The Media Leader Podcast

On the surface, the global ad industry appears to be in rude health. GroupM upwardly revised its This Year Next Year global ad revenue forecast for 2024 and expects it to surpass $1tn for the first time – and that’s excluding US political advertising, which itself totalled $15.1bn.In the UK, despite uncertainty regarding the country's political and economic future, the ad market grew 8.3%, with further 7% growth now expected for 2025.But, of course, there are numerous unpredictabilities next year, such as around how a new Donald Trump administration could impact global trade or pursue Big Tech regulation. Meanwhile, most ad growth is being driven by just five companies: Google, Meta, Amazon, ByteDance and Alibaba — suggesting a consolidation of ad revenue into fewer, bigger hands.Kate Scott-Dawkins is GroupM's global president of business intelligence and author of the This Year Next Year report.In conversation with Jack Benjamin, Scott-Dawkins explained that advertisers have grown accustomed to managing uncertainty over the past five years and that growth drivers such as retail media and streaming TV, as well as an influx of new AI-based startups, are likely to provide a boost to future ad spending."The uncertainty that advertisers are dealing with has existed and will continue to exist into next year," she said. "The advertising economy is going to continue despite that."Scott-Dawkins will be presenting further details from This Year Next Year at The Media Leader's Future of TV Advertising Global conference in London next week.Highlights:2:24: Toplines: positive growth despite uncertainty8:13: Big Tech's domination of ad revenue growth – is it healthy?12:26: Why the UK is outperforming expectations16:43: Volatility in the Chinese market20:26: Opportunities and knock-on effects as sport becomes more important for TV23:36: The importance of supporting publishing as it loses market share27:02: Tech brands to watch as they spend on marketing to promote AIRelated articles:Global ad industry to grow 9.5% this year as revenue flows to tech giantsOOH tops £1bn in ad revenue in 2024 so farUK TV exports fall 2% despite strong US demandExplained: how we should treat GroupM, IPG and Zenith adspend forecasts---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

2024 is winding down and for their last weekly news podcast of the year, host Jack Benjamin and editor-in-chief Omar Oakes sat down to look back on the past year in media and advertising.It was a year in which digital giants continued to grow, retail media surged, OOH prospered and TV streaming services became largely profitable. It was also a year that saw Big Tech facing renewed antitrust efforts, changes to Google and Meta's algorithms punishing online publishers and the industry reckoning with what a new AI-led era could look like.The pair not only consider what 2024 meant for the wider media ecosystem, but also look ahead to the uncertainties to come in 2025.Highlights:2:56: What was the big trend in 2024? A year of two halves and political uncertainty11:26: Tech regulation and profitable streaming services19:06: Traditional media: OOH sees success; journalism and publishing challenged by headwinds35:22: AI uses are broadening and changing working practice43:41: The past week in news: Sky upfronts, Barb and Origin, Ofcom's BBC report and Guardian/Observer strikesRelated articles:Sky failed our high standards, ads chief tells industry at upfrontsIpsos eyes UK TV measurement space as it plots Kantar Media acquisitionPlan tabled for Barb to join Origin in hybrid reporting modelOOH tops £1bn in ad revenue in 2024 so farPublishers say Google’s AI Overviews have reduced traffic potential---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Serial agency founder and digital media pioneer Pete Robins talks to editor-in-chief Omar Oakes about why he believes there's never been a better time to plan media.Robins is set to launch his fifth media agency, Project5 – named after his belief that the industry has entered "the fifth age of media".Four-fifths of all media is delivered by a form of technology shaped by some sort of data, Robins explains. While the principal goals of media have not changed, the possibilities to plan media have now transformed significantly.Related articles:Digital pioneer Pete Robins launches fifth media agency---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audience 

