The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

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.

Jellyfish’s Seun Odeneye: ‘This place is like a sleeping giant’

Jellyfish’s chief media officer discusses his plans to integrate the agency’s paid, owned and earned media efforts, and why he’s bullish on the agentic era.

The future of broadcasting and publishing won’t be won on someone else’s platform

Can broadcasters and publishers create content that engages audiences off-platform enough to build a direct relationship on owned platforms? Q5’s head of media asks.

Brands are best built in the company of others

Dentsu’s OOH managing partner offers ways for brands to use new insights into social out-of-home behaviour and the power of shared social moments.

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.

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Opinion

Phil Duffield

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.

David Wilding

WPP’s David Wilding went to see another David describe a room, which inspired four takeaways on how effective communication works.

Dan Gee

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

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

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.

Jellyfish’s Seun Odeneye: ‘This place is like a sleeping giant’

Jellyfish’s chief media officer discusses his plans to integrate the agency’s paid, owned and earned media efforts, and why he’s bullish on the agentic era.

The future of broadcasting and publishing won’t be won on someone else’s platform

Can broadcasters and publishers create content that engages audiences off-platform enough to build a direct relationship on owned platforms? Q5’s head of media asks.

Brands are best built in the company of others

Dentsu’s OOH managing partner offers ways for brands to use new insights into social out-of-home behaviour and the power of shared social moments.

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.

The Media Leader

Opinion

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

What an empty room can teach us about effective advertising

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

Industry News

Roku study shows bright future for home screen and interactive ads

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

Talking OOH with the northern powerhouse

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

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

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The Future of Media Manchester 2026