US – The Media Leader

News analysis, opinion and insight for media and advertising professionals

Netflix embraces publishers in ‘fit for TV’ push

Analysis: Netflix is positioning itself as a legitimate alternative to YouTube for finding (and advertising against) content from premium publishing brands.

What publishers can learn from NYT’s ‘solar system’ model – with global ads VP Tom Armstrong

Host Jack Benjamin spoke with Armstrong in sunny Cannes about how NYT’s strategy of surrounding its news reporting with verticals like cooking and games, its international expansion, and why it’s pivoting to video.

‘Fresh team, fresh approach’: Mail Metro Media on becoming a ‘modern broadcast publisher’

The Media Leader sits down with Mail Metro Media’s new-look commercial team to discuss how the publisher’s sales arm is ‘moving as quickly as a tech company’ amid an ‘existential’ time for the publishing industry.

Jellyfish CEO Nick Emery: ‘Traditional agencies are finished’

Watch: Emery sits down with The Media Leader France deputy editor-in-chief Vincent Thobel to discuss how AI is driving changes to agencies models that are incomparable to previous disruptions.

Is Sky’s acquisition of ITV necessary to compete with global platforms?

Analysis: The acquisition is likely to draw close scrutiny from regulators. TV ad buyers favour the deal as a way to simplify TV planning and measurement, but downstream effects could compound.

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Opinion

Chris Dunne

As the rainbow flags flutter back into prominence in Cannes, could this be the moment the industry turns returning visibility into lasting support, asks Outvertising’s CEO, Chris Dunne.

Matt Bourn

Trust was a major topic along the Croisette this year, but more conversation is needed about whether chasing attention at any cost is harming the industry’s relationship with the public.

Jamie Credland

World Media Group members from The Wall Street Journal, CNN, New York Times and Havas Media Group reflect on how AI is transforming the business of journalism, and why AI must be adopted without sacrificing the importance of trust.

Industry News

Sky agrees to acquire ITV Media & Entertainment in deal worth up to £1.6bn

‘It’s not like we knowingly have bad ads’: Meta on ad fraud, teen safety, and why AI will not replace agencies

Spotify ‘took some intentional pain’ to rebuild its ad stack. Is it paying off?

Reddit an alternative to ‘sanitised and summarised’ AI search, says ads EVP

Universal Ads is live in the UK. Now what? With Channel 4’s Rak Patel

OpenAI wants $100bn of ad revenue. But it can’t ‘guarantee’ brand safety

Havas research finds 84% of brands are viewed with indifference by consumers

How AI, China and media consolidation is keeping the global ad market ‘buoyant’ – with WPP Media’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Data Snapshot

Data-led charts from across the UK media landscape

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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