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Whose Cannes is it anyway?

Whose Cannes is it anyway?

The platforms have taken the Croisette, the beaches keep changing hands and the AI companies are arriving in force. We asked senior figures across brand, agency, media and adtech who the festival is really for in 2026, and what that says about where the business is heading.
The real conversation at Cannes: A new era of M&A

The real conversation at Cannes: A new era of M&A

The most interesting conversations won’t be about the latest AI tools, but about a consolidation cycle already taking shape, driven by three simultaneous forces – AI compression, changing client demands, and a generational shift in agency ownership.
Skipped podcast ads still drive action, finds YouGov survey

Skipped podcast ads still drive action, finds YouGov survey

The survey also found that more Britons prefer audio-only podcast formats.
Acts of workplace kindness: Truth and actual

Acts of workplace kindness: Truth and actual

Kindness is not about being nice. It is about caring enough to be direct, honest and committed to everyone’s professional growth.
Templatisation and automation: Is planning losing its edge?

Templatisation and automation: Is planning losing its edge?

Are we, in our quest for standardised processes and automated solutions, sacrificing the very strategic, bespoke thinking that defines truly impactful media planning? asks Caroline Manning.
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Opinion

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. 

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. 

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.

Industry News

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

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

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 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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