Sarah Prentice, head of media strategy and planning at Heineken UK, Rachel Coffey, chief strategy officer at Initiative UK, and Peter Rowe, head of media at NatWest Group, answer audience questions on planning.During the discussion, the trio debate what truly drives consideration, the role of AI in strategic thinking, how diversity, equity and inclusion informs their work in a practical sense and so much more.In particular, they also respond to one of the hot questions this year: how much is too much when it comes to spending on social media, in light of EssenceMediacom's eye-catching research that suggests brands could be spending three times too much in social.The panel was recorded at The Future of Media London in October and was chaired by Jack Benjamin.Highlights:1:02: Considering consideration4:00: Are we spending too much on social and where to reapportion that budget6:50: What should technology stay out of the way from? 9:15: How to position DEI in planning and what that means within the wider business13:42: Balancing wider concerns about social media use with brand spend on these platforms18:15: The role of sustainability initiatives in planning22:50: Breaking down specialism "silos"Related articles:Brands could be spending three times too much on social. You read that right100 years of doing it wrong — and how to do it rightAMA: Ask media experts anything!---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Are managers well-equipped to wear all the different hats we ask of them in today’s workplace?It’s a question worth considering in an era when, according to Nabs’ All Ears study, managers are increasingly being hired younger, report being undertrained and have become more responsible for the mental health of their team.Sue Todd is the CEO of Nabs, the media and advertising industry charity focused on workplace wellness.After joining The Media Leader Podcast last year to discuss concerns around stress and burnout, especially relating to the pitch process, Todd returns to chat about a new initiative launched by Nabs, Managers' Mindsets, that aims to offer mental health training to managers.Todd discussed the impetus for the initiative and considered whether managers are being set up for success given what appears to be a chronic lack of time and resource available to media industry employees.Highlights:1:26: Why are managers undertrained and being asked to take on more responsibility?7:55: Impacts of managers skewing younger11:20: Structure of Nabs' Managers' Mindsets training programme21:50: Does it all come down to money?29:01: Advice to younger managersRelated articles:Nabs launches manager wellness training3 ways to create future-ready leadersThird ad industry All In Census to launch in March ---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Radio production has changed a lot since Ken Bruce began presenting in 1977. And yet, when it comes to the basics of good radio – a close, one-to-one relationship with the audience – things haven't changed much at all.“For years, people have been saying to me, ‘Radio’s dead, dying. It’s finished,'" said Bruce. "Even in the 70s, they were saying that to me. And I thought, well, no – I don’t believe it is. Because there’s a person there. It’s a human interaction. And while that remains, radio will always have some kind of life.”Alongside Hits Radio presenter Fleur East, the Greatest Hits Radio presenter chatted with Bauer Media director of audio Gary Stein at The Future of Media London in October about the day-to-day challenges and excitements of producing a contemporary radio show.The pair reflected on the continued success of radio, even in an era marked by declines in audience for other traditional media channels. They also touched on career highlights and gave advice to audio industry professionals.Highlights:2:06: What goes into the day-to-day production of live radio?9:42: Technological advancement and how radio has changed since Bruce first started presenting14:47: Lessons for leaders and interviewers18:50: Favourite guests, fan interactions and career highlightsRelated articles:Ken Bruce surpasses 4m listeners on Greatest Hits Radio while Radio 2 declinesBauer commercial chief urges action over social media and mental health ‘deterioration’Bauer’s Rayo app to offer branded content ‘in due course’What next for Bauer and radio? Interview w/ Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UKRajar Q3 2024: Top takeaways

