The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

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

Losses were concentrated among a minority of surveyed publishers that are most exposed to the coming ‘Google Zero’.

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

In the second of a three-part mini-series on the future of podcasting, The Media Leader asked industry leaders whether measurement remains a barrier to growth and what AI means for the medium’s next chapter.

Why charities don’t shy away from advertising next to news

Brand suitability has evolved, but more progress is unlikely to come from adding more exclusions. It will come from understanding content more precisely and giving advertisers greater confidence to judge relevance on its own merits.

What Michelin-star chefs can teach marketers about data

In the same way a chef preps ingredients before service, marketers need to ensure their data is fit for purpose before it feeds into decision-making.

How Netflix’s ads business is becoming a meaningful growth driver – with EMEA ads VP Damien Bernet

Bernet speaks to host Jack Benamin about Netflix’s ad tier expansion in Europe and new innovations aimed at automating programmatic buying.

The Media Leader

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Opinion

Felicity Bowen

The very things that make in-store feel safe are precisely what make it risky when overused, writes Spark Foundry’s strategy partner.

Nick Manning

The Tai Chi scammers aren’t the only ones preying on our addiction to social media. Why is adland not discussing ways to root out this poison?

Mike Follett

Mail Metro Media deserves credit for shifting its mindset from how much revenue can be extracted from today’s web page to how valuable tomorrow’s page could become, writes Lumen’s Mike Follett

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

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

Losses were concentrated among a minority of surveyed publishers that are most exposed to the coming ‘Google Zero’.

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

In the second of a three-part mini-series on the future of podcasting, The Media Leader asked industry leaders whether measurement remains a barrier to growth and what AI means for the medium’s next chapter.

Why charities don’t shy away from advertising next to news

Brand suitability has evolved, but more progress is unlikely to come from adding more exclusions. It will come from understanding content more precisely and giving advertisers greater confidence to judge relevance on its own merits.

What Michelin-star chefs can teach marketers about data

In the same way a chef preps ingredients before service, marketers need to ensure their data is fit for purpose before it feeds into decision-making.

How Netflix’s ads business is becoming a meaningful growth driver – with EMEA ads VP Damien Bernet

Bernet speaks to host Jack Benamin about Netflix’s ad tier expansion in Europe and new innovations aimed at automating programmatic buying.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Don’t let short-term ROI re-write your marketing budget

Advertising is poisoning the internet and it’s getting worse

How Mail Metro Media stopped killing its golden goose

Industry News

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

Minimising the costs of AI-powered content discovery

Podcast measurement proposal claims standardisation could unlock $1bn in ad spend

Fewer ads drive more attention on websites, finds Lumen and Mail Metro Media

Belonging in Britain: The power of community-led strategy

The Media Leader launches fifth Future 100 Club to spotlight next generation of media leaders

Inaugural advisory board announced for The Future of Media London

Data Analysis

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

Tech firms must enforce tougher age checks for social media platforms, regulator says

Data Snapshot

The ad-vantages of streaming

World Cup Wonders

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