The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

IPA TouchPoints: Social media use holds firm despite misinformation concerns

The 20th anniversary release of TouchPoints finds a paradox: Users are concerned with misinformation on social media, but choose to engage with it for hours a day anyway.

Big is back – Global launches outdoor trade marketing campaign to drive OOH in media plans

The campaign, Billboards by Global, was launched at the company’s outdoor Upfronts, with chief commercial officer Mike Gordon saying it wants to put “fresh momentum” behind the format.

It’s time we stop apologising for Cannes

Stop apologising for being at Cannes and start enjoying the privilege and the opportunities to connect with people, writes Steve Scaffardi, global CEO of Adwanted’s content divisions.

Cannes 2026 reflections: The year audio roared back

Audio made its presence felt at this year’s Cannes Lions. Radiocentre CEO Matt Payton reflects on the festival and the latest findings from its new audio effectiveness research.

Lamenting Long Wave and looking to the future

Long Wave radio is no more, and a transition from terrestrial broadcasting to internet-delivered TV is expected by 2034. If we are to embrace the future, we should preserve the past, writes Ray Snoddy.

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Opinion

Matteo Ferrario

The qualities that made TV valuable, like reach, attention and trusted environments, still matter. What has changed is the ability to understand what happens next.

Matt Hill

Next time a familiar problem feels stuck in the mud – the tool, the product or the idea in front of you might already hold the answer, if you’re willing to reframe what it’s for.

Chris Herbert-Lo

Winning attention isn’t just about making noise; it’s about giving people something they can sing, writes Chris Herbert-Lo.

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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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

IPA TouchPoints: Social media use holds firm despite misinformation concerns

The 20th anniversary release of TouchPoints finds a paradox: Users are concerned with misinformation on social media, but choose to engage with it for hours a day anyway.

Big is back – Global launches outdoor trade marketing campaign to drive OOH in media plans

The campaign, Billboards by Global, was launched at the company’s outdoor Upfronts, with chief commercial officer Mike Gordon saying it wants to put “fresh momentum” behind the format.

It’s time we stop apologising for Cannes

Stop apologising for being at Cannes and start enjoying the privilege and the opportunities to connect with people, writes Steve Scaffardi, global CEO of Adwanted’s content divisions.

Cannes 2026 reflections: The year audio roared back

Audio made its presence felt at this year’s Cannes Lions. Radiocentre CEO Matt Payton reflects on the festival and the latest findings from its new audio effectiveness research.

Lamenting Long Wave and looking to the future

Long Wave radio is no more, and a transition from terrestrial broadcasting to internet-delivered TV is expected by 2034. If we are to embrace the future, we should preserve the past, writes Ray Snoddy.

The Media Leader

Opinion

CTV is expanding TV’s role, not replacing it

Rethinking TV

You only win when they’re singing

Industry News

The Brief – Wednesday 1 July: Axel Springer completes Telegraph takeover, Zoe Ball joins Greatest Hits Radio, and JCDecaux renews Heathrow contract

Reddit an alternative to ‘sanitised and summarised’ AI search, says ads EVP

Fire TV, Alexa+: Amazon wants to turn every household device into an ad format

The Brief – Monday 29 June: ‘Careless People’ author sues Meta, AI takes Cannes, ITV to drop rugby in-game ads

Universal Ads is live in the UK. Now what? With Channel 4’s Rak Patel

Caroline Davey takes up role as Barb CEO amid other promotions

The rise of the news creators

Carat named Media Network of the Year

Data Analysis

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

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

Data Snapshot

The ad-vantages of streaming

World Cup Wonders

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