Patrick 'Paddy' Affleck aims to 'walk the walk when it comes to inclusion and courage in particular, his personal story is quite different from your average media agency CEO. That why he known as someone who likes to challenge conventional ways of thinking about this business.Affleck speaks to Omar Oakes about his personal journey from growing up on a commune in Devon and how it has shaped his attitude to leadership and mental-health challenges at work. His philosophy emphasies progressiveness, adaptability, and ethical practices and he highlights Havas' initiatives like "Havas Minds" and "Havas More" to support mental health and work-life balance.He also addresses the industry's evolving role, stressing the importance of combining human creativity with AI for effective client solutions. Affleck also touches on Havas' strategic investments in data, technology, and talent to enhance client relationships and sustainability efforts, such as their work with Shell which has attracted criticism.Affleck joined Havas Media Group as its UK CEO in July 2020 from Dentsu, where he spent 12 years, and has over 20 years' experience in the industry spanning integrated planning, digital strategy and innovation and activation. He was a Grand-Prix winner (agency leader of the year) in The Media Leader Awards 2024.Highlights:3:08: How Paddy's background shaped his leadership qualities.19:59: The importance of adaptability for agencies.23:45: How can the industry improve mental health practices?31:09: What makes Havas Media distinct from its competitors?34:53: The future of media agencies — staying relevant in an era of AI developmentRelated articles:Vivendi confirms plans to list Canal+ and HavasHavas Media expands Boost initiative to support north westPodcast: Yannick Bolloré on why Vivendi wants to create 4 ‘cousin companies’---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

The newly promoted Jack Benjamin and outgoing editor-in-chief Omar Oakes discuss a flurry of updates about streaming service user numbers and how their "premium versus ad" strategies are evolving.They also discuss MediaSense’s latest acquisition, Spotify’s latest earnings, a Newsworks study on youth news consumption habits and more. Highlights:01:00: Takeaways from Barb's Establishment Survey: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+18:15: Why media consultancy MediaSense has acquired R320:30: Young people actually do consume news, after all – what is the industry getting wrong?23:10: Spotify earnings: Why profits have surged despite an advertising slowdown28:00: A dark festive period ahead for ITV?Related articles:Total UK SVOD subs stay flat as ad tier users grow at paceMediaSense buys R3 as consultancy expands to US and AsiaHow Spotify delivered a profitable combo despite advertising slowdownITV expects 6-7% ad revenue decline in golden quarter---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Origin, the world-first cross-media measurement platform led by Isba, went live in September through the launch of beta trials with 35 major UK advertisers.While advertisers in the beta trials have signalled their excitement, Origin has been received with a more tepid response by some stakeholders, particularly in TV broadcasting and at some agencies, over its inclusion of non-Media Rating Council-standard viewability measures.Last month, The Media Leader editor-in-chief Omar Oakes sat down with Isba director-general Phil Smith at The Future of Media London conference to ask him tough questions about the future of Origin, concerns around measurement and what advertisers are making of the beta trials so far.Smith explained: "[Critics] come from a background which is about currency measurement, where historically the real creed has been apples with apples. [They] come to this with a different set of views from those that are really hell-bent on evaluation, where what they're really looking for is richness in the data and granularity."He added: "Change is never easy."Highlights2:11: What has been learned from the beta phase so far?4:08: Why Barb hasn't bought in10:30: Origin's perception in the market13:42: Funding and developmentRelated articlesIsba’s Origin goes live with real audience data for first timeJustin Sampson: Barb and Origin must find consensusOpinion: Origin is not a currency and won’t replace BarbOpinion: Origin: Broadcasters are barking up the wrong treeLack of Origin data transparency puts broadcasters on ‘backfoot’, says Sky Media execIsba launches quarterly Origin Media Landscape Study

Jack Benjamin and Omar Oakes unpick the media coverage and what's in store for the industry with another Donald Trump US presidency.They also discuss announcements from Origin and Barb, Sky’s big ad revenue miscalculation, GB News getting fined £100K by Ofcom and more.Highlights:01:00: Hot takes about hot takes about Trump12:30: Why Isba's Origin is starting to produce its own research14:30: Sky Media on the hook for underpaid ad revenue18:15: Why Barb is launching co-viewing data for the first time on linear and VOD20:40: Industry reactions to the budget24:10: GB News fined – is £100,000 a fair amount?28:15: Tech giants' earningsRelated articles:Isba launches quarterly Origin Media Landscape StudySky Media’s ad blunder occurs at pain point in TV’s transition to digitalBarb to reveal TV co-viewing data for linear and streaming‘Welcome clarity’: Ad industry reacts to Labour’s autumn budgetOfcom issues first financial penalty to GB News for Rishi Sunak Q&A---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

