UK flag US flag FR flag BE flag

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Upfronts 2026: Channel 4 pitches ‘scale and substance’, JCDecaux launches ‘Real World Media’ positioning

Upfronts 2026: Channel 4 pitches ‘scale and substance’, JCDecaux launches ‘Real World Media’ positioning

The Media Leader will be publishing news, highlights, and takeaways from media owners’ upfront events this autumn. Among the announcements, Amazon has joined Barb’s CFlight, Mail Metro Media has unveiled new branding, and Netflix made its UK upfront debut.
Main media budget increases rise to highest level in nine years, Bellwether finds

Main media budget increases rise to highest level in nine years, Bellwether finds

UK companies revised marketing budgets up to the highest level in over two years, according to the latest Bellwether survey, reflecting significant optimism despite macro headwinds.
‘We’re not just putting ads up in the street’: Outsmart on OOH’s public perception problem

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

Two-thirds of the British public are unaware that outdoor advertising contributes to public infrastructure, according to the latest polling commissioned by Outsmart.
What an empty room can teach us about effective advertising 

What an empty room can teach us about effective advertising 

WPP’s David Wilding went to see another David describe a room, which inspired four takeaways on how effective communication works. 
It’s time to trust in the media metrics that actually matter

It’s time to trust in the media metrics that actually matter

If we want better media decisions, measurement needs to reflect how people actually make buying decisions, not simply how platforms record them.
Advertisement

The Media Leader

Sign up now

Receive weekly round-ups of the latest comment, opinion and media news, direct to your inbox.

Opinion

Marketers trapped in the ‘Efficiency Doom Loop’: Autopilot on, growth off

A study by The Trade Desk and PA Consulting reveals how habit and risk aversion shape media planning, and why this has become a barrier to brand growth.

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.

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.

Industry News

Roku study shows bright future for home screen and interactive ads

Roku study shows bright future for home screen and interactive ads

Talking OOH with the northern powerhouse

Talking OOH with the northern powerhouse

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

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

Future 100 Club: Class of 2026 revealed

Future 100 Club: Class of 2026 revealed

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

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

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

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

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

Data Analysis

Cities: A moving target for planners

Cities: A moving target for planners

How spectacular advertising can hijack the algorithm

How spectacular advertising can hijack the algorithm

Has Origin failed?

Has Origin failed?

Mapping the UK agency landscape

Mapping the UK agency landscape

Data Snapshot

Data-led charts from across the UK media landscape

Mediatel Connected logo

Find out more about the UK's most comprehensive aggregator of media data.

Arrange a demo

End of year cinematic treats

22 Sep 2026

Podcast Ad Promo Position Plays A Part In Perception

28 Jul 2026

Our next event

Mediatel Events Next Event Logo

Upcoming Event

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

More on Events