Brief – Tuesday 23 June: ESPN launches Fan House; new DOOH network across Cineworld; Snap finds audiences seek private connection

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

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’

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

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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