#MediaSnack

**Episode Description:** In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo dive into the transformative shifts occurring within major agency holding companies, particularly focusing on WPP's strategic evolution. They explore how these agencies are transitioning from traditional service models to sophisticated sales and arbitrage businesses, and what this means for marketers. The discussion highlights the implications of these changes on media buying strategies and the potential risks associated with relying heavily on technology-driven processes. They also provide actionable insights for marketers to adapt and thrive in this rapidly changing environment. **What You'll Learn:** - How agency holding companies are transforming and what that means for marketers. - The advantages and potential pitfalls of AI-enabled media processes. - Why understanding the commercial model and data ownership is crucial. - Strategies to maintain competitive advantage amid industry disruption. Subscribe to #MediaSnack to stay informed, stay competitive, and stay winning. Let's all #GetGoodAtMedia together. #MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the award-winning global media advisory and analytics firm. We've been helping the world's most ambitious marketers #GetGoodAtMedia since 2009. Find out more at www.idcomms.com

On this episode of #MediaSnack WINNERS, Tom Denford speaks with Charles Singer, Director of National Media, Digital & Performance Marketing at Henkel North America, about how challenger brands can win by building trust, driving consistency, and staying curious. With experience across media agencies, platforms, and now client-side, Charles shares how his team connects brand-building with performance through smarter planning, tighter integration, and a relentless focus on relevance. They explore the challenges of maintaining brand safety and earning consumer trust in a fragmented media environment, and why resisting the urge to constantly reinvent is key to long-term success. Charles also shares how Henkel is combining media strategy, e-commerce, and shopper marketing to move from challenger to category leader, and why travel—and asking good questions—have played a major role in shaping his career. Learn more about ID Comms: https://www.idcomms.comFollow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms/

On this week’s #MediaSnack we continue the theme of Change from last week’s episode which you will recall that our word of the year is CHANGE and we considered this across three areas: Advertisers, Agencies and Accountability. We received loads of private comments, questions and emails (why do you guys not leave comments below so everyone can see them??) which suggested we really hit on something which is on the minds of others and perhaps piqued some interest in media change. On episode 60 we dig into some of those questions, specifically a few of those we got from advertisers. To get a balanced and rounded perspective we picked questions from 3 different advertisers; a CMO, a media procurement leader and a global media director.

30, 60, 90, 120 days or more?? What is the MAGIC number for payment terms and how do you balance the needs of finance with the ambitions of marketing?This is THE most loaded question for marketing and procurement to ask their agencies. Here's the #MediaSnack alternative perspective on what are the right payment terms for media, plus we share #ThreeGreatTips for advertisers on how to align your stakeholders on that magic number, in order to balance the needs of finance with the ambitions and objectives of marketing. This episode needs to be a catalyst for constructive discussion; understanding the drivers of advertiser payment terms and also the implications for pushing payment terms beyond reasonable levels and how that can negatively impact marketing effectiveness. Please leave your comments below!#MediaForGrowth#MediaSnack is brought to you by ID Comms, the award-winning growth consultancy specializing in media and advertising. Advisors to the world's most ambitious brands.

Is Money Still The Decision Factor In Media Pitches? #MediaSnack Ep. 146 by ID Comms

Finding The Right Media Agency PART 2 - Investment Exercise: #MediaSnack 140 by ID Comms

In this episode of #MediaSnack Meets, Tom Denford sits down with DJ Perera, Chief Media Officer at the Ad Council, the nonprofit behind some of the most iconic social impact campaigns in the U.S. With a background in both agency and corporate media, DJ brings a unique perspective to what it takes to build high-impact, message-driven campaigns in today’s evolving media environment. She shares insights on navigating the shift from commercial to purpose-driven media, how to drive results with donated inventory, and what media leaders can learn from the nonprofit world. DJ also reflects on the launch of Love Your Mind World—an innovative mental health campaign on Roblox—and offers thoughtful advice on leadership, change, and finding joy in the work.  00:00 - DJ’s Role at the Ad Council 02:14 - Career Highlights and Big Wins  03:55 - Challenges in the Media Industry  05:23 - Leadership and Career Advice  06:46 - Outside the Office  07:32 - Looking Ahead  #MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.  You can find DJ Perera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djperera  Learn more about the Ad Council: https://www.adcouncil.org/  Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com/  Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms/

