The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Talking OOH with the northern powerhouse

Leaders gather to discuss OOH’s role in an AI-mediated world, the stubborn challenge of attribution, and the industry’s London-centric blind spots.

The rest are podcasting

Andy Burnham’s comments on The Rest Is Politics mark the maturity of a relatively new medium, now amounting to a Fifth Estate of the realm, increasingly distinct from conventional media, and increasingly powerful.

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue

Emily Fairhead-Keen gets her spirit lifted at the home of Channel 4 as she recalls an inspiring Media Planning Group debate.

What CEPs can teach us about OOH

Tessa LeGassick argues that OOH has a bigger role to play in Category Entry Point planning, helping brands move beyond reach to show up in real-world moments that drive category demand.

Where you advertise says more than what you say

Advertising does not only deliver a message; it is one. New research on how the public reads media placement suggests planners price channels on delivery while consumers price them on meaning, writes Ross Sergeant.

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Opinion

Caroline Tredget

Times Media’s commercial director responds to Nick Manning’s frustration at seeing scam ads in trusted news media.

Paul Evans

Advertisers who design contracts that starve strategic planning and creativity are dismantling the part of the agency they’ll need most, writes Paul Evans.

Helen Rose

Generation Alpha may discover brands through search, social media and online video, but trust remains rooted in human relationships, according to research from the7stars.

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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22 Sep 2026

28 Jul 2026

Our next event

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

Talking OOH with the northern powerhouse

Leaders gather to discuss OOH’s role in an AI-mediated world, the stubborn challenge of attribution, and the industry’s London-centric blind spots.

The rest are podcasting

Andy Burnham’s comments on The Rest Is Politics mark the maturity of a relatively new medium, now amounting to a Fifth Estate of the realm, increasingly distinct from conventional media, and increasingly powerful.

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue

Emily Fairhead-Keen gets her spirit lifted at the home of Channel 4 as she recalls an inspiring Media Planning Group debate.

What CEPs can teach us about OOH

Tessa LeGassick argues that OOH has a bigger role to play in Category Entry Point planning, helping brands move beyond reach to show up in real-world moments that drive category demand.

Where you advertise says more than what you say

Advertising does not only deliver a message; it is one. New research on how the public reads media placement suggests planners price channels on delivery while consumers price them on meaning, writes Ross Sergeant.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Calling out scam ads is easy. Fixing the programmatic supply chain takes partnership and work

Be careful what you wish for: Why advertisers are pulling the wrong agency levers

What Generation Alpha reveals about trust in a post-social media world

Industry News

‘We’re not just putting ads up in the street’: Outsmart on OOH’s public perception problem

How is Playout data verified? Mediasense explains its OOH audit process

Future 100 Club: Class of 2026 revealed

New York Times, Observer, Economist, ITV News among 40 new members to join SPUR Coalition

AMI co-founders look to launch rival body for independents after being removed by AIA

Why one-third of PMG’s employees are engineers – with EMEA CEO Josh Krichefski

ITV’s generative AI ads feature attracts 16 new-to-TV advertisers in debut year

Upfronts 2026: Amazon, Disney, Mail Metro Media, Netflix kick off season of pomp and circumstance

Data Analysis

Cities: A moving target for planners

How spectacular advertising can hijack the algorithm

Has Origin failed?

Mapping the UK agency landscape

Data Snapshot

End of year cinematic treats

Podcast Ad Promo Position Plays A Part In Perception

Our next event

Upcoming Event

The Future of Media Manchester 2026