The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Journalists who built careers in traditional publishing are leaving it for the creator economy

Independent journalists are trading scale for niche and publishers for platforms.

Purple Goat launches Antidote to improve representation of disabled creators

The WPP Media-owned agency’s sister business will represent a select roster of disabled creators, arguing for the commercial case for inclusive campaigns.

People still trust people: Why creators and DOOH belong together

In a world of AI fakery, creators need a place to prove they’re real. Digital out-of-home has the answer, says Ocean Outdoor’s chief revenue officer and the founder of Creator by Infinitum.

The retail media paradox: A fragmented market with a unified opportunity

Retail media has a problem. It is becoming one of the most important parts of the modern media mix, yet from a brand’s perspective, it can feel like one of the hardest to make sense of.

Creators are no longer just the talent; they’re reshaping marketing

The creator economy is no longer just about the people on screen, but about the knowledge, creativity, and expertise those creators bring to brands behind the scenes, writes the CEO of StudioB.

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Opinion

Thomas Walters

Following several high-profile influencer backlashes, Billion Dollar Boy’s co-founder assesses what went wrong and how brands should balance protection with speed and scale.

Catherine Offord

Marketing is getting better at ROI and worse at growing profit. Bicycle Manchester’s founding partner asks, ‘Has AV planning become part of the problem?’

Omar Oakes

Platforms can do without quality media, and no media plan will change that. The incentives have to, writes Omar Oakes.

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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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

Journalists who built careers in traditional publishing are leaving it for the creator economy

Independent journalists are trading scale for niche and publishers for platforms.

Purple Goat launches Antidote to improve representation of disabled creators

The WPP Media-owned agency’s sister business will represent a select roster of disabled creators, arguing for the commercial case for inclusive campaigns.

People still trust people: Why creators and DOOH belong together

In a world of AI fakery, creators need a place to prove they’re real. Digital out-of-home has the answer, says Ocean Outdoor’s chief revenue officer and the founder of Creator by Infinitum.

The retail media paradox: A fragmented market with a unified opportunity

Retail media has a problem. It is becoming one of the most important parts of the modern media mix, yet from a brand’s perspective, it can feel like one of the hardest to make sense of.

Creators are no longer just the talent; they’re reshaping marketing

The creator economy is no longer just about the people on screen, but about the knowledge, creativity, and expertise those creators bring to brands behind the scenes, writes the CEO of StudioB.

The Media Leader

Opinion

Brand security in the creator economy

How to improve the balance between ROI and profit in AV planning

You don’t fix potholes by asking motorists to drive more thoughtfully

Industry News

Are premium creators the ‘new primetime’? With Arcade CEO Matt Elek

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

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

Roku study shows bright future for home screen and interactive ads

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

‘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

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