Marketers want better agency pitches; ones that are value-creation exercises and where everyone joins together in a race to the top.Agency CEOs take pitching for new clients very seriously. Some might argue its actually what motivates them more than anything else. Most agency leaders are judged by their ability to grow and the best way to do that of course is to win lots of new clients and so they build big teams and apply big resources to do just that.Agencies make huge investments in winning new clients, involving many hours of management, finance, strategy, buying and support teams. A lot of the (carbon-intensive) business travel has thankfully been cut from the pitch process, but they can still take a lot of people’s time. Usually, the CEO sees this as the cost of the pitch, but its not wasted, as pitches can have a momentum effect in the agency; they bring diverse teams together to solve problems, they build relationships, trust and positivity, no matter what the end result.Poor feedback leaves agency leaders frustrated and a little embarrassed; they have no words of encouragement for their tired teams, they have no awareness of where they left gaps and they have no idea how to do things differently in the future. This is a failure of a pitch process for everyone.Better Pitches = Better Partnerships!On this episode of #MediaSnack LIVE, we explore some key questions around the future of the creative and media agency pitch. Featuring guest speakers from leading trade associations, agency leadership and major advertisers: Matt Kasindorf -- SVP, Business Intelligence & Insight at the 4A's Nicholas Louisson -- Director of Agency Services at ISBA Greg Wright -- SVP,  Brand & Media at the ANA We give listeners some tips on improving the pitch experience for all.At ID Comms, we believe that Brands Deserve Better Media. 📈Find out more at www.idcomms.com

How to manage media in a recession: #MediaSnack 153 by ID Comms

#MediaSnack 120: Accenture: TANKS are on the Lawn by ID Comms

One of the most successful and well-connected media operators in the US, Bill Wise's shares his fascinating experiences growing some of the most well-known companies in digital advertising.  Welcome to #MediaSnack Meets where we meet the individuals and organizations doing great work to inspire success and drive change within the global media and marketing industry. My guest for this episode is Bill Wise, CEO of Mediaocean.https://www.linkedin.com/in/billwise/-----Because the best are short of time, our guests answer only 6 questions in 20 minutesWe get to learn what is behind their success, what it takes to make change in the industry and what the rest of us can learn from that experience.We ask:1. What do you do, and what you are most proud of?2. What is the best thing about working in media?3. What do you think is the biggest challenge for the industry right now?4. What is your favorite piece of business/leadership advice?5. What is your passion outside of media?6. Your hopes for the year ahead?-----#MediaSnack​ Meets is a regular interview with the curious media professionals who are reshaping the global industry. Thanks for watching, if you enjoy #MediaSnack​ Meets please give us a thumbs up (it really helps) and do share links and tell others. Subscribe to our channel to stay updated.  Marketer? For tips, guides & other amazing free resources for marketers, get started at: www.IDComms.com/GROWTH

Marketers need to collaborate with FBI: #MediaSnack 137 by ID Comms

On this week’s #MediaSnack Tom and David are reflecting on some of ID Comms experiences in recent media pitches. Compared to the last year’s pitch market, 2016 was relatively quest. However, the quality of media of agency performances in major reviews this year increased significantly, and Tom and David explain how this has led to an impressive level of commitment from participating agencies. As a result of this, the advertisers found it very hard to make a final decision in most cases, which is the sign of a great pitch process because agencies are hungry, competitive and committed to win. There is a clear correlation between those advertisers who make good pitch preparation including a clear vision for the role of their media agencies and the level of commitment from participating agencies. Agency CEO’s will tell you that they compete hardest for the best-prepared pitch briefs because they lay out a vision the agency can hang on to and work towards. These are far more fulfilling than a complex spreadsheet simply asking for cheaper media prices. Nobody enjoys a race to the bottom because ultimately nobody actually wants to win it. Recent research in US suggests that 64% of US media spend is going to be reviewed next year. We question the maths on that: This means that over $120bn of media spend is going to be in review. When compared to the $30bn that formed the MediaPalooza from 2015 you can see this is an extreme scenario and one which would terrify agency CEO’s. Tom and David also look into The Guardian’s recent experiment with its own inventory, that led to some fascinating results. The press reported that The Guardian set up an experiment to purchase its own inventory in order to follow the supply chain. This allowed them to see how much money as a publisher they get from the investment they made as an advertiser. The results of this experiment were fascinating, as according to their new Chief Revenue Officer, The Guardian was receiving only 30% from the initial investment in a worse case scenario. #MediaSnack encourages more media vendors and media publishers to conduct similar experiments as this gives as greater insights into media supply chain for all advertisers. Finally, the guys review some great comments made by Ben Jankowski, global media director of MasterCard at Advertising Week. Ben strongly advocates that brands should invest in senior media talent.Links from the episode:AdAge researchhttp://adage.com/article/agencies/thi...Guardian story:http://mediatel.co.uk/newsline/2016/1...Ben Jankowski at Advertising Week NY:http://digiday.com/brands/mastercards...

