Campaign podcast

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.

Principal-based media buying, which includes inventory media and proprietary media, has become a key practice for large agency groups, but it remains opaque, with finance trails and pricing structures largely in the dark. In March this year, ISBA updated its media services framework calling out media agencies for lack of transparency and "non-compliance", which it said has been leading to "tensions" between advertisers and agencies. The IPA hit back at ISBA for suggesting "systemic malpractice" in principal-based media and painting “a misleading picture of how agencies operate”, serving "only to perpetuate the myth that agencies are acting against the interests of their clients”.In this episode, Campaign's editorial team discuss why this topic is so controversial, shedding light on concerns that exist and the reasons that it remains so obscure. Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the chat features UK editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, UK editor Maisie McCabe and media editor Beau Jackson.Further reading:Will the 'big six' become the 'big three'?Media is key battleground for agency giants in new world orderMark Read on WPP's creative agencies slump, big clients spending more and four-day office mandateDo the latest holding company results signify a shift towards media first?The $31bn Omnicom-IPG deal has industrial logic but also many caveats Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign has released its biggest project of the year, reviewing and marking the top 92 agencies in the UK for Campaign's 2025 School Reports, in partnership with Nielsen.In this episode, Campaign's editorial team reveals its overall impression on the reports, what they divulge about the health of the industry by analysing the billings across media and creative and how diversity has been impacted in the last year. They discuss how creativity fared in 2024 and the consequence of a few huge media pitches (Amazon, L'Oreal and Ebay, to name a few).Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, this chat includes editor Maisie McCabe, deputy editor Gemma Charles and features editor Matt Barker. Further reading:School Reports 2025: Top creative agenciesSchool Reports 2025: Top media agenciesSchool Reports 2025: Top holding companiesSchool Reports 2025: Top regional agenciesSchool Reports 2025: Which agencies got the highest marks?School Reports 2025: Which agencies improved their marks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"There is an unofficial reason why pre-testing is so popular, and that's that clients work in very complex organisations with lots of stakeholders," says Martin Beverley, former chief strategy officer at Adam&Eve/DDB.Beverley joins the Campaign team on the podcast to discuss the efficacy of pre-testing and its contentiousness in adland: some say data can stifle creativity while others argue it's a sure method to improve advertising effectiveness.Marketing professor Mark Ritson said it wasn't divisive but actually a "no-brainer", that it's essentially infallible, and we now live in a different age of pre-testing. Beverley discusses this argument alongside Campaign editor Maisie McCabe and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings, hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley. The team consider how creatives and strategists should look at the bigger picture, what certainty does for creativity and if pre-testing denies originality.Plus, at the end of the episode, Campaign tests the pre-testing, with Rawlings and Shelley testing their own ad ideas for Liquid Death using Kantar's Link AI early stage testing tool.Further reading:How do you solve a problem like… pre-testing?The Year Ahead for CampaignIs big data driving a short-term view?Troy Ruhanen: 'I wouldn't have taken OAG job if it was all about efficiency and smashing things'Former Amazon CCO Simon Morris appointed chair of new audience insight platform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Unprecedented","furlough" and "bubbles" are a few of the words that are reminiscent of 2020. On 23rd March five years ago, the UK prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the UK was entering a lockdown as a result of the spread of Coronavirus. Now in 2025, the way in which we work has been upturned and a "new normal" is being established. As for the advertising industry, has it changed for the better, or is it still looking back to years gone by?In this episode, the campaign team will answer the question if adland has indeed changed for the better, how hybrid working has affected creative and media teams, what has happened to DEI and the impact that new ways of working has had on young people.Hosted by Campaign tech editor Lucy Shelley, the episode includes editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, deputy editor Gemma Charles and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings.Further reading:Five years after Covid, live events are thriving – what's fuelling the resurgence?Will return-to-office mandates push back inclusion?When will adland go back to five days in office?WPP employees push back on return-to-office policy with petitionA year that has changed the ad industry for the betterThe coronavirus crisis: countdown to the fastest advertising downturn in historyRead Campaign's May 2020 issue in full Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holding company solutions are on the rise, particularly for large clients whose spend is in the £100 millions. Publicis Flame is the latest to ignite, created after Santander appointed Publicis Groupe to its global creative and media business. Ongoing pitches include Natwest which is also looking for a single holding company to take on its media and creative business.Holding companies have been expanding their offerings across creative, media, tech and data to service client needs, but do these solutions really work? And what becomes of the individual agency brands when amalgamated into one solution? Campaign's journalists gather in the studio to discuss.This episode features editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, creativity and culture editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo and media editor Beau Jackson. It is hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:Santander on its shift to one global agency, why it picked Publicis and how ‘data is key'Will more agencies move to a holding company solution for their biggest clients?Pfizer moves creative from IPG to Publicis after just 10 monthsWPP's Mark Read on client demand for AI and fewer agency partnersWPP triumphs over Publicis Groupe to win Centrica's integrated reviewBritish Gas turns up the heat with media, creative and below-the-line reviewBritish Gas appoints media and creative agenciesWPP wins majority of $4 billion Coca-Cola businessThe $100m question for agencies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One would think that the answer to "what is Group M?" would be a short one, but after many changes, mergers, shuffles and dissolutions at WPP's media arm in the last 12 months, the answer is not so.Group M is the largest media buying group in the world and in this episode, Campaign's journalists discuss what the company was when it began in the early 2000s, what has happened in the last 12 months including losing Sky, the closure of EssenceMediacom X and axing its global agency CEO roles, and what it is now. The team examines Group M's relationship with its agency brands, their identity, and what the future holds for the media group.This episode features media editor Beau Jackson, deputy media editor Shauna Lewis and editor Maisie McCabe. It is hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:Henkel assigns €500m expanded European media accountUnilever announces result of global media review with six rivals sharing dutiesFormer Group M China executives to face Shanghai court over bribery allegationsGroup M upgrades UK advertising growth forecast from 4.4% to 7.7% in 2025WPP wants NCA's Midas touch as it battles to revive fortunesHow important are agency brands?Amazon splits global media between two networks after competitive reviewGroup M builds new global growth and marketing team under Toby Jenner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The advertising industry accounts for 3% to 4% of global emissions, twice that of the aviation industry, found research from the IAB. Is it truly making an effort to reduce its impact on the environment?In this episode, Campaign speaks to Stephen Woodford, chief executive of the Advertising Association, on its Ad Net Zero program, the power adland holds in making positive change and whether tech platforms really doing enough.Before we speak to Stephen, Campaign's journalists gather to discuss media's varying impact, what happens to agencies with fossil fuel clients, and AI's impact on the environment. Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, this episode features creativity and culture editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo, media editor Beau Jackson and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis.Coming up in the Campaign calendar: Campaign Agency of the Year Global Awards deadlineFurther reading:Vodafone cuts media carbon footprint by a third‘Reputational damage comes from hypocrisy': why some agencies are pulling back from fossil fuel clients – and others are notHalf of adland believes advertising has negative environmental impactNo lights, cameras or action: how adland is adapting to production interruption Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of The Campaign Podcast, Charlotte Rawlings, deputy creativity and culture editor at Campaign, is joined by Maisie McCabe, Campaign's UK editor, to discuss the ads that aired throughout the 59th Super