The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Will YouTube’s new definition of a ‘view’ undermine its effort to tap into TV budgets?

Analysis: While AV buyers say planning strategies are unlikely to be affected, YouTube has moved to align its public-facing audience measurement with platform standards rather than TV standards.

Beyond the black box: The case for anti-ultra-processed planning

By feeding brands a diet of automated templates and opaque algorithmic media, we are stripping out the vital nutrients of communications strategy. We have entered the era of ultra-processed planning, writes Charlotte Netherwood.

Goalhanger to expand TV and film footprint with IP development hire

The podcast company has hired a former talent agent as its new head of IP development, tasked with turning existing and in-development shows into big screen propositions.

Media Mind announces 2026 quarter final line-up

Media Mind has drawn the agencies and media owners that will compete against one another this autumn for a place in the semi-final.

Seven things you need to know about the ex-WPP whistleblower’s latest legal filing

A new legal filing by a former WPP executive claims Sony independently investigated the holding group’s proprietary media trading activity, finding evidence WPP wrongly retained $350m in client rebates.

The Media Leader

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Opinion

Caroline Manning

The best planners know that the same person needs different things at different times. They can read cultural moments and know what’s appropriate, Caroline Manning writes.

David Wellard

When OOH campaigns reach receptive audiences, run in attention-friendly environments, and are supported by transparent reporting, confidence will follow, writes Zoom Media’s MD.

Raymond Snoddy

Ray Snoddy examines how responsible the journalists who wrote about Jason Arday were for his death.

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

Will YouTube’s new definition of a ‘view’ undermine its effort to tap into TV budgets?

Analysis: While AV buyers say planning strategies are unlikely to be affected, YouTube has moved to align its public-facing audience measurement with platform standards rather than TV standards.

Beyond the black box: The case for anti-ultra-processed planning

By feeding brands a diet of automated templates and opaque algorithmic media, we are stripping out the vital nutrients of communications strategy. We have entered the era of ultra-processed planning, writes Charlotte Netherwood.

Goalhanger to expand TV and film footprint with IP development hire

The podcast company has hired a former talent agent as its new head of IP development, tasked with turning existing and in-development shows into big screen propositions.

Media Mind announces 2026 quarter final line-up

Media Mind has drawn the agencies and media owners that will compete against one another this autumn for a place in the semi-final.

Seven things you need to know about the ex-WPP whistleblower’s latest legal filing

A new legal filing by a former WPP executive claims Sony independently investigated the holding group’s proprietary media trading activity, finding evidence WPP wrongly retained $350m in client rebates.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Context collapse: How we lost the plot when we lost the audience moment

Why OOH needs accountability

A modern Greek tragedy

Industry News

AI in media: The biggest developments of 2026 so far

What is the future of freesheets? With Metro’s Deborah Arthurs and Jo Mazenko

Two-thirds of UK news articles about wildfires this summer haven’t mentioned climate change

‘Scale gets you reach, but relevance gets you impact’: The push beyond podcasting’s biggest shows

‘More of an operating company than a holding company’: Agency groups transition amid mixed growth picture

TML and AMI to deliver Challenger Stage at The Future of Media London

Has podcasting reached saturation point? Seven specialists weigh in

July box office climbs 35% as The Odyssey becomes biggest film of the year

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

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