Our most anticipated episode every year! We review 2022's top 10 standout moments in media and advertising. What were the most interesting stories of the year? Stay with us to the end where we name #MediaSnack's person of the year and we look ahead to 2023.--Episode links:#MediaSnack Meets with Wendy Clark:    • Wendy Clark, CEO ...  Rob Rakowitz Festival of Media 2019:    • Media Sustainabil...  About GARM: https://wfanet.org/leadership/garm/ab...GARM, Twitter accelerated brand safety agenda: https://wfanet.org/knowledge/item/202... -- #MediaSnack is a show for curious media professionals who are shaping the global media industry today. Each episode, we invite you to join in the conversation as we discuss various topics and trends in media and advertising. We keep our positive, can-do attitude while facilitating a lively discussion, all with the hope of making the industry a little better for generations to come.#MediaSnack is hosted by Tom Denford and David Indo, Co-Founders ID Comms where we help brands get the media they deserve. --https://www.idcomms.com/#mediaforgrowth#bettermedia

Facebook in crisis. What now? #MediaSnack 138 by ID Comms

How CMOs can save media industry: #MediaSnack 156 by ID Comms

What Is Media Auditing And Why It Needs To Change: #MediaSnack 145 by ID Comms

#MediaSnack Ep. 1: Pepsi Axe Procurement, MediaPalooza, ANA Media Rebates by ID Comms

Cindy Rose is stepping in as WPP’s new CEO — and with the holding group’s share price at a 16-year low and recent client losses piling up, this isn’t just a leadership change — it’s an inflection point. Tom and David break down what her appointment really signals: a shift toward AI-led operational transformation — and what that means for creativity, agencies, and advertisers alike. Drawing from their inside knowledge of WPP, they explore whether Rose can leapfrog the competition or if this is simply a safe, stabilizing move for a leaking ship. In this episode, you’ll hear:  What Cindy Rose’s hiring really says about WPP’s future  Why “leapfrog time” means moving beyond catch-up strategy  The legacy of Mark Read and where he fell short  What’s at stake for agencies in a red ocean landscape  A candid look at whether creativity will still matter in an AI-led WPP  #MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results. Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com 

My guest for this special, extended edition of #MediaSnack Meets episode is Andrew Susman, Co-Founder and COO of The Institute for Advertising Ethics. I ask Andrew our usual questions about his role and his view on the industry's successes and challenges, and then we spend a few minute talking about Andrew's great work in advertising ethics.You can learn more about The Institute of Advertising Ethics here: https://www.iaethics.org/Get certified as an Ethical Advertising Executive here: https://www.iaethics.org/get-certified---#MediaSnack​ Meets is a regular interview with the curious media professionals who are reshaping the global industry. Because the best are short of time, our guests answer only 6 questions in 20 minutesWe get to learn what is behind their success, what it takes to make change in the industry and what the rest of us can learn from that experience.We ask:1. What do you do, and what you are most proud of?2. What is the best thing about working in media?3. What do you think is the biggest challenge for the industry right now?4. What is your favorite piece of business/leadership advice?5. What is your passion outside of media?6. Your hopes for the year ahead?---Thanks for watching, if you enjoy #MediaSnack​ Meets please give us a thumbs up (it really helps) and do share links and tell others. Subscribe to our channel to stay updated.  Marketer? For tips, guides & other amazing free resources for marketers, get started at: www.IDComms.com/GROWTH