Campaign podcast

Campaign has released the A List – a compilation of over 200 industry leaders and their musings on the year gone and year ahead. In 2025, the advertising and marketing industry underwent some huge organisational shifts. With revenue declines and share price drops, job cuts, leadership changes and legacy agencies changing their names, 2026 marks a new era for the industry.In this episode, the Campaign team discuss some of the A Listers' perspectives, including how to be innovative in uncertain times, and what outfits they wear to a pitch.Hosted by tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley, this episode includes deputy editor Gemma Charles, editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings. Further reading:The 2026 A List: 'Massive fuckin' traitors', 'Method Pitchers' and AI-induced boredomHalf of VCCP's current jobs didn't exist at launch, CEO saysThe A List and it's completely different but it's also still the A ListCampaign A List 2026: How leaders are planning for success in surprising timesCan we talk about how you get into Campaign's 2027 A List?In Pictures: Campaign A List party 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Media planners and buyers, like many in adland, have been tackling a period of immense change. AI, media fragmentation and budget restraints are all impacting the roles within media. At the end of January Campaign hosted Media Week Live, a conference for media planners and buyers, discussing how their roles are changing and what the future of the media agency looks like. Leaders from X, Pinterest, Omnicom, WPP, Publicis and the National Theatre joined to share their perspectives from the top.Campaign's media journalists hosted the event: media editor Beau Jackson and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis. The pair join tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley to discuss the future of the media planner and buyer, what part creativity plays in the media plan, how media planners work alongside AI and what challenges media agency leaders are facing this year.Further reading:What does it take to be a media agency chief investment officer?'Frustrating' and 'disappointing': media buyers on Google's action against Kantar Media and BarbThe Lists 2025: Top 10 media buyers‘The weather is changing': How much should publishers fret about Google AI Overviews?Will media buyers be the first victims of AI?Media buying among 'first areas to go' with rise of AI, says MediaMonks co-founder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the Super Bowl LX over the weekend, David Kolbusz, chief creative officer at Orchard Creative; Helen Rhodes, chief creative officer at Grey London; and Josh Green, chief creative officer of Elvis review a selection of the ads in this week's episode of The Campaign Podcast. Hosted by Campaign's creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun, the trio critique work from Instacart, Anthropic, Squarespace, E.l.f Cosmetics, Pringles, Dove and Bud Light. They also comment on whether this year's ads are better than those of previous years. Kolbusz said: "The theme for me this year was that people are starting to figure out the Super Bowl again. I think the last five or so years have just been an absolute tragedy."Further reading:Super Bowl 2026 round-up: watch the adsPringles "Can hands" by Grey London Campaign calendar:Audio Advertising Awards: final entry deadline on 12th February, with multi-entry discounts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FIFA World Cup really is bigger this year, taking place in Summer across 39 days, taking place in 16 cities across the US, Mexico and Canada. While all the on-pitch fun is happening across the Atlantic, how can brands across the pond engage UK audiences effectively and authentically?In this episode of The Campaign Podcast, Campaign welcomes guest Lizi Hamer, the global executive creative director at Octagon to discuss some of the biggest mistakes brands make when creating brand experiences around the World Cup, and why advertisers should be thinking community first, not country first.Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode with Campaign's deputy editor Gemma Charles and creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings.Further reading:Beyond borders: why countries don't define modern fandomFifa 2026's longer tournament window presents a golden opportunity for fan activationsIdentity launches global sports propositionThe Year Ahead 2026: Cultural trendsThe Year Ahead 2026: ExperiencesCampaign calendar:Audio Advertising Awards: final entry deadline on 12th February, with multi-entry discounts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's "agencies to watch" lists the top media, creative and new shops that are likely to have an impact in the next 12 months. This episode discusses the chosen agencies, how the lists have changed from 2025, and what makes an agency worth watching, or not.While these lists are not an endorsement of each agency, they have been chosen because these shops went through big changes last year.This episode of The Campaign Podcast is hosted by Lucy Shelley and features editor Maisie McCabe, creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis.Further reading:Eight new agencies to watch in 2026Seven creative agencies to watch in 2026Eight media agencies to watch in 2026If 'agencies to watch' grow into 'top agencies' and other conundrumsLePub launches in London led by Gina Hood‘The Grey-naissance': Helen Rhodes plans ‘dollop of stupidity and naivety' in Grey's return to creative gloryAce of Hearts: dealing adland a new hand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 saw an incredible amount of change and pressure for the industry and its agencies – steering the ship through heavy storms has become even tougher.At Campaign's Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing in The National Gallery, editor Maisie McCabe led a discussion on leadership in a time of change, interviewing Dan Clays, CEO of Omnicom Media EMEA, Katie Mackay-Sinclair global chief brand officer at Mother, and Magnus Djaba, chief client officer and Publicis Groupe. This bonus episode of The Campaign Podcast features the entire panel which discusses the impact of AI, structural shifts within agencies and how people should care for each other during timed of change.The Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing featured adland leaders talking about the trends and strategies for 2026, across creativity, technology, leadership, brands and media.Further reading:Agencies need to be AI literate to keep up with clients, Gravity Road global ECD warnsCreativity will see a return to ‘raw human honesty' in 2026, Kyle Harman-Turner says'Isn't it boring spending in the same place?': the case for a diverse media dietGlobal sentiment towards sustainability has 'fallen off a cliff', Trainline marketer saysThe Year Ahead 2026: Ad agenciesThe Year Ahead 2026: CreativityThe Year Ahead 2026: SocialThe Year Ahead 2026: Cultural trendsThe Year Ahead 2026: Media ownersThe Year Ahead 2026: BrandsThe Year Ahead 2026: TechnologyThe Year Ahead 2026: Media agenciesComing up in the Campaign Calendar:Brand Film Awards: deadline on 29 JanuaryAudio Advertising Awards: second entry deadline on 29th January, with multi-entry discounts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adland leaders announced their optimism at last week's Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing in The National Gallery, talking about the trends and strategies across creativity, technology, leadership, brands and media for 2026.Martin Beverley, co-founder and chief startegist at Ace of Hearts spoke about the importance of joy, while Netflix's head of advertising sales Ed Couchman said 2026 will be the year of fandom as consumers are wanting more from brands. Gravity Road's global executive creative director said agencies need to be AI literate to keep up with clients, while creativity will see a return to "raw human honesty" in 2026, said Kyle Harman-Turner, creative partner and executive creative director at FCB London.In this episode, Campaign's journalists who were at the event and on the panels dig into what the industry's leaders predict for 2026, and why. Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley is joined by deputy editor Gemma Charles, premium content editor Nicola Merrifield and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings.Further reading:'Isn't it boring spending in the same place?': the case for a diverse media dietGlobal sentiment towards sustainability has 'fallen off a cliff', Trainline marketer saysThe Year Ahead 2026: Ad agenciesThe Year Ahead 2026: CreativityThe Year Ahead 2026: SocialThe Year Ahead 2026: Cultural trendsThe Year Ahead 2026: Media ownersThe Year Ahead 2026: BrandsThe Year Ahead 2026: TechnologyThe Year Ahead 2026: Media agenciesCan we talk about the ethics of AI-fuelled advertising?Coming up in the Campaign calendar: Brand Film Awards: deadline on 29 January Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign LOVES a pitch story, and the tail end of last year was very busy with many pitches taking place or being won right up to the final week. WPP won the £1.5bn government media pitch and the expanded review for Jaguar Land Rover, as well as media for Kenvue, while Publicis Groupe picked up the creative for the consumer healthcare company. Aviva's creative account went to Saatchi & Saatchi and the shortlist for IKEA was announced with Just Eat also yet to conclude. In this episode, Campaign digs into the state of new business last year, and where the opportunities lie in 2026, examining which sectors and disciplines will likely see more pitches over the next 12 months.Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode featuring Campaign's editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, data journalist for Campaign Red Jamie Rossouw and deputy news editor, Marianne Calnan-Holland.Further reading:The CMO Outlook 2026UK new-business rankings: latest 2025Two-thirds of CMOs 'definitely' pitching in next 12 monthsMars to switch $1.7bn media account out of WPPNatWest picks IPG as it consolidates media and creative accountSantander appoints Publicis to global creative and media businessStarling banks on network media agency after three-way contestPublicis agency swipes Monzo media account after BBH creative winAsda confirms media and creative agency appointmentsPublicis scoops Coca-Cola media in North AmericaComing up in the Campaign calendar: Brand Film Awards: deadline on 15 January Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the "happy new years" ring out, what resolutions are those in adland setting for 2026?Last year unleashed a relentless wave of change across the advertising and media industry, from agency mergers and closing shops to restructures, the growing prominence of social and tech platforms, and some great creative work. Now, in 2026, Campaign begins the year with a look at what adland's new year resolutions should be, what the industry should give up and what is coming up in 2026. Over the next few weeks, Campaign is releasing essays on the year ahead and the top agencies to watch.Editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis join the episode, hosted by tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:The Year Ahead 2026: Media agenciesThe Year Ahead 2026: StrategyThe Lists 2025: Top 20 film adsThe Lists 2024: Top 10 campaignsHas 2025 been the year for independent agencies?Traitor or faithful – what will adland remember about 2025?Will the new Omnicom work? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Gen Z to Boomers, age has long been a marketing shortcut – but is it still useful? Campaign's Lucy Shelley and Amazon Ads' Carly Zipp unpack how brands can connect through shared interests and values instead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does January feel like a week ago or five years? The past 12 months have brought with them a lot – a mega-deal, cyber attacks, agencies renamed, new chief executives, trends fading in and out, redundancies and, of course, AI.In the final podcast episode of the year, Campaign takes a look back over 2025 at some of the most memorable moments of the year, revisiting the top stories, reviewing who was the most talked about and picking out those moments that would be better forgotten.Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode and is joined by Campaign UK media editor Beau Jackson, reporter Eszter Gurbicz and editor Maisie McCabe.Further reading:Lucky Generals: ‘A creative company for people on a mission: that is still our north star'White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood will no longer appear in M&S Christmas adSantander appoints Publicis to global creative and media businessWPP recruits Microsoft exec Cindy Rose to replace Mark Read as CEOCampaign's top 10 most read stories:Group M tells staff about redundancies as restructure hits UKWPP mandates four days per week in officeOmnicom reveals huge agency shake-up, unveils new leadership, cuts 4000 jobsAgency pay revealed: a squeezed middle and a boost for bossesSchool Reports 2025: A to ZWPP employees push back on return-to-office policy with petitionRevealed: Latest hybrid working policies across 'big six' agency groupsWPP Media unveils new UK leadership structure under Brian Lesser overhaulGroup M axes global agency CEO roles in major centralisation pushWPP set to drop Group M brand in media shake-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Waitrose, John Lewis, Tesco... the Christmas ads are all out and it's time for them to start selling. But what do adland's creative leaders make of the campaigns?Creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun hosts this extra Private View episode of The Campaign Podcast, reviewing the top festive ads with David Kolbusz, chief creative officer at Orchard, Chaka Sobhani, the newly appointed global chief creative officer at TBWAWorldwide, Richard Brim, founder and chief creative officer of Ace of Hearts, and Campaign's UK editor Maisie McCabe. Talking through the craft, creative and ideas behind the ads, they discuss the following campaigns:John Lewis & Partners "Where love lives" by Saatchi & SaatchiWaitrose "The perfect gift" by Wonderhood StudiosTesco "That's what makes it Christmas" by BBHAsda "A very merry Grinchmas" by Lucky GeneralsApple “A critter carol” by TBWAMedia Arts LabPeta "Happy Christmassacre" by Grey London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Omnicom completed its acquisition of IPG on Wednesday 26 November after clearing EU regulation. On the Monday that followed (1 December) the new holding company revealed a huge restructure including 4000 job cuts to happen by the end of the year, agencies merging, new leadership announced and some networks ceasing to exist.In this episode of The Campaign Podcast, Campaign's editorial team discuss the shape of the new holding company, which agencies are left and what chief executive John Wren is hoping will make it succeed against its competitors. Hosted by tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley, the episode features editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, editor Maisie McCabe and news editor Will Green.Further reading:John Wren's ‘defining moment': can the last King of Madison Avenue make the new Omnicom work?John Wren on how Omnicom ‘will succeed': more collaboration, new bonuses, big job cutsOmnicom consolidates global advertising agencies into TBWA, McCann and BBDOOmnicom keeps six media networks but switches global CEOs to brand presidentsAdam & Eve/DDB to merge with TBWALondon and FCB to fold into AMV BBDOOmnicom Media promotes Natalie Bell and Katrina Bozicevich following IPG dealFCB's Tyler Turnbull set to be appointed CEO of McCann WorldgroupChaka Sobhani set for new role after Omnicom acquires IPGOmnicom-IPG: How merger will reshape the competition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the start of the year, 2025 was predicted by some adland commentators to be the year for independent agencies. Omnicom was beginning to acquire IPG to make the largest holding company, redundancies occurred across some of the networks and WPP had a more-than-difficult year on top of a new chief executive.2025 has seen the launch of many independent agencies including Ace of Hearts, Studio.One and Baby Teeth, while Ark Agency and Uncharted came into their second year. Plus, IPG sold R/GA and Huge separately to private equity, also becoming independent. So now the year is almost up, Campaign's editorial team discuss whether independent media and creative agencies have benefited from distraction caused by the holding companies. Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode and is joined by creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun, media editor Beau Jackson and editor Maisie McCabe.Further reading:Omnicom reveals huge agency shake-up, unveils new leadership, cuts 4000 jobsAce of Hearts: dealing adland a new handTroy Ruhanen: 'I wouldn't have taken OAG job if it was all about efficiency and smashing things'Group M tells staff about redundancies as restructure hits UKOmnicom cut 3000 roles during 2024 ahead of IPG takeover moveMega merger adds to existing questions for InterpublicGlobal agency groups 2024 report card: Performances and staff numbers decline as restructures continue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas ads keep snowing down across TV, social, live experiences and digital channels. With the multiplicity of formats and audiences fragmenting, does TV still reign as the top channel for festive films?In this episode of The Campaign Podcast, Campaign's editorial team gather to discuss the next round of Christmas ads, including Waitrose's "The perfect gift" by Wonderhood Studios, Tesco's "That's what makes it Christmas" by BBH and Disney's holiday short by Adam&Eve/DDB. Tesco and M&S Fashion, Home and Beauty replaced their longer TV ad with a series of shorter videos, while Waitrose produced a four minute rom-com style short film.Campaign's creativity team, creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings, join editor Maisie McCabe to discuss why brands have altered the ‘typical' Christmas ad format and it's role in the wider channel mix alongside social. Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley hosted the episode.Further reading:Waitrose's festive film the most watched 8pm slot on TV on 12 NovemberWhy Waitrose's 'The perfect gift' went rom-com for Christmas cut-throughWaitrose & Partners turns BFI Imax into 'Piemax'Give the people what they want: the strategy behind Waitrose & Partners' Christmas campaignM&S celebrates beauty of hosting in next phase of festive campaignWhite Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood will no longer appear in M&S Christmas adHow are the LHF restrictions affecting Christmas ads and beyond?What trends are shaping this year's Christmas ads season?Christmas 2025 round-up: watch all the festive ads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where are all the mince pies? Still in Christmas advertising it seems, despite the Less Healthy Food and drink (LHF) restrictions.The voluntary period banning foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) began on 1 October this year for paid online ads and TV with a 9pm watershed, just in time for a snowstorm of Christmas advertising. As of 5 January 2026, the voluntary period ends and it will be compulsory for brands.In this episode, Campaign's editorial team discuss the festive ads from big brands like Waitrose, Tesco and M&S Food, and how the restrictions have impacted their creative campaigns and media plans. Are the ads devoid of Christmas food, or have brands found loopholes to feature their less healthy food products?Hosted by tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley, this episode includes creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun, deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings and media editor Beau Jackson.Further reading:‘Selling more than what's on the kitchen table': Adland predicts how the LHF ban will impact ChristmasChristmas 2025 round-up: watch all the festive adsIs adland ready for the less healthy food ad restrictions?How to avoid detention over less healthy food ad rulesISBA warns NHS' 10 Year Health Plan could mean more products may be covered by LHF rules Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas has hit adland like a snowball in the face, with the festive ads coming in thick and fast, so what can be gleaned from the first phase of holiday advertising?In this episode of The Campaign Podcast, the editorial team break down the themes that emerged in the first batch of Christmas ads and the industry's reaction to the campaigns so far. Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley is joined in the studio by creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun, deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings and editor Maisie McCabe.This episode was recorded last week, and discusses the following ads:John Lewis & Partners “Where love lives” by Saatchi & SaatchiSainsbury's “The unexpected guest” by New Commercial ArtsMarks & Spencer Food “Traffic jamming” (in-house)M&S Fashion, Home and Beauty "Give the gift" by MotherTK Maxx "Festive Farm" by Wieden & Kennedy London (2023)Amazon "Joy ride" (in-house) (2023)Asda “A very merry Grinchmas” by Lucky GeneralsBoots “Gift happily ever after” by VML/The PharmFurther reading:Christmas 2025 round-up: watch all the festive adsJohn Lewis Christmas ad reaction: 'Soft nostalgia', 'middle of the pack', 'copy magic'‘We made the music the gift': Saatchis and John Lewis on nostalgia, emotion and 1990s bangers'Brilliant brand fit' BFG stars in Sainsbury's Christmas adWhat do you think of the first wave of Christmas ads?What are your hopes for this year's crop of Christmas ads? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advertisers have been pulling investment from newsbrands and trusted journalism for years. The latest AA/Warc figures show that national and regional newsbrands, along with magazines, have suffered the steepest declines in adspend across all channels, while tech platforms continue to claim a growing share of the market.However, the figures suggest this decline will slow in 2026, and this year's Media Week Awards was a successful night for many newsbrands, including The Telegraph, which took home the coveted Sales Team of the Year.This episode of The Campaign Podcast asks whether advertisers are moving away from trusted journalism or alternatively whether newsbrands are fighting back and seeing a resurgence. James Bailey, UK chief executive of Dentsu's iProspect, joins the episode alongside Adam Foley, chief executive of independent agency Bountiful Cow and former director of UK advertising for the Guardian as well as founder of the News Alliance, a cross-industry coalition to encourage advertisers to support trusted news and journalism.Hosted by Campaign's tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley, this episode includes UK editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis.Further reading:'Utterly ruinous': media agency boss on the impact of ad blocking on news brandsMedia 360: Media industry is ‘sentencing news to death' and ignoring its effectivenessMajority of execs believe brand safety in news harms advertisersAhead of Trump's second term, Meta to scrap fact-checking on Facebook and InstagramNews needs youMars and Unilever on 'moral and business responsibility' to improve online safety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WPP, Publicis Groupe, Omnicom, Interpublic, Havas and Dentsu have hitherto been known to adland as the "big six". However, the past year has brought the announcement of a proposed merger between Omnicom and IPG, while Havas and Dentsu have become comparatively smaller.So, the "big six" become the "big three", but is there another challenger? Accenture Song's latest results reported revenues of $20bn (£15bn) in the 12 months to August, putting it on par with Omnicom's $16bn, Publicis' €16bn ($19bn) and WPP's £15bn ($20bn). The business has picked up the $42m media account for Optus in Australia and remains in the running for Jaguar Land Rover's global integrated marketing account.With significant changes among the biggest holding companies continuing to shift the advertising landscape, some have questioned whether it is the end of the "big six", heralding the start of a new "big four". In this week's episode of The Campaign Podcast, Campaign's editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, UK editor Maisie McCabe and media editor Beau Jackson, examine the potential outcomes. The episode is hosted by tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:Accenture is at a crossroads for its global agency ambitionsWhat's next for Accenture Song? CEO Ndidi Oteh at Campaign Live‘Song is changing Accenture': CEO Ndidi Oteh on media, M&A and ‘Big Four' agency rivalryOmnicom now ‘confident' IPG deal will close in November as EU approval nearsYannick Bolloré on Havas' Q3 ‘acceleration', Dentsu's assets and being ‘open' to M&AHavas ‘could be interested' to buy or partner with some of Dentsu's international assetsArthur Sadoun on why Publicis is ‘winning' and how ‘struggling' rivals have dragged down agency valuations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The Campaign Podcast explores whether marketers are using AI to do work traditionally done by their agencies and examines what clients are – and aren't – doing with AI.It comes as Campaign launches the Power 100, the list of the most powerful marketers in the UK. This year they were asked questions designed to tease out where they are on their AI journeys.Presented by deputy editor Gemma Charles, guests on the podcast were premium content editor Nicola Merrifield, acting commissioning editor Louise Ridley and Will Hanschell, the co-founder and chief executive of generative AI platform Pencil that was acquired by The Brandtech Group in 2023.Further reading:Power 100 2025: AI – giving marketers 'superpowers'Power 100 2025: the full listCampaign Power 100 2025 Hall of Fame revealedAn inside job: when and how Power 100 marketers are going in-house Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign published its Faces to Watch list for 2025 last month and also canvassed the cohort on a range of topics both on and off-the-record. From hybrid-working and salary through to the rise of AI and diversity, the Faces – all of whom have worked in adland for eight years or less – gave their views freely.This episode not only dissects their thoughts but also offers the perspectives of adland leaders on the lot of their junior staff. Hosted by Campaign's deputy editor Gemma Charles, this episode features deputy media editor Shauna Lewis, acting commissioning editor Louise Ridley and reporter Ezster Gurbicz.Among other issues, they discuss why juniors may have missed out by not starting their careers in the office due to Covid, the younger generation's embrace of AI and the demise of hierarchical structures from yesteryear.Faces to Watch 2025: the full listFaces to Watch 2025: the AI adopters with a focus on diversityFaces to Watch 2025: Proportion 'very worried' about financial situation doublesFaces to Watch 2025: proportion in-office at least three days a week rises to over 80%Faces to Watch 2025: Drop in people experiencing bullying or harassment at workFaces to Watch 2025: Almost half think increasing use of AI in adland is positiveWhat would be your advice for this year's Faces to Watch? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neurodiversity exists in between 15 and 20% of UK adults, but recent All In data counts over half of adland's UK workforce as neurodiverse, at 55%.This week is dyslexia awareness week, and to mark the occasion this episode looks into neurodiversity in adland, and how the industry supports people with different ways of thinking, both internally and in the ads it produces. Hosted by Campaign's tech and multimedia editor, this episode welcomes guest Wayne Deakin, former global executive creative director at Wolff Olins, as well as media editor Beau Jackson and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis from the Campaign.They discuss why advertising attracts people with different ways of thinking, how it impacts the work and the barriers and taboos that still exist making agency life challenging for those with neurodiversity.Further reading:‘More than just clothes': Vanish builds on autism awareness workHow leaders can build a neurodiversity-friendly workplaceHow I got diagnosed with ADHD at age 38Great minds don't think alike: How to tap the neurodivergent talent pool Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ndidi Oteh, the new global chief executive of Accenture Song, was interview on stage by Campaign's editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier at Campaign Live in her first UK interview.24 days into the new job, Oteh discussed navigating change and scale, plans to expand in media buying, and how the agency arm of consulting giant Accenture compares to the big holding companies. This episode features the full session from the event, with an introduction from Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley. Oteh divulged Song's acquisition strategy, focusing on talent and partnerships, and how the creative shop is actually changing the consultancy giant. Further reading:Four agency groups in race to win Jaguar Land Rover global marketing accountDentsu appoints bankers to seek buyers for international businessAccenture and WPP have discussed potential M&A dealWPP hires AKQA global CEO from AccentureAccenture Song dropped from TfL creative review for 'not meeting DEI criteria'Accenture Song appoints Ndidi Oteh as North America leadDavid Droga to step down as CEO of Accenture Song Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cars, airlines, FMCG brands and banks used to be some of the most desirables clients to have for an agency. Some clients are still more desirable to agencies than others, but is it based on size, market, sector or another factor? In this episode, Campaign's editorial team question if prestige sectors still exist and to what extent agencies actually choose their clients. Tech editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode alongside premium content editor Nicola Merrifield, news editor Will Green and editor Maisie McCabe.Further reading:‘Old-fashioned and irrelevant': how the dominance of retained accounts is on the turn‘Take the learning from the losses and the fun from the wins' – how agencies deal with losing a lucrative client Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast: What will the next 70 years of commercial TV look like?This September, the UK celebrates 70 years of commercial TV since the launch of ITV on September 22 1955.A lot has changed since the very first TV ads. Not only are they now in full colour but the very definition of TV has evolved and keeps on changing with the addition of new formats and introduction of new digital competitors.In this episode, Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley is joined by the Campaign editorial team to discuss how TV is adapting and defending its position in the media mix, how creativity has changed and what the next 70 years of TV will look like.She is joined by UK editor Maisie McCabe, deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings and media editor Beau Jackson.Watch some of the ads mentioned in this podcast below:Cadbury's Smash “Martians” Three “Pony”John Lewis “The long wait”John West “Bear”Guinness “Surfer”Cadbury's “Gorilla”Marmite “End Marmite neglect”Sony Bravia “Bouncy balls”Lloyds TSB “The journey to London 2012” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Media platforms, including Meta, TikTok, X, Spotify, Pinterest and others, have been advancing their own AI capabilities to improve the advertising process of creating and serving ads to an audience. So where does this leave media and creative agencies?Meta, has gone so far as to call itself a “one stop shop” for advertisers, by reportedly aiming to fully automate advertising, including the creation and targeting of ads, by the end of the year. After this was reported, Meta's stock price went up, while Publicis, Omnicom, IPG and WPP's all took a dip. Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said: “Over the long term, advertisers will basically just be able to tell us a business objective and a budget, and we're going to go do the rest for them.”In this episode, the Campaign editorial team discusses how much of a threat media platform's advancement of AI poses and how agencies are adapting to not lose their role in the advertising process.Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the episode features deputy media editor Shauna Lewis and editor Maisie McCabe.Further reading:You can't just tell an AI to create ads like a CCOWhy is principal-based media buying so controversial?Buckle up for the ride as agency world will look significantly different in two yearsUK TV commercial chiefs on 'radical collaboration' and ‘bullishness' in the face of LHFSir Martin Sorrell: Tech platforms are encroaching on clients of large agenciesWill media buyers be the first victims of AI?Media buying among 'first areas to go' with rise of AI, says MediaMonks co-founderGoogle's EMEA president urges adland: ‘Don't wait for magic AI moment – it's here'Microsoft AI CEO: Bigger organisations are ‘starting to feel the pressure' from AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Omnicom and IPG have kept their cards close to their chests while nearing completion of the biggest acquisition in advertising history. Set to close in the second half of this year, the merger-acquisition has now secured 15 out of the 18 regulatory approvals required, including recently with UK watchdog the CMA, in early August. Under the terms of the all-share deal, Omnicom said at the start of August it was set to pay only $9bn for IPG, down from $13.3bn when the takeover was first agreed on 9 December, as the stock prices of both companies have fallen. But the actual price will only be decided once the deal is finalised.In this episode, the Campaign team discuss what's next for Omnicom's takeover of IPG, how it fares against its holding company peers and the priorities for the current chief executives John Wren and Philippe Krakowsky, plus what it means for the agencies and people within the soon-to-be biggest holding company in advertising. This discussion follows on from a previous episode which asked: Will the Omnicom-IPG merger really happen?Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, this episode features Campaign's editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, editor Maisie McCabe and media editor Beau Jackson.Further reading:Omnicom and IPG's leaders could learn from WPP's 2025IPG cuts 2400 jobs in first half of 2025 ahead of Omnicom takeoverIPG profits drop as UK growth falls 9.7%Omnicom's Duncan Painter to lead data reorganisation ahead of IPG takeoverJames Temperley leaves IPG as part of restructureAndrea Suarez becomes latest media agency chief to leave IPG MediabrandsJohn Wren on his vision for a bigger, better OmnicomIPG downgrades UK ad market growth to 6.4% in 2025Troy Ruhanen: 'I wouldn't have taken OAG job if it was all about efficiency and smashing things'Omnicom and IPG chiefs visit UK to sell merger to staff and pitch consultants Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign releases an unpublished recording from the inaugural Campaign Live conference last year. Unilever's former chief marketing officer Keith Weed and chief financial officer Graeme Pitkethly are interviewed on stage by Campaign's editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier. They discuss how to keep the peace in the infamously tense CMO and CFO relationship that they said requires "mutual respect" from both sides. Weed says: "If you can create a good atmosphere between the CFO and the CMO, it creates a good atmosphere in the company."Coming up in the campaign calendar:Campaign LiveThe In-House Agency Awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is the summer of women's sport, or ‘simply sport' as Campaign's deputy editor Gemma Charles put it, and records are being broken both on and off the pitch.The Women's Euro's, which was viewed by 16.2 million people during the final, has been touted as the most commercially successful football tournament ever — women's or men's — with 30,000 more ads per day than last year's men's tournament. The women's rugby world cup takes place this month and has targeted viewing hours of 50 million versus just under 18 million in 2021, but the board expect it to be nearer 100 million.In this episode, the Campaign team is joined by Laura Weston, co-founder of sports consultancy See You At Jeanies and a member of the board of trustees for Liverpool FC. Alongside Campaign's deputy editor Gemma Charles and Campaign Red's data journalist Jamie Rossouw, they discuss what's next for women's sport and its sponsorships, the gaps that still exist and ask if this is the moment that brands finally get on board.This episode is hosted by Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:Women's sport is the greatest growth opportunity for the sports industry.Roundup: How brands are celebrating England's Euros winHow soon before brands build their own women's football teams?Women's Euro 2025 round-up: Watch the adsTesco “Receipts” by BBH LondonSports Direct Women's Euros ad enlists stars for park football matchBBC creates stop-motion ad for Uefa Women's Euro 2025BBC "Names will be made" by BBC CreativeITV's Uefa Women's Euros film travels through history of women's footballMaking sports ads interesting again Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The long-term row between independent production companies and those that sit within holding companies has resurfaced in recent weeks over best practice when it comes to bidding and being selected for work. Production craft festival Ciclope ended its sponsorship contracts with holding companies, which began an online debate between the Advertising Producers Association and the IPA on LinkedIn. The APA's chief executive Steve Davies suggested a forum to establish best practice in bidding, while the IPA's head of production, Eliot Liss, said “There is no need for an industry forum of the type the APA are suggesting”. He added “we don't accept there is an issue with transparency or propriety in how IPA members are providing their production services to clients.” In this episode, Campaign's editorial team dig deeper into the debate, what has been leading up to it and question whether independent and in-house production companies can co-exist alongside each other.Tech editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode with Campaign's editor Maisie McCabe, creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings. Further reading:APA: Brands 'won't be content' with IPA rejection of forum for production company biddingIPA rejects APA's call for best practice forum for production company biddingAPA launches initiative to bring brands and production companies togetherAPA report finds agencies withhold production partners information from brandsIPA ‘takes exception to the erroneous idea of gatekeeping' in APA reportIPA, APA and ISBA launch Production Pitch Process InitiativeDoes Rattling Stick's low-cost arm signal trouble in the production