This year, most major digital players including Meta, TikTok, Google and Pinterest have developed AI tools to help marketers get more out of their campaigns with less effort.Such tools, which often target the long tail of advertisers at small and medium-sized businesses, have helped boost ad revenues in the third quarter at many major social media companies.One of the most interesting companies that has released AI performance tools is Pinterest. In recent years, Pinterest has built out its capacity as a performance platform – a key strategic goal given so many users find and shop for products on the platform.Pinterest’s vice-president of performance, Matt Crystal, who recently moved to the UK from Silicon Valley, joins host Jack Benjamin to discuss Pinterest’s lower-funnel strategy, why AI performance tools are useful for advertisers of all sizes and why he believes Pinterest offers a healthier alternative to the "toxicity" of other social media."We're big believers that adopting Performance+ campaigns is going to deliver you better results and we're big believers that advertisers should decide," said Crystal. "One of the things we've heard a lot about from the industry is this idea that advertisers feel uncomfortable that they're giving themselves over to the 'black box'. We want to provide advertisers with this option and we want to give them the option for control."We believe there is a business model in doing good."Highlights:3:43: Pinterest's performance push6:52: What is Performance+ and what is Pinterest's competitive advantage?11:12: Addressing the "black box" critique of AI performance tools14:16: The distinction between "shopping" and "buying", and why Pinterest doesn't want to be a retailer20:45: Creating a healthier alternative to other social mediaRelated articles:Pinterest eyes performance budgets as it takes on Big TechTwo myths Pinterest is keen to slay6 in 10 Brits say brands should stop funding social platforms spreading misinformation---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

A conversation about the future of TV advertising featuring executives from Sky Media, Direct Line Group, Channel 4 and Samba TV.At our recent Future of Media Manchester event, this panel stood out for revealing key insights about how advertisers and broadcasters have made significant changes over recent years to make the most of digital tools and measurement.Moderated by The Zoo.London co-founder Rachel Forde, the speakers were:Amy Taylor, head of investment, Sky MediaEwan Douglas, head of sales and business development, Channel 4Sam Taylor, head of performance marketing and CRM, Direct Line GroupJay Fowdar, vice-president, international customer success, Samba TV“We’re at a tipping point where quality data will drive effective outcomes – and it’s less about the cost per unit and it’s more about outcomes.” – S Taylor"[A]s viewing continues to fragment, linear viewing will become increasingly important to advertisers who want to secure a line with key cultural moments." — A Taylor“You can’t measure clicks on TV, which has always been the driving factor in digital.” — Fowdar"[TV has] become more flexible and that will continue to happen." — Douglas---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

It's earnings season and the publicly listed agency groups have been more expansive about their "proprietary media" or "principal-based media" products.Jack Benjamin and Omar Oakes discuss why this is important to these companies' growth and what it means for advertisers that may or may not wish for their media to be bought this way.They also discuss Netflix's earnings and its future as an ad seller and gaming provider, the latest Rajar listening figures, increased losses for Sky and why Joker sequel Folie à Deux is bombing at the box office.Highlights:01:10: Earnings comparison: WPP, Publicis Groupe, Interpublic and Omnicom15:15: Rajar top takeaways16:20: Sky's losses and its two big content challenges25:00: Netflix earnings34:10: IPA Bellwether: why are marketers cautious about the UK right now?39:00: Joker: Folie à D'ohRelated articles:Losses mount at Sky ahead of WBD showdownNetflix CEO: ‘Work still ahead of us’ to improve ad offeringIPA Bellwether: Media budgets to expand despite total marketing ‘on ice’---PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND WRITE SOMETHING NICE ABOUT THE PODCASTConstructive criticism and requests are massively appreciated too and our email is: news@the-media-leader.com.

