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SUBSCRIBEThis episode explores the transformation of the advertising industry as AI reshapes traditional agency models. It focuses on Accenture’s move away from cost-plus pricing toward a subscription-based approach, highlighting how agencies must evolve to prioritize business outcomes over media efficiency. The discussion also examines broader economic pressures, including inflation and rising fuel costs in the US and Canada, and how these factors influence consumer behavior and ad spending. The conversation expands into the music industry, analyzing a major $64 billion deal involving Universal Music Group and the growing view of music rights as valuable financial assets. Finally, the episode considers increasing regulatory scrutiny on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and what government intervention could mean for the future of digital advertising.
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Fresh from Future TV Sydney and a trip to New Zealand, we break down the TV industry’s comeback playbook with examples from out-of-home to broadcasters rebuilding momentum by collaborating and building what buyers want. We unpack the flawed “premium vs cheap” debate, why premium might be the wrong word to use and new agency models reflecting on Accenture’s back-to-basics remuneration structure. Plus: the growing chaos in measurement. From Nielsen’s controversies to fractured currencies, we explore why unified frameworks are now critical to stability. Finally, we zoom out to the bigger picture of AI investment hype, IPO pressures, and geopolitical risk and what it all means for media deals, innovation, and future growth.
listen nowMost brands think premium media is about content. It isn’t. It’s about environment.In this episode, we unpack what “premium” really means in a world of unlimited impressions and AI-generated noise and why the fight over its definition is really a fight for ad budgets. They explore how trust, transparency, and attention - not just content - are now the real drivers of effectiveness and long-term brand value. From the rise of AI “slop” to the growing divide between traditional media and platforms, this is a clear-eyed look at what’s changing and what it means for advertisers
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This week we examine the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, how geopolitical uncertainty is influencing financial markets, and what it could mean for the media and advertising industry. We also dig into the surprisingly weak long-term growth of many major global companies, using data from Michael Farmer and others to explore why so many large firms appear to be struggling to generate meaningful expansion.
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This week’s Media Unfiltered episode covers industry reaction to our conversation with BARB CEO Justin Sampson and what broadcasters are privately saying about the future of measurement. We then unpack the latest media dealmaking, including ITV and Sky, while Ian breaks down the financial mechanics behind Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and what it signals about the strategic battle shaping global media. We also discuss why broadcasters constantly talking about cost-cutting sends the wrong signal to markets, the implications of the All3Media/Banijay merger, and the BBC’s acknowledgement that public service broadcasters struggle to make money working with social platforms.
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Ian and Justin are joined by Barb’s outgoing CEO Justin Sampson to discuss the growing pressures facing industry measurement currencies as media consumption fragments and digital platforms reshape the market. Hot off the heels of the Google debacle, the conversation explores the importance of independent, jointly governed measurement systems, the balance between innovation and stability in audience metrics, and the risks opacity creates for advertisers and media owners. They also examine the future role of JICs, the influence of WFA cross-media measurement principles, and whether existing currency models can continue to underpin premium advertising markets.
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In this episode of Media Unfiltered, Justin Lebbon and Ian Whittaker unpack the shifting deal landscape in global media, from the evolving Netflix–Warner–Paramount dynamics to the conspicuous silence around Sky–ITV. They dig into what Q4 results really reveal about the agency business, examine why music continues to outperform in a digital-first world, and debate what diversification actually means for broadcasters navigating structural change.
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This week we examine investor nerves around the colossal levels of capital being poured into AI, and whether those investments will truly pay off without fundamental change across gaming, software, and agency businesses. We also look at signs of advertisers returning to TV, following positive financial signals from NBCUniversal and Fox in the US, before closing with a discussion on the importance of independent oversight after Google’s legal action against Kantar.
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This episode explores recent reports that Google used cease-and-desist action to force BARB and Kantar Media to halt independent measurement of YouTube viewing on TV screens. We share private commentary from advertisers and agencies and examine what this means for transparency in the YouTube ecosystem.
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This podcast explores the turbulent financial world in 2026 reflecting on the impact it may have on media and marketing. Much to the surprise of our hosts, 2025 was a strong year for ad spend with the main victors being the platforms. What will happen in 2026? Will brands begin to resist the ease and appeal of the platforms? Will governments step up efforts to support local media and curb the dominance of the platforms? The financial outlook is messy and traditional global pacts are being tested, how will this impact global media and advertising.
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