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News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

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?

Spotify’s VP of product discusses solving the ‘math problem’ of rising ad tier users but a fall in ad-supported revenue, and how Spotify has innovated its tech stack, measurement, and AI creative tools to attract more business.
The Future 100 at Cannes: Trust, talent, and truth in advertising’s AI era

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.
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

The Affinity Network kicks off with its ‘Family’ vertical, giving advertisers access to brands like Bluey and Bing.

Cannes as a catalyst for better business conversations

Cannes as a catalyst for better business conversations

When the future of the industry comes down to agility, real trust, and delivering actual outcomes, independents are exactly where they need to be, writes Medialab’s MD. 
Mind the gap: menopause vs perimenopause 

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.
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Opinion

Cannes Lions 2026: Rosé, reality checks and the trends worth taking home

Lisa Morgan reflects on her first visit to Cannes Lions and her takeaways from the week. 

The great Pride reappearing act?

As the rainbow flags flutter back into prominence in Cannes, could this be the moment the industry turns returning visibility into lasting support, asks Outvertising’s CEO, Chris Dunne.

What Cannes Lions can teach us about advertising’s most important customer

Trust was a major topic along the Croisette this year, but more conversation is needed about whether chasing attention at any cost is harming the industry’s relationship with the public. 

Industry News

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

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

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

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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