On a panel at The Future of Media Manchester a few weeks ago, members from Stagwell agencies HarrisX and Goodstuff took the stage to unpack new research which found that advertising adjacent to quality news is brand safe — even against "hard news" subjects like war and politics.The research undermined common concerns that advertisers express about not wanting their ads to be placed next to hard news content, which they often, wrongly it seems, deem brand unsafe.Since then, there has been an additional study by Teads and Lumen which came to a similar conclusion.The panel session was hosted by Ozone’s client services director Emma Cranston, and featured Alex Chizhik, chief commercial officer at HarrisX, and Paul Gayfer, planning partner at Goodstuff Communications.“We need to recognise that blocklists are a very blunt tool," said Gayfer.Chizhik added: “I’m hoping brands see that limiting their spend, limiting advertising based on the different stories folks can run, just leads us down a really bad path from a citizenship perspective, from a humanitarian perspective, and frankly from a business perspective.”Highlights:2:38: Summary of Stagwell's findings7:09: Initial reaction from advertisers and publishers8:56: Why are brands using keyword blocklists?10:13: The halo effect of trust and premium inventory14:45: Hope for changeRelated articles:Advertising adjacent to quality news content is brand-safe regardless of topicLessons from Manchester: Media’s industrial revolution needs youHalf of Reach’s Euro 2024 coverage wrongly identified by brands as unsafe---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Reporter Jack Benjamin and editor-in-chief Omar Oakes unpack key themes from last week's Future of Media London 2024 event.The duo review some of the biggest sessions from the two-day conference, including takeaways from interviews with DMG Media vice-chairman Rich Caccappolo, LBC presenter James O'Brien, and Global CEO Stephen Miron.Oakes also describes the inspiring manifestos presented by members of the Future 100 Club, and why Starcom’s Vanessa Jarrad had the winning pitch.Highlights:1:54: "Confidence" in the immediate future of media, publishing and Origin10:39: Avinash Kaushik's word of the conference: "Incrementality"13:47: Reviewing the Future 100 manifestos20:29: James O'Brien's views on industry trust29:45: Stephen Miron's sage advice and leaders' tolerance for riskRelated articles:DMG boss Caccappolo: ‘Control’ is key as Mail invests in long-form videoStarcom’s Jarrad wins Future 100 manifesto with ‘Empowering Voices’ plea‘Disrupt yourself before someone disrupts you’: Stephen Miron on 16 years of GlobalHow to make marketing indispensable to the CFO? Focus on incrementality---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Last month, ITV launched two ads that were created primarily with the use of generative AI.Made for new-to-TV small businesses Travel House and Sheepbridge Interiors, the spots feature AI-generated imagery and were created by augmenting ITV Commercial’s normal creative process by using licensed generative-AI image and video tools alongside ITV’s in-house voiceover artists.The result received a lot of attention. ITV has billed the project as a way to democratise advertising on TV for small and medium-sized businesses that otherwise would not be able to afford high-quality creative production. But consumers and industry leaders have questioned the effectiveness of the ads and how the creative industry might be impacted by the new technology.Jason Spencer is business development director at ITV and Alan Hall is creative production lead at ITV.Both had a direct hand in the creation of these AI ads. They joined Jack Benjamin to discuss the creative process using AI and why they believe AI tools have a lot to offer for new-to-TV advertisers.Highlights:2:06: Why did ITV begin developing ads using generative AI?4:35: How AI ads could democratise TV advertising10:30: How effective are these ads?16:57: Best practice for using AI to develop creative20:56: AI versus humans23:53: Copyright implicationsRelated articles:The future of TV ads? ITV creates two spots with generative AISmall business, big picture: What ITV’s gen-AI play tells us about thinking localStories that mattered this week: Origin launches – now what?---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Omar Oakes and Jack Benjamin review the big stories in UK media and advertising this week, including Amazon's UK upfronts, in which it revealed new ad formats for Prime Video, and Pinterest, whose lead marketer had some strong words to say about the digital media "duopoly".Omar is also joined by Wacl's president Karen Stacey and vice-president Claire Sadler to talk about why the female leaders' network is looking for new partners and ways of raising money.Highlights:01:00: Amazon's UK upfronts, Prime Video audience numbers and new ad formats09:05: Pinterest Presents – what the platform had to say at its annual advertising summit16:00: Why Observer journalists are unhappy about selling to Tortoise19:15: Elon Musk's X is valued at less than a quarter of the $44bn he paid to buy Twitter – fair price?21:00: Immediate Media has launched Prism, a full-scale first-party data solution28:30: Reuters and CNN to introduce metered website paywalls. Will bundles follow?32:10: Interview: Karen Stacey and Claire SadlerRelated articles:Amazon Prime Video now reaches 19m in the UKPinterest eyes performance budgets as it takes on Big TechImmediate Media launches Prism first-party data solution---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Jack Benjamin and Omar Oakes report highlights from The Media Leader's first outing in Manchester! The Future of Media Manchester attracted around 600 people on 26 September and included ITV and Coronation Street's "big sell", Manchester City FC's fledgling operation as an in-house production company and advertising consultancy and, of course, a special Manchester edition of "Who Wants to be a Media Leader?"Jack and Omar discuss why there is still a big regional imbalance in UK media and advertising, with one agency boss estimating that £250m has been lost by Manchester agencies to London shops in the last three years. There will be more reports from The Future of Media Manchester over the next few days but, in the meantime, check out the agenda for the event.Interested in being involved next year? Email us: team@uk.adwanted.com.---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Jack Benjamin and Omar Oakes are back to review the big media business news of the week, starting with the launch of Origin, Isba's world-first cross-media measurement tool.It may be billed as a "beta" launch with a limited pool of 35 advertisers, but Oakes explains why "as far as Isba is concerned, Origin is now officially launched".The Media Leader duo also discuss ITV's first-ever generative-AI ads created for small businesses, Roblox’s progression into advertising and The London Standard's decision to revive a dead art critic.Highlights:01:00: Isba launches beta trials for Origin with real data12:00: Barb includes Netflix and Discovery+ in total campaign planning 20:00: Roblox creates a walled garden as it leans in to ad strategy23:30: ITV's generative-AI ads30:00: Why is TikTok putting up paywalls?33:30: Perplexity woos brands with AI search offer: should Google be worried?37:00: Why The London Standard is 'reviving' Brian Sewell through AIRelated articles:Isba’s Origin goes live with real audience data for first timeBarb extends total campaign planning to include Netflix and Discovery+Roblox moves to create a walled garden as it leans into ad strategyThe future of TV ads? ITV creates two spots with generative AI---Visit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

