The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Netflix and Waitrose among media owners to donate inventory to ASA awareness campaign

The ASA Public Awareness Campaign has been running since 2022, with Netflix and Waitrose joining as the latest media owners to donate inventory.

TikTok in the dock (again)

From suicidal car journeys and actual suicide material reaching youngsters courtesy of TikTok to the allegations against Meta, there is a sense that the public mood is changing.

Agentic commerce is reshaping how consumers choose. The UK’s opportunity to lead is now.

The question for UK commerce media networks isn’t whether agentic AI is happening; it’s whether we’re building fast enough to be on the right side of it.

The media Industry needs to open doors, not just talk about inspiring talent

The CEO of Bauer Media Publishing UK discusses why the route into the industry needs to be built deliberately, rather than celebrated occasionally.

WPP files to seal Foster complaint, arguing allegations ‘immaterial’ to case

Lawyers for WPP said they would ‘address the deficienies’ in Foster’s amended complaint in a forthcoming filing, but asked that the ‘salacious’ and ‘muckracking’ evidence submitted by Foster be sealed for good cause.

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Opinion

Dave Singleton

At Postcode Lottery Group, conversations about transparency, effectiveness, and agency value go beyond marketing performance. They become about maximising social impact.

Ian Whittaker

Analyst Ian Whittaker continues the Origin debate and explains five questions which could determine its future.

Phil Duffield

As scrutiny of AI, social platforms and the internet increases, trust is quietly becoming one of the most valuable forms of media currency.

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

Netflix and Waitrose among media owners to donate inventory to ASA awareness campaign

The ASA Public Awareness Campaign has been running since 2022, with Netflix and Waitrose joining as the latest media owners to donate inventory.

TikTok in the dock (again)

From suicidal car journeys and actual suicide material reaching youngsters courtesy of TikTok to the allegations against Meta, there is a sense that the public mood is changing.

Agentic commerce is reshaping how consumers choose. The UK’s opportunity to lead is now.

The question for UK commerce media networks isn’t whether agentic AI is happening; it’s whether we’re building fast enough to be on the right side of it.

The media Industry needs to open doors, not just talk about inspiring talent

The CEO of Bauer Media Publishing UK discusses why the route into the industry needs to be built deliberately, rather than celebrated occasionally.

WPP files to seal Foster complaint, arguing allegations ‘immaterial’ to case

Lawyers for WPP said they would ‘address the deficienies’ in Foster’s amended complaint in a forthcoming filing, but asked that the ‘salacious’ and ‘muckracking’ evidence submitted by Foster be sealed for good cause.

The Media Leader

Opinion

AI won’t replace media agencies. It will redefine what clients value most

Origin: Bring on the evidence, but let’s agree on what counts

Brand safety simply isn’t enough; consumer safety is the new priority

Industry News

Business podcasts are most oversupplied genre relative to listener demand, finds WhichPodcast

Digital terrestrial TV switch-off could lead to 16% decline in PSB revenue by 2034, analysts estimates

Disney+’s Overlap deal exemplifies creator-led football gold rush

Goalhanger to expand TV and film footprint with IP development hire

Media Mind announces 2026 quarter final line-up

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

AI in media: The biggest developments of 2026 so far

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

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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