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‘It’s not like we knowingly have bad ads’: Meta on ad fraud, teen safety, and why AI will not replace agencies

‘It’s not like we knowingly have bad ads’: Meta on ad fraud, teen safety, and why AI will not replace agencies

Meta’s Derya Matras discusses her reaction to social media bans for under-16s and answers questions relating to harmful platform design, ad fraud, automating media and creative work, and the future of smart glasses.
Sky agrees to acquire ITV Media & Entertainment in deal worth up to £1.6bn

Sky agrees to acquire ITV Media & Entertainment in deal worth up to £1.6bn

The acquisition brings together the two companies’ broadcasting, streaming and advertising businesses, creating what both parties describe as a “commercial streaming champion”.
How to bridge the measurement gap when cross-media ‘utopia’ remains elusive

How to bridge the measurement gap when cross-media ‘utopia’ remains elusive

A round-up of the discussion from our Audience Project roundtable
Cannes reflections: ‘Nobody claimed to be the new TV this year, which was nice’

Cannes reflections: ‘Nobody claimed to be the new TV this year, which was nice’

Cannes was an overcrowded, sweaty endurance test interspersed with moments of illumination and inspiration, says Thinkbox CEO Lindsey Clay.
UK box office up 14% in H1 as Toy Story 5 leads big June

UK box office up 14% in H1 as Toy Story 5 leads big June

UK and Ireland box office revenue totalled £99.4m in June, a 29% increase compared to June 2025. Meanwhile, DCM’s revenue jumped 15% year-on-year in H1.
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Opinion

It’s ‘game over’ for cosy stereotypes around female gamers

It’s time to level up. The female gamer stereotype has had its run. Game over, says Fifty’s insights manager. 

The Future 100 at Cannes: Trust, talent, and truth in advertising’s AI era

Industry leaders discuss the pros, cons, and unknowns of AI in advertising, starting with how the technology affects trust.

Mind the gap: menopause vs perimenopause 

Why has menopause had its moment, but perimenopause hasn’t? Supporting women through perimenopause, before they reach a breaking point, is an untapped retention opportunity.

Industry News

When it comes to the TV user interface, less could be more

When it comes to the TV user interface, less could be more

Almost 5% of inventory sold as CTV is not on a television set, study claims  

Almost 5% of inventory sold as CTV is not on a television set, study claims  

Spotify ‘took some intentional pain’ to rebuild its ad stack. Is it paying off?

Spotify ‘took some intentional pain’ to rebuild its ad stack. Is it paying off?

BBC Studios launches advertising network to give access to its brands in one place

BBC Studios launches advertising network to give access to its brands in one place

Should media reinvest in ‘fun’? I raced 14 agencies across the UK to find out

Should media reinvest in ‘fun’? I raced 14 agencies across the UK to find out

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

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

IPA TouchPoints: Social media use holds firm despite misinformation concerns

IPA TouchPoints: Social media use holds firm despite misinformation concerns

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

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

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.
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