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Exclusive: Fifty5Blue to take minority stake in Origin, enters talks with Isba

Exclusive: Fifty5Blue to take minority stake in Origin, enters talks with Isba

Isba, the trade body for UK advertisers, is in exclusive discussions with media measurement provider Fifty5Blue to enter into a partnership for minority control of the cross-media measurement service.
Digital and programmatic drives strong performance for JCDecaux in H1

Digital and programmatic drives strong performance for JCDecaux in H1

The UK was the second fastest growing market for the media owner.

The search party has moved on. How to do Total Search right

The search party has moved on. How to do Total Search right

Next, in our Media Essentials series aimed at marketers early in their careers, WPP Media’s head of organic performance explains that search hasn’t died; it’s expanded into what he calls Total Search.
The expertise trap: When being great at your job is no longer enough

The expertise trap: When being great at your job is no longer enough

David Clayton of True & North outlines the creator-seller dilemma: how the more senior you become in creative industries the more your job becomes about selling, and explains how you can overcome and thrive.

It’s time to invest in the right kind of digital

It’s time to invest in the right kind of digital

As the latest AA/Warc Expenditure Report shows digital audio was the fastest growing medium in Q1, Bauer Media’s Simon Kilby argues that advertisers should seize the opportunity to invest in trusted digital platforms beyond the US tech giants.
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Opinion

Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans

The IPA’s senior insight analyst, Molly Bruce, stands in for Simon Frazier’s regular column again for this month to explore the importance of flexibility in a world where things rarely go to plan.

Open goals: how The Guardian brought the World Cup to life

After 308 goals, 15 red cards and 208 hydration breaks, the final whistle has blown on FIFA’s 2026 World Cup. So with Spain taking gold from Messi’s Argentina in extra time, what did The Guardian’s ad team learn, asks Imogen Fox.

The heat is on for the press to start taking climate change seriously

Less-than-perfect press performances of late fade into nothingness compared with the greatest failure of the media in any age: the failure to communicate the existential threat of climate change.

Industry News

UK adspend rose 9.3% in Q1 2026 driven by double-digit increases in social media, retail media and OOH

UK adspend rose 9.3% in Q1 2026 driven by double-digit increases in social media, retail media and OOH

X settles WFA lawsuit, will ‘reset’ relationship on condition WFA will not ‘form or restart GARM or a similar initiative’

X settles WFA lawsuit, will ‘reset’ relationship on condition WFA will not ‘form or restart GARM or a similar initiative’

How ZDF Studios is building reach and fandom, from FAST to YouTube

How ZDF Studios is building reach and fandom, from FAST to YouTube

Educating brands and agencies will be key to unlocking pDOOH growth, say IAB UK panellists

Educating brands and agencies will be key to unlocking pDOOH growth, say IAB UK panellists

User data convinces 3SS that in-car TV screens can displace phones for streaming

User data convinces 3SS that in-car TV screens can displace phones for streaming

Minimising the costs of AI-powered content discovery

Minimising the costs of AI-powered content discovery

What’s next for podcasting? Five industry leaders weigh in on AI and measurement

What’s next for podcasting? Five industry leaders weigh in on AI and measurement

‘The first tremors in an earthquake’: Digital publisher revenues decline 4.6% amid falling referral traffic

‘The first tremors in an earthquake’: Digital publisher revenues decline 4.6% amid falling referral traffic

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.
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