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Universal Ads is live in the UK. Now what? With Channel 4’s Rak Patel

Universal Ads is live in the UK. Now what? With Channel 4’s Rak Patel

In partnership with Channel 4, host Jack Benjamin sat down with the broadcaster’s commercial chief to discuss the launch of Universal Ads and why, in Patel’s words, TV offers an “oasis” for advertisers.
YouTube isn’t social media. So why is it being banned?

YouTube isn’t social media. So why is it being banned?

Why is YouTube likely to be included in any UK social media ban for under-16s? The MD of Ziggurat XYZ looks at the evidence.
Caroline Davey takes up role as Barb CEO amid other promotions

Caroline Davey takes up role as Barb CEO amid other promotions

Khaled El Serafy and Luca Vannini have both been promoted as Davey, formerly Baxter, officially succeeds former CEO Justin Sampson.
Cost per meaningless thousand

Cost per meaningless thousand

Media owners must stop competing on the metric that devalues them, writes Omar Oakes.
Postcards from Cannes 2026 – The Media Leader Live from Cannes

Postcards from Cannes 2026 – The Media Leader Live from Cannes

The Media Leader’s live blog is powered by Tickaroo and delivered in partnership with Channel 4.
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Opinion

How to recruit the next generation in media 

NABS’ senior project manager shares early-career recruitment lessons from appointing the charity’s inaugural Next Gen Board.

Leading Questions with Julie Selman – Magnite

Julie Selman, SVP head of EMEA at Magnite, is in the hot seat for our probing and quick-fire Leading Questions.

RX’s Alison Powell: An opportunity to “connect the excellence” worldwide

Global trade show organiser RX has recruited its first CMO. It’s an ideal time to bring sharper data, stronger digital experiences and clearer global marketing standards to the business of exhibitions.

Industry News

Reddit, an alternative to ‘sanitised and summarised’ AI search, says ads EVP

Reddit, an alternative to ‘sanitised and summarised’ AI search, says ads EVP

Fire TV, Alexa+: Amazon wants to turn every household device into an ad format

Fire TV, Alexa+: Amazon wants to turn every household device into an ad format

The Brief – Monday 29 June: ‘Careless People’ author sues Meta, AI takes Cannes, ITV to drop rugby in-game ads

The Brief – Monday 29 June: ‘Careless People’ author sues Meta, AI takes Cannes, ITV to drop rugby in-game ads

The rise of the news creators

The rise of the news creators

Carat named Media Network of the Year

Carat named Media Network of the Year

OpenAI wants $100bn of ad revenue. But it can’t ‘guarantee’ brand safety

OpenAI wants $100bn of ad revenue. But it can’t ‘guarantee’ brand safety

Fewer than one in 15 pieces of creator content delivers both audience engagement and ROI

Fewer than one in 15 pieces of creator content delivers both audience engagement and ROI

Audio drives profit and trust when included in marketing mix, global study finds

Audio drives profit and trust when included in marketing mix, global study finds

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.
17 September 2026

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