The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

PPA roundtable: “Minimum viable Meta”, why ad budgets keep flowing to platforms

A recent roundtable hosted by The Media Leader in partnership with the PPA discussed whether agencies should pursue a strategy of “minimum viable Meta” and shift investment to more trusted and accountable media environments.

Channel 4 to launch on Disney+ with linear channel and day-and-date shows

Disney+ will carry Channel 4’s main channel, an on-demand catalogue and new shows from early 2027, in a deal that goes beyond Disney’s existing tie-up with ITV.

DOOH is no longer a spectator sport

Brands can build on OOH’s reach by inviting people not just to see a campaign, but to stop, join in, and become part of the experience, writes Kelly Eagle.

It’s a long-shot but it’s not over yet

What were the odds of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu all being gone by the end of this year, and Farage never becoming PM? It could all still happen, says Ray Snoddy.

The power of positivity

Positivity improves advertising receptiveness and recall. So why isn’t media spend going to the most positive environments? Danny Donovan asks.

The Media Leader

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Opinion

Simon Frazier

The brands that win in future won’t search for a mythical unified audience. They’ll connect many different audiences in many different places, writes the IPA’s Simon Frazier.

Kerry Nortcliffe

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, employers with 250+ staff need to publish a menopause action plan from spring 2027. Kerry Nortcliffe looks at what makes a good policy.

Charli West

After 25 years at Radiocentre, the planning director reflects on his career championing radio, the impact of its effectiveness research and the work still needed to win advertisers’ budgets.

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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22 Sep 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

PPA roundtable: “Minimum viable Meta”, why ad budgets keep flowing to platforms

A recent roundtable hosted by The Media Leader in partnership with the PPA discussed whether agencies should pursue a strategy of “minimum viable Meta” and shift investment to more trusted and accountable media environments.

Channel 4 to launch on Disney+ with linear channel and day-and-date shows

Disney+ will carry Channel 4’s main channel, an on-demand catalogue and new shows from early 2027, in a deal that goes beyond Disney’s existing tie-up with ITV.

DOOH is no longer a spectator sport

Brands can build on OOH’s reach by inviting people not just to see a campaign, but to stop, join in, and become part of the experience, writes Kelly Eagle.

It’s a long-shot but it’s not over yet

What were the odds of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu all being gone by the end of this year, and Farage never becoming PM? It could all still happen, says Ray Snoddy.

The power of positivity

Positivity improves advertising receptiveness and recall. So why isn’t media spend going to the most positive environments? Danny Donovan asks.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Fragmentation reframed: Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

World Menopause Month: Enough talk with no change – we need to move to action

Charmingly silly: Mark Barber on 25 years making the case for radio

Industry News

Rajar Q3 2026: 40m people tune into commercial radio each week

Rajar Q3 2026: Radio 2 Breakfast grows as Heart Breakfast slips below 4m

Rajar Q3 2026: Online listening reaches record 30.8% share

UK adspend rises 11% in Q2, driven by retail media, cinema and social media

Rajar Q3 2026: Top Takeaways

Anonymous group of ad execs asks for intervention on ad industry’s funding of hate

Thinkbox launches tool to compare cultural impact of media channels

Exclusive: James Denton-Clark takes charge of Stagwell Europe

Data Analysis

Cities: A moving target for planners

How spectacular advertising can hijack the algorithm

Has Origin failed?

Mapping the UK agency landscape

Data Snapshot

Hear for a Reason

End of year cinematic treats

Our next event

Upcoming Event

The Future of Media Manchester 2026