sector?Lights, camera, action: how production companies are fighting back Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WPP announced this month that Microsoft executive Cindy Rose will succeed outgoing chief executive Mark Read. Rose is currently chief operating officer, global enterprise, at Microsoft and will be WPP's third CEO and the first female leader of a major agency holding company. The announcement, which came sooner than expected, came one day after the holding company issued a shock profit warning to the stock market, and follows major losses for WPP including the Mars account and a portion of the Coca-Cola business.Analysts have responded to the appointment saying that the Rose era “has to be transformational” and “WPP knows it needs a reboot”.In this episode, the Campaign editorial team will discuss the reaction to Rose's appointment, what WPP needs from its new CEO, or whether WPP is “too far gone” as former CEO Sir Martin Sorrel has suggested. The chat features Campaign's editor in chief Gideon Spanier, editor Maisie McCabe and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis. The episode is hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley.Coming up in the Campaign calendar:Campaign LiveCampaign Big AwardsFurther reading:What can new CEO Cindy Rose bring to WPP and what does it need?Accenture and WPP have discussed potential M&A dealWPP's 'pretty grim' profit warning: stock market analysts reactWPP closes in on new CEO as some big names ruled out Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three awards have been withdrawn from Cannes Lions 2025 over fabrication of case studies and concerns around their legitimacy. In the weeks that have followed Cannes Festival of Creativity, the integrity of advertising awards has been questioned and what was once widely accepted in advertising awards, has now been exposed.DM9's “Efficient way to pay” was the most notable withdrawal as it won the Grand Prix in the Creative Data Lions. The DDB agency was caught using AI to fabricate news coverage in the case study and misleading the jury. Two other DM9 awards were also withdrawn. The agency's co-president and CCO Icaro Doria stepped down. Following the Cannes news, D&AD removed two pencils from the shop.However, DM9 were not alone in the scandal as other awards have also since been questioned.While the industry has been rocked by the news, many have acknowledged that embellishment, exaggeration and fabrication within awards entries is a common occurrence within adland. This episode features Campaign editor Maisie McCabe, deputy editor Gemma Charles and creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun, who discuss what has led to this behaviour and what happens next for awards.Cannes Lions has since responded with new "integrity standards" to ban agencies that submit "wilfully false" campaignsThis episode was hosted by Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:Adland's ‘New Year's' resolution should be to revive its integrity at Cannes LionsLePub takes disciplinary action following scrutiny of Cannes Lion-winning campaignHavas Costa Rica's Cannes Lions-winning ad, Lessons of Shame, needs lessons of legitimacyHavas and World Vision's Lessons of Shame under scrutiny after Cannes Lions winDon't hate the player, hate the gameCannes Lions rocked by controversies over AI, authenticity and licensingDM9 admits faults in case study for Grand Prix-winning work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From custom emotes to immersive live streams, this sponsored episode of The Campaign Podcast explores how Twitch is enabling brands to participate in culture firsthand versus watching it happen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2025's Pride Month comes to a close, Campaign reflects on how the global DEI rollback has impacted the way brands show up for LGBTQIA+ communities.Gay Times' chief executive Tag Warner said the news outlet has lost £5m in ad revenue this year due to eight of its top ten advertisers pulling their contracts, and Thinkbox's head of marketing Chris Dunne, who is also chief executive of Outvertising, also commented on the noticeable drawback by brands. While it might on the surface seem like the changes to DEI this year have impacted brands' support for LGBTQ+ communities, the drawback actually begun years before, and this year was more a "nail in the coffin".Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, Campaign's media editor Beau Jackson and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings discuss what has led to brands stepping back, as well as highlighting some of the work that continues to celebrate Pride and raise awareness to wider LGBTQ+ issues. This includes TransActual UK's "Third toilet" by BBH London, Tesco's internal policies and sponsorship of Pride, Lush donating 75% of profits from the Liberation bath bomb and Marks and Spencer's partnership with AKT.Further reading:Pride needs action, not alliesAmnesty Pride campaign promotes bracelets as 'badge of allyship'E45 unveils ad highlighting trans skin that won C4 diversity awardDo LGBTQ+ PR pros think brands will ‘show up' for Pride 2025? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign asked this year's A List cohort to name their favourite TV ad ahead of the upcoming 70th anniversary of commercial television. Guinness “Surfer” by AMV BBDO came out top.One trend that emerged from the choices was that many of the most popular ads were more than 25 years old. Armed with this finding, Campaign reporter Eszter Gurbicz wrote a feature exploring the industry's love of old ads.This episode of the Campaign Podcast dissects the qualities that make ads stick in peoples' minds and shares the industry's view on whether there is any recent work that will be talked about in years to come.Deputy editor Gemma Charles hosts the episode which features editor Maisie McCabe and creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun alongside Gurbicz.Further reading:A Listers on their favourite TV ads of all timeAre we at the start of a new era of advertising awards?Channel 4 and L'Oreal Paris scoop Film Lions Grands PrixMy Campaign: the making of Guinness ‘Surfer'Ads mentioned in the show include:The Martin Agency's Quiznos subs' rats (chosen by Mother's Felix Richter) DDB Chicago's Bud Light "Real men of genius: really bad toupee wearer" (chosen by TheOr's Charlene Chandrasekaran)AMV BBDO's Guinness "Dreamer" BBH London's "Three little pigs" for The Guardian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's editors from around the world come together after the Lions festival for the final episode of the Campaign Cannes global podcast in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.We review the festival and talk about the work that won, the big trends that emerged, the first year of Campaign House and the best parties.Gideon Spanier (far left), the UK editor-in-chief of Campaign, hosts the podcast and is joined by Maisie McCabe, editor of Campaign UK, David Brown, co-editor of Campaign Canada, and Luz Corona, editor of Campaign US.Further reading about the work and stories on this podcast:WPP, DDB and Publicis Conseil win creative company, network and agency of year at Cannes Lions 2025Channel 4 and L'Oréal Paris scoop Film Lions Grands PrixPublicis Conseil lands Titanium Grand Prix for Axa campaign helping women escape abuseGreat work should swim against the current, creative chiefs say Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's editors from around the world come together at Campaign House at the Lions festival for the second episode of the Campaign Cannes global podcast in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.Gideon Spanier, the UK editor-in-chief of Campaign, hosts the podcast and is joined by Maisie McCabe, editor of Campaign UK, Nikita Mishra, editor of Campaign Asia, Chris Powell, co-editor of Campaign Canada, and Luz Corona, editor of Campaign US.We talk about