Bowl on 10 February. Rawlings and McCabe are joined by Lynsey Atkin, outgoing chief creative officer at McCann London; Noel Bunting, CCO at Publicis London; and David Kolbusz, CCO at Orchard. The trio of creatives discuss Buffalo sauce, Steve Rogers' love for donkeys and whether the Super Bowl formula of celebrity cameos is truly effective. Listen to their opinions on Uber Eats, Squarespace, Stella Artois and more. Further reading:‘Fast and Furious' stars chill out in Häagen-Dazs' Super Bowl spotDon't study the Super Bowl ads, study the fandomNike uses its first platform on the Super Bowl stage in 27 years to challenge double standard in women's sportsChannel 4 ad takes Super Bowl literallyAre advertisers over-investing in the Super Bowl? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a new boss steps in to lead an agency, they must weigh up how much they change the business and how much the business changes them.Conrad Persons, president of Grey London, who joins the podcast team in this latest epsiode, says: "'That's how we do things round here' is one of the most abominable phrases in business."Persons is joined by Campaign's deputy editor, Gemma Charles, and premium content editor, Nicola Merrifield. The episode, hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, looks at balancing change, the importance of likability and technology's impact on leadership. Last year a raft of CEOs in the industry swapped seats, making news headlines across adland. They included Natalie Cummins, who left Publicis Media after 17 years to become CEO of EssenceMediacom, and Kate Rowlinson, who became Group M CEO. Xavier Rees left Havas as group CEO of UK creative to lead Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, and the subject of Campaign's Top people move of the year, James Murphy, became group CEO of Ogilvy after selling NCA to WPP.So how does a new agency leader make their mark, and how much change is too much?Further reading:What advice would you give adland's new crop of CEOs?EssenceMediacom UK CEO says media clients want answers, not theoryT&Pm appointed Victoria Appleby as UK CEONeverland promoted Josh Harris to CEOSaatchi & Saatchi hired Claire Hollands as CEOPaul Knight named CEO at PHD UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we approach Covid's five year anniversary, much has changed about the world of work and where we do it.After WPP's chief executive Mark Read announced that the holding company will be mandating four days a week, adland has had plenty to say on the approach to hybrid working. A petition was started by WPP employees to revoke the order and has almost reached 20,000 signatures. (It is open for anyone to sign up).Three weeks since, the topic is still one of Campaign's most read. In this episode Campaign's editorial team discusses what happens next and asks if and when adland will go back to a five day week. Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, this episode features editor, Maisie McCabe, editor-in chief, Gideon Spanier and deputy creativity and culture editor, Charlotte Rawlings. They question whether there is a correlation between presence in the office and business success.Further reading:Revealed: Latest hybrid working policies across 'big six' agency groupsWhat does adland make of WPP's four office days per week mandate?Is Publicis' dismissal of staff for return-to-office violations a sign of things to come?WPP boss Mark Read hits back at employee vitriol over back-to-office mandateOne in six agencies increased number of office days in 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sneezing, coughing and catching a cold from the other side of the Atlantic might be this year's theme for UK advertisers.In this episode of The Campaign Podcast, host and tech editor Lucy Shelley is joined by deputy editor Gemma Charles, features editor Matt Barker and culture and creativity editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo. The team discusses brands' reaction to Trump's re-election, after his inauguration on 20 January, and to Meta's overhaul of its global DEI programmes and US fact-checking policies. From purposeful ad campaigns that will bridge divides in society, to the re-adjustment of media spend on social media platforms, the Campaign team reveals industry leaders' reactions to US politics' effects on adland. Further reading:Meta scraps fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram Outvertising announces it will no longer work with MetaAdvertisers need not fear a heightened political climate The short-sightedness of caving to the culture warFrom inauguration to insight: how brands can bridge divides in a polarised worldHow can UK adland champion DE&I in the Donald Trump era? The Year Ahead 2025: Brands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's time to ditch the 'R' word," said Nik Wheatley last year in an article on Campaign that exposed the regional divide that exists in adland, and the danger of categorising everywhere outside of London as the 'regions'. It was revealed that £250m in billings has been lost from the North West to London in recent years, due to agencies relocations and advertisers bulling their business from northern agencies.In this episode, Wheatley dials in from his Manchester media agency Notorious Communications along with deputy media editor Beau Jackson and editor Maisie McCabe. The episode is hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley. They discuss the regoinal divide, its impact beyond client wins and media investment and what role intermediaries play. They evaluate the edge that agencies outside of London have over shops in the capital, what is needed to level the playing field and if we will see a battle of the independents this year.Further reading:Popping the London bubbleManchester's media boom: 'Mancs genuinely believe they can change the world'London media should wake up to the power of the regionsWhy brands should look outside the London bubbleBrexit: It's time to get out of your London bubble and understand the nation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Campaign's Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing this Tuesday 14 January, industry leaders took to the stage to give their predictions, concerns and excitement for 2025.This bonus episode includes the final panel of the event, moderated by deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings, with Chaka Sobhani, president and global chief creative officer of DDB Worldwide, Iain Tait, co-founder of Food Arts & Technology and Jonathan Kneebone, co-founder and director of Glue Society.The discussion ranged from AI's impact on creative processes to the importance of fostering individual talent and the evolving role of experiential marketing.Further reading:'Tap into the desire for individuals to be more individual': Year Ahead's creativity panel on 2025 ideasWhy 2025 could be the year brands move away from MetaEssenceMediacom UK CEO says media clients want answers, not theory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After dominating news headlines throughout December, and likely well into 2025, it is all still possible for the Omnicom-IPG merger to fall through, repeating history from 2013 when Omnicom failed to merge with Publicis Groupe.Campaign's editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier sat down in a global exclusive interview with John Wren, CEO of Omnicom, and Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG, after they announced the all-stock deal on 9 December to create the world's biggest agency group. Since then, the share price of Omnicom declined 15%.In this episode, Spanier is joined by editor Maisie McCabe and media editor Beau Jackson to ask the $31bn question: will the merger really happen?Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the team discuss the regulatory obstacles the holdcos need to hurdle, a shrink in share prices, and the potential for divergent performance of Omnicom and IPG in 2025. Is the merger an attempt to "fight scale with scale", says Spanier, to compete with the power of tech companies. The team asks where it leaves R/GA and Huge after being held for sale last year and any signs that adland might see a repeat of the attempted Publicis merger.Further reading:The $31bn Omnicom-IPG deal has industrial logic but also many caveatsOmnicom-IPG merger: how the holdcos stack up in the UKInterpublic sells digital experiences agency Huge'The industry doesn't need another behemoth': Stagwell CEO on Omnicom-IPGPublicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun says Omnicom-IPG deal is 'real opportunity'Omnicom and IPG 'huddling together as cold winds blow': Martin SorrellEverything we know so far about the Omnicom-IPG mega mergerComing up in the Campaign calendar:Media Week Live, 29 January Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is adland going to change this year?To get listeners ready for the year ahead, Campaign's editorial team give a taste of adland's predictions for the next 12 months, including which resolutions to give up and which take on in 2025.Tech editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode alongside editor Maisie McCabe, culture and creativity editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis.After revealing their personal resolutions for the year, the team asks adland to give up cheesy collaborations for 2025 as well as the dream of certainty. McCabe hopes that brands might reconsider where they put their media spend and questions if "be bolder" is a good enough resolution.Campaign will be releasing more Year Ahead content and agencies to watch over the coming weeks.Further reading:The Year Ahead 2025: Media ownersEight media agencies to watch in 2025Snog, marry, avoid: what kind of year was 2024?Was 2024 the year of AI?Will media buyers be the first victims of AI?Barclaycard series was a credit to advertisingComing up in the Campaign calendar:Year Ahead Breakfast Briefing, 14 JanuaryMedia Week Live, 29 January Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"A lukewarm snog" might be how one Campaign journalist describes 2024, but how would you?In the final episode of the year for The Campaign Podcast, the editorial team gathers one last time to recap the year and answer a very important, hard-hitting question: would you snog, marry or avoid 2024?From the Post Office scandal and dartsman Luke Littler, to the Jaguar rebrand and a year of elections, a lot has happened in the past 12 months both inside and outside adland's walls.Features editor Matt Barker tells us of his appreciation for (non-Saltburn) Barry Keoghan in Adidas' "You can't beat original" by Homeground. Premium content editor Nicola Merrifield recounts the year's most controversial moments including the banning of a Calvin Klein ad featuring FKA Twigs. Deputy editor Gemma Charles gets ready to sell her soul to Cadbury's and AI while editor Maisie McCabe remembers the brilliance of Channel 4's "Considering what?" campaign for the Paris Paralympics.This episode was hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:The Lists 2024: Top 20 film adsThe Lists 2024: Top five advertisersThe Lists 2024: Top 10 campaignsThe Lists 2024: Top five people movesThe Lists 2024: Top 10 brandsThe Lists 2024: Top 10 commercial chiefsThe Lists 2024: Top 10 mishapsThe Lists 2024: Top 20 creative leadersThe Lists 2024: Top four digital innovations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maisie McCabe, editor of Campaign UK and David Droga, founder of Droga5 and chief executive of Accenture Song, sat together on stage at Ciclope last month to discuss creativity, the evolving landscape of advertising and how to build meaningful connections between brands and audiences in the digital age."Creative to the bone," said Droga describing himself and how he feels holding a CEO role. He explained how the job of an advertising creative is to "do more" with the briefs they are given, creating transformative work.In the 50-minute chat they discuss why Droga took the "stupid job" as chief executive being a creative, how adland should let AI be a part of what we do and who inspires him today.Further reading:'Creative people make the world worth living in': David Droga on advertising's futureExpanding in-house production won't rescue ad agencies' drowning business modelsDroga5 appoints Mark Green as global CEO and adds The Monkeys to network David Droga on moving from being a creative in business to building a business on creativity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024 had big expectations when it came to artificial intelligence, but did the year live up to the hype... was it a year of "AI in action" as the IAB predicted or AI inaction?Campaign's editorial team gathers in the studio in an episode hosted by Maisie McCabe, UK editor, while tech editor Lucy Shelley (and usual host) swaps over to be in the hot seat.Also joined by features editor Matt Barker and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis, the four discuss the highs and lows of AI this year, including Coca-Cola's Christmas ad made by AI, which was Campaign's Turkey of the Week. They compare it to Vodafone's AI Christmas ad and recount other controversial AI moments from the year including Publicis' AI BS Bot and Under Armour's AI ad with Anthony Joshua.The team discuss how AI has shaped the adland this year – Lewis reveals insights from her interview with Johnny Hornby, founder and chief executive at T&Pm, after it was fully acquired by WPP last month. He cited AI as a main driver for the sale.Further reading:Will the Coca-Cola ad deter brands from using AI in film?Will media buyers be the first victims of AI?Media buying among 'first areas to go' with rise of AI, says MediaMonks co-founderIs 2024 a vintage year for Christmas ads? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Channel 4 set themselves the target of subtitling all the ads during the channel's coverage, beginning at a current level of 25%. After a huge effort, the broadcaster managed to achieve 60%.In this episode, Channel 4's customer and commercial leader Amy Jenkins discusses how brands can do more to make ads accessible, the positive business impact this has and what, or who, is getting in the way.Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode with media editor Beau Jackson and editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier.Jackson brings insight from her contacts in the industry on the resistance within adland and if technology like AI can provide a solution. She discusses judging Channel 4's Diversity in Advertising Award and credits the organisations that are attempting to make positive change for accessible ads.Further reading:It's time for adland to make alt text a first thought, not an afterthoughtApple tugs at ‘heartstrings' through latest spot promoting AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aidsRNIB 'hijacks' LadBible platforms to highlight experiences of blind peopleWhy agencies face tougher challenges to retain their All In Champion crownsIs inclusive marketing a key driver for effectiveness? The results are in…Beyond the screen: why real-world accessibility for disabled people still falls short Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Charlotte Rawlings, senior creativity reporter at Campaign, is joined by Maisie McCabe, Campaign's UK editor, to discuss this year's Christmas ads with some of the industry's top creatives.This Private View includes Chaka Sobhani, president and chief creative officer international at DDB Worldwide, and David Kolbusz, chief creative officer at Orchard. They chat all things festive alongside Richard Brim, outgoing chief creative officer at Adam & Eve/DDB. Brim recorded the podcast before announcing his departure from Adam & Eve/DDB.The gang discuss Christmas spots for the likes of The Entertainer, McDonald's, Tesco and Etsy. The guests even discuss Agent Provacteur's shameless time travel to the era of “lad mag” culture (not suitable for work) and Kolbusz compares the Disney short to a salmon sandwich. Further reading:Disney Christmas ad by Adam & Eve/DDB shows friendship between boy and octopusThe Entertainer Christmas ad showcases fickle nature of kids with toysGingerbread-fuelled Tesco ad touches on grief during the festive periodMcDonald's lights up festive season with ‘satisfying' Christmas campaignFind Waldo in Etsy's holiday campaignWaitrose & Partners campaign conjures up star-studded festive mysteryChristmas 2024 round-up: Watch all the festive adsComing up in Campaign's calendar:Media Week LiveCampaign 40 Over 40 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DING, DING, DING! Adland's agencies have entered the ring.In this episode, Campaign's editors of creativity, media and tech battle it out to determine which discipline should be the lead agency for clients.The team discuss how client relationships have changed over the years, how different budgets might change which discipline would lead and whether there should be a lead agency at all.Taking up the fight for creative agencies is Alessandra Scotto di Santolo, creativity and culture editor. For media, its media editor Beau Jackson and for social and digital agencies, it's the podcast's host and Campaign tech editor Lucy Shelley. Maisie McCabe, UK editor at Campaign also joins the argument for a perspective on the differing client relationships between creative and media agencies.Further reading:Energy Networks Association consolidates creative and media accounts into WPPWhat are the benefits to appointing media and creative agencies at the same time?Santander reviews global creative and media accountsAsda launches review of creative and media accountsPitch Update: Sky, Asda, Pets At Home, Interflora, Motorway, RM Williams and moreComing up in Campaign's calendar:Media Week LiveCampaign 40 Over 40 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's editorial team take to the studio clad in Christmas jumpers and novelty antlers to chat about this year's crop of festive ads. A wave of ads have dropped over the last few weeks, including the likes of John Lewis, Waitrose, McDonald's, M&S, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Tesco and Sainsbury's.In this episode, the team discusses some standout work as well as other spots that didn't quite hit the mark. Guests also debate whether John Lewis still holds the yard stick when it comes to quality Christmas ads, argue the value of revisiting old strategies and praise the power of music.Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley is joined by Maisie McCabe, UK editor, Alessandra Scotto di Santolo, creativity and culture editor, and Charlotte Rawlings, senior creativity reporter.Further reading:‘Wonderful nostalgia', ‘little annoyances', ‘brilliantly chosen track': creatives react to John Lewis Christmas adJohn Lewis Christmas ad depicts 'magical journey of memories' between sistersWaitrose & Partners campaign conjures up star-studded festive mysteryMcDonald's lights up festive season with ‘satisfying' Christmas campaignSainsbury's and the BFG serve up a 'phizz-whizzing' Christmas feastGingerbread-fuelled Tesco ad touches on grief during the festive periodCoca-Cola unveils ‘Holidays are coming' ad made by AIAmazon's Christmas campaign puts theatre caretaker's talent centre stageM&S Food's Sharry Cramond hails consistency as Dawn French's festive fairy returnsM&S Clothing & Home ad imagines Christmas inside a snow globeFind Waldo in Etsy's holiday campaign Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The jury is out and the 2024 awards season is drawing to a close – with adland celebrating the best work of the year at the Campaigns Big Awards 2024 last week.In this episode, tech editor Lucy Shelley catches up with co-chairs of judges Charlene Chandrasekaran, executive creative director at TheOr, and Nicholas Hulley, chief creative officer at Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO. Alongside Campaign's UK editor Maisie McCabe, they dissect what happened on the judging days and what makes award-winning work in 2024.Chandrasekaran explains her sausage analogy mentioned in her speech on the night while the duo reveal what they'd like to see in next year's awards circuit including how brands and agencies need to "stick their necks out" and have a bit more "teeth".Later on the episode, Shelley chats with the big winner of the night Mother, which picked up the grand prix Agency of the Year award as well as five more gongs for its work with Uber One, KFC and Ikea. Katie Mackay-Sinclair, partner at the creative shop, discusses Mother's winning ingredients, why long-term partnerships make the difference and finding the space to take risks.Other big winners on the night included McCann, Saatchi & Saatchi, Adam & Eve/DDB and PepsiCo's Sips & Bites.Further reading:Campaign Big Awards 2024: winners revealedUber's and Mother's partnership demonstrates the value of being annoyingUber taps Robert De Niro and Asa Butterfield for Uber One spotKFC and Mother tap into modern anxieties for first phase of brand relaunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's editorial team gather in the studio to question how to launch a successful ad agency. This year we have seen exciting start ups include Uncharted founded by the female trio (Fern Miller, Hattie Matthews and Laura Jordan Bambach) and Publicis Groupe launching LeShop with 80 staff working across 20 brands. However, in the last five years, data from Avid Panda suggests that 42.5% of new marketing companies have closed and advertising agencies are the hardest to run, with a business mortality rate of 43.9%.In this episode, the team discusses what happens after an agency is launched, how do you scale and is a sell a measure of success, with comments from James Murphy, founder and chief executive of New Commercial Arts, which he recently sold to WPP, after selling his previous shop Adam & Eve to DDB in 2012.Hosted by Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley, she is joined by editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, deputy editor Gemma Charles and features editor Matt Barker.Further reading:What makes an agency brand?Croud sells majority stake to boost M&A ‘war chest' in £180m-plus dealWould an agency by any other name taste as sweet? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Black History Month draws to a close, Campaign's editorial team is questioning has adland lost its commitment to DEI, and if so, why?After George Floyd's death in 2020, the advertising industry saw a flurry of activity and investment. In this episode, Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley is joined by deputy editor Gemma Charles to take a look at what adland has done in the four years since. They are joined by special guests Asad Dhunna, founder and chief executive of The Unmistakables, and Sonia Gilchrist, senior business director and head of DE&I at VCCP.They discuss why the agency world isn't set up for diverse talent, Heinz' errors in advertising and how adland can recapture the spirit of 2020.Further reading:Following the Heinz rows, how should brands respond to accusations of racism?Heinz faces backlash over negative stereotypes in adHow to fix the deprioritisation of DE&IThe deprioritisation of DE&I in adland: ‘You talk about race and you see people glaze over'School Reports 2024: One step forward, two steps back for diversityAdland has BAME talentFour years on, adland's diverse talent speaks out on challenges, change and next stepsChloë Davies officially launches It Takes A Village CollectiveUp next in the Campaign calendar:Campaign Big Awards (5 November)Campaign In-Housing Summit (5 November) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Campaign feature revealed the proportion of people experiencing or witnessing bullying and harassment in adland has increased from 34% in 2023 to 47% this year.This episode speaks to Lorraine Jennings-Creed, director of wellbeing services and culture change at Nabs, who delves into the issue, digging up why the ad industry has a problem and if it might be getting worse. She talks about how power dynamics in the industry intensify issues of bullying and harassment and what impact this has on businesses and people in adland.Hosted by Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley, Jennings-Creed is joined in the studio by Campaign's UK editor Maisie McCabe and culture and creativity editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo.They discuss instances that occurred at Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity this year and what role event organisers should play, including a conversation with Dagmar Bennet, