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Strait of Hormuz disruption threatens $94bn of global ad investment over next 18 months

Strait of Hormuz disruption threatens $94bn of global ad investment over next 18 months

Warc upgraded its 2026 global ad growth forecast, now expecting $1.39tn in total expenditure this year, but ongoing volatility caused by the crisis in the Gulf is placing a quarter of that growth at risk, with even greater implications for 2027.
Global launches self-service platform to book audio and OOH media

Global launches self-service platform to book audio and OOH media

The platform, AdPower, enables businesses to book media “as easily as booking an Uber”.

‘The division between church and state isn’t sustainable’: Journalists weigh-up life as a creator

‘The division between church and state isn’t sustainable’: Journalists weigh-up life as a creator

Creators are now driving the news agenda, putting news brands in the awkward position of embracing a new medium for journalism without a sustainable funding model.
First global measure of pDOOH spend finds $1.4bn revenue generated in 2025

First global measure of pDOOH spend finds $1.4bn revenue generated in 2025

The study was conducted by the World Out of Home Organization in collaboration with 11 supply-side platforms from across the world.

Months to plan, seconds to adapt: Why sports advertising needs creative agility

Months to plan, seconds to adapt: Why sports advertising needs creative agility

Sports advertising is still built around a legacy planning model that no longer reflects how people actually watch live sport. It needs to adapt, and AI can help, writes the co-founder of RAAS LAB.
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Opinion

A scented candle or confidence? Why advertising deserves both

WPP’s David Wilding explores six reasons to feel confident about advertising and investing in media.

Media never stops innovating. But the fundamentals still do the heavy lifting

In the first of a Media Essentials series aimed at marketers early in their careers, the head of planning at WPP Media’s Wavemaker introduces core principles of media and marketing science as a manual for growth.

The Trade Desk at Cannes Lions: AI evolves creative but human insight still leads

By combining responsible use of AI with a focus on protecting brand reputation, The Trade Desk can help advertisers unlock more meaningful, sustainable growth on the open internet.

Industry News

The Brief – Thursday 11 June: Samsung Ads launches programmatic home screen inventory, Capital Breakfast’s new sponsor and more

The Brief – Thursday 11 June: Samsung Ads launches programmatic home screen inventory, Capital Breakfast’s new sponsor and more

The Brief – Wednesday 10th June: Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, ITV set for World Cup ad record, Amazon Ads launches Ads Agent AI assistant

The Brief – Wednesday 10th June: Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, ITV set for World Cup ad record, Amazon Ads launches Ads Agent AI assistant

Channel 4 Sales awards TV advertising airtime to its B Corp competition winners

Channel 4 Sales awards TV advertising airtime to its B Corp competition winners

A visionary legacy: Andy Brown

A visionary legacy: Andy Brown

The Brief – Tuesday 9th June: Social media ban, news deserts, VCCP’s new retail division and ChatGPT’s next era

The Brief – Tuesday 9th June: Social media ban, news deserts, VCCP’s new retail division and ChatGPT’s next era

AI search is reducing traffic to brand websites — but not sales

AI search is reducing traffic to brand websites — but not sales

Week in focus: The Future of OOH recap

Week in focus: The Future of OOH recap

Five takeaways from TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026

Five takeaways from TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026

Data Analysis

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

The measurement debate TV really needs to have

The measurement debate TV really needs to have

Data Snapshot

Data-led charts from across the UK media landscape

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Digital listening maintains its pull

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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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