the buzz at the midway point during the festival, including the first Grand Prix winners, how the awards juries reach their decision and speculation about the search for a new WPP chief executive, plus we discuss some of our favourite sessions at Campaign House, our dedicated venue at Canopy by Hilton.Further reading about the work and stories on the podcast:Arthur Sadoun: Agencies should be ‘optimistic' not ‘scared' about futureLaura Jordan Bambach, Vicki Maguire and Kay Hsu at Cannes: ‘Lack of diversity can shut down incredible ideas'Scrutiny over media trading will be a top story in next year, Campaign editors sayVaseline's “Vaseline Verified” by Ogilvy Singapore wins Health & Wellness Lions Grand PrixRimas Music's “Tracking bad bunny” by DDB Latina Puerto Rico wins Entertainment Lions for Music Grand Prix Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's editors from around the world come together ahead of the Lions festival for the first episode of the Campaign Cannes global podcast in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.We preview the festival and talk about the work we want to win, the mood in the ad industry and Campaign House – our exciting new venue at Cannes. Gideon Spanier (centre in picture), the UK editor-in-chief of Campaign, hosts the podcast and is joined by Maisie McCabe, editor of Campaign UK, Nikita Mishra, editor of Campaign Asia, David Brown, co-editor of Campaign Canada, and Luz Corona, editor of Campaign US.We also discuss why Arthur Sadoun, the chief executive of Publicis Groupe and a speaker at Campaign House on day one of the festival, has called for the industry to take a “different” approach at Cannes this year and the introduction of new “safe zones” at the festival.Further reading about the work and stories on this podcastKFC “Believe in Chicken” by Mother LondonChannel 4 “Considering What?” by 4CreativeApple TV+ “Severance in Grand Central” by Kamp GrizzlyKFC “Uncle KFC's Rice Bowl” by Wolf BKKIKEA “U Up?” by RethinkMaple Leaf “Look for the Leaf” by NFA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Group M, the world's largest media buying group, has undergone a titanic course correction and "simplification", re-emerging as WPP Media. While the destination "makes sense", according to Campaign's editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, the reorganisation is coming at a huge cost to those that work there.In February this year, The Campaign Podcast asked 'What is Group M?' and in the three months since, the group has merged agency brands into a single P&L, got rid of agency specific jobs titles and begun making roles redundant around the world. More recently, WPP's chief executive Mark Read announced on Monday (9 June) he was stepping down.In this episode, Campaign's editorial team ask a simple question and dig deeper into why WPP has made the change, what will happen to the individual agencies within it, and whether it really is "simpler".Tech editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode which features Spanier alongside media editor Beau Jackson and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis.Further reading:‘Something's gone horribly wrong': new chair faces calls to ‘fix' WPP at AGMWPP launches data solution Open Intelligence'We know that we have to be simpler': Brian Lesser lays out Group M plansGroup M axes global agency CEO roles in major centralisation push Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2025 is only a few weeks away. With the prejudging completed last week, Campaign speaks to three jurors on what they're expecting this year at Cannes and what purpose the festival serves in a year of economic turbulence.Tech editor Lucy Shelley speaks to Kate Stanners, president of the Film Lions and global chief creative officer and chair of Saatchi & Saatchi; Dan Clays, president of the Media Lions and chief executive officer EMEA at Omnicom Media Group and Noel Bunting, juror on Digital Craft Lions and chief creative officer at Publicis London.The judging trio talk about the importance of instinct, why Cannes serves as a reminder of the "art of the possible" and how the connection between creativity and technology is used to hack the algorithm in advertising. Further reading:Should Cannes Lions be more focused on practical business solutions?Arthur Sadoun calls for ‘different approach' at Cannes amid economic challengesApple named Cannes Lions Creative Marketer of the YearCampaign announces agenda for debut of Campaign House at Cannes Lions 2025Cannes Lions introduces safe zones'Rewarding work while accepting suffering': IPA, D&AD and Cannes Lions respond Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VCCP London's chief executive Andrew Peake is the special guest in the studio, joining Campaign's creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun, deputy editor Gemma Charles and features editor Matt Barker.Andrew explains why VCCP are moving out of their home in London's Victoria after 23 years and heading over to Fitzrovia, prompting a conversation among the quartet around the role that offices – and crucially, office cultures – have to play in attracting talent.That then leads to further chat about socio-economic factors, career development and other motivating factors that come into play when choosing to work for a particular agency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign hosted its star event Media360 in Brighton this week, gathering together leaders from UK media agencies, owners and businesses to discuss and question where media is headed in 2025.Hosted by the chief executives of Essencemediacom and Hearts & Science, Natalie Cummins and Garrett O'Rielly, the two days covered connecting with gen Z, what to do about AI and urged advertisers to support trusted journalism. Jamie Laing opened the conference in the hot seat questioned by Campaign editor Maisie McCabe.In this bonus episode you will hear a session from the event which questions whether social media is killing TV, hosted by Debatemate. Before we get to it, tech editor Lucy Shelley is joined by media editor Beau Jackson to chat through a few highlights from the two days.Further reading:Media 360: Lloyds Banking Group's marketing lead on breaking ground in gamingMedia 360: Marketers from Currys, Reckitt and Estée Lauder on how media drives growthMedia 360: Jamie Laing on why brands should 'always have a North Star' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The Campaign Podcast, Charlotte Rawlings, deputy creativity and culture editor at Campaign, chats to four of the industry's top creatives about some recent ads. Rawlings is joined by Laura Rogers, executive creative director at AMV BBDO; Jonny Parker and Chris Birch, joint chief creative officers at VCCP; and Caitlin Ryan, creative partner at Dentsu Creative. The creatives discuss the longevity of brand mascots, their favourite type of crumpets and how the PG Tips Monkey has transformed into a loving husband.Listen to their opinions on British Gas, Warburtons, KFC and more. Further reading: PG Tips brings back Monkey in campaign featuring Emily AtackBritish Gas launches brand platform with cosy charactersOlivia Colman takes crumpet duty seriously in Warburtons campaignWarburtons radio ads feature Olivia Colman denying 'crumpet heist'KFC spot launches burger with cult-like dinner ceremonyConfused.com spot turns people into helium-filled inflatables Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The darker side of agency life reveals that burnout is still an issue in advertising. Adland is infamously known for late night calls, weekend pitch prep and a culture of long working hours being the norm. Four years ago Campaign launched an investigation into the darker side of agency work and in this year's follow up, it seems little progress has been made.This week is Mental Health Awareness week, and in this episode Campaign speaks to Sue Todd, chief executive at advertising and media charity Nabs, and David Eakins, former art director and now mental health campaigner and founder of workplace wellbeing agency Happy Sapien.Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, Campaign's editor Maisie McCabe also joins the discussion. They explore why adland has not solved the issue of burnout and what can be done to protect its people.Content warning: this episode contains references to suicide. If you have been affected by issues raised in this episode and need a number to call, you can reach Nabs at 0800 707 6607, Calm on 0800 1111 or Samaritans on 116 123. Further reading:An open letter to the gatekeepers of creative greatnessNabs helpline calls reach annual record of 5200Why hasn't adland tackled its long-hours culture?Does adland wish it was ‘Severed'?Coming up in the Campaign calendar:Campaign LiveCampaign Big Awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live experiences couldn't get more real. They provide consumers with a tangible connection to a brand. But in an era of declining third spaces, consumers need to be wowed if they are to venture out their homes to attend an event.Louisa O'Conner if the founder and managing director of experiential agency Seen Presents. She joins the podcast to discuss the change in consumer behaviour, why consumers generally prefer grassroots events to premium and how the pressure put on live experiences makes them feel like the ultimate wedding.Hosted by Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley, this episode also features deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings.Further reading:The experiential antidote to Gen Z's dying third placeUK firms cut marketing budgets for first time in four years: IPA Bellwether‘A tough start to the year': IPA Bellwether adland reaction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women in creative leadership roles have been leaving adland. The IPA Census reported a decline in both of the last two years, down from 30% in 2022 to 25.6% in 2024. On top of this, the Census reported a widening pay gap, increasing to almost 20% in 2024.This episode welcomes Laura Jordan Bambach to the studio, founder and chief creative officer of female founded Uncharted. Alongside editor Maisie McCabe and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings, they discuss why it's got worse, if there was any improvement seen in the first place and what needs to be done to amend the issue.Jordan Bambach, who launched The Great British Diversity Experiment nine years ago, explained that when agencies feel under pressure from economic and other external storms, they return to "muscle memory", and rely on behaviours of the past. The industry needs to reframe what it is to be a successful creative leader and adjust perceptions, she said. This episode was hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading: I can't believe I still have to write columns about this shitUnder-appreciated, overlooked and misunderstood: the life of a female creative3 great ads I had nothing to do with – #68 with Laura Jordan BambachMy Cannes Snapshot: Laura Jordan BambachLaura Jordan Bambach, Hannah Matthews and Fern Miller unveil 'advanced' creative agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the greats of UK media gathered in London to celebrate the Campaign Media Awards 2025. The coveted Commercial Team of the Year award went to LADbible while Spark Foundry's Mondelez Team took home Agency Team of the Year.The winning Campaign of the Year was awarded to PHD and "Stream of (un)consciousness" for the British Heart Foundation. The gaming campaign worked with Twitch creators, interrupting their streams to teach viewers how to do CPR, and the results were powerful, with someone's life being saved after a viewer saw one streamer's CPR segment. Judges said they couldn't “wish or hope for more for a client in this sector.”In this bonus episode we are chatting to the brains behind the campaign, Tess Gullis, gaming business director at PHD. We discuss how the campaign is successful in its simplicity, the misconceptions that still exist from advertisers and answer why brands are overcomplicating gaming.Hosted by Campaign tech editor Lucy Shelley, this episode also features deputy media editor Shauna Lewis.View all the winners here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In February this year, the UK government published a consultation on AI, proposing a change to current copyright legislation. It would allow tech companies to use creative works including film, TV and original journalism to train AI models without permission of the creators, unless they have opted out.It was met with harsh criticism, rallying "Make it fair" campaigns and rejections from both creatives and tech platforms alike, albeit for opposite reasons. Google and OpenAI responded to the consultation saying that it would cause developers to "deprioritise the market" and that "training on the open web must be free" while creative industries including Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, said that the lack of transparency and compensation would "scrape the value" from quality content.Campaign questions if UK regulation will harm creative industries and how it will impact the country's own advancements in AI. This episode welcomes guest Michael Horn, global head of AI at Omnicom Advertising Group. Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the Campaign team includes creativty and culture editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis.This episode includes an excerpt from Mahon's speech in Parliament where she addresses her concerns.Further reading:Mark Read: 'AI will unlock adland's productivity challenge'AI, copyright and the creative economy: the debate we can't afford to lose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What links McDonald's "Iconic needs no explanation" by Leo Burnett, KFC's gravy take over of the BFI and Kellogg's "See you in the morning" also by Leo Burnett? These three ads are the latest in a line of out-of-home posters that zoom in on products, alter or remove logos and have minimal text. Tesco, Heinz and B&Q have also created similar ads.While this might be a trend, it certainly isn't new. A 1990 Silk Cut ad "Slash" by Saatchi & Saatchi also had a similar minimalist style and more recently in 2023, Barbie released an entirely pink billboard with only "July 21" in the corner to promote the release of the film.Campaign's editorial team discuss if original ideas still exist in outdoor ads and if all the good ideas have been taken. Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, this episode features editor Maisie McCabe, creativity and culture editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings.Further reading:Is the art of out-of-home copywriting under threat?Playing with the logo is nothing new; but it might signal a return to intelligent advertisingThe distinctive asset in the room Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's Agency of the Year Awards took place last week celebrating the best shops in adland across creative, media, independent, customer engagement, start-up and more.This episode chats to three of the big winners: Mother, who took home Creative Agency of the Year, MG OMD which won Media Agency and Rapp which celebrated five awards with three golds: Performance Marketing Agency, New Business Leader and Customer Engagement Agency Leader.MG OMG's CEO Natalie Bell talked about the importance of an entrepreneurial spirit while Rapp's CMO Tracey Barber discussed how to protect employees from being poached after award wins. Mother's chief communications officer Tom Wong spoke about the importance of independence and the agency's triad of success: make the best work, have fun, and make a living not a killing.View all the winners here. Coming up in the Campaign calendar:Ad Net Zero Awards open for entries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.