News titles across the UK are changing hands and senior leaders amid what has been a downturn in the digital advertising market. Meanwhile, challenges relating to referral traffic, anticompetitive practices by tech giants, and the continuing decline in print revenues are dogging publishers.Owen Meredith, the CEO of the News Media Association, sat down with Jack Benjamin to discuss.The pair spoke about the numerous headwinds facing both local and national news organisations, whether it be from adapting their business models to the digital age or addressing developments in AI and publishers’ dependency on social media companies for traffic.Meredith additionally revealed the NMA’s priorities for working with the new Labour government, including on improving fair competition with Big Tech in the digital ecosystem.“News publishers have never directly reached into the minds or the hands of readers," he said. "They’ve always been intermediaries. That’s something we’re used to deal with. We’re just not used to dealing with intermediaries on take-it-or-leave-it terms and who can make a tweak to an algorithm and suddenly see your traffic switch off overnight.”Highlights:4:26: Working with the new Labour government to promote better online competition.11:14: News publishers need to adapt their business models.13:12: Is the BBC creating competition issues?15:08: Reactions to Observer, Telegraph, and Spectator sales.16:37: Is local news sustainable as we know it?20:48: Addressing issues of trust and ownership transparency.25:36: What keeps Meredith up at night? AI, Google monopoly, and co-dependency on social media.Related articles:Reach CEO: Sun and Mail are our allies in ‘battle for survival’Tom Hunt appointed editor-in-chief of ExpressGuardian ad revenue plunges as it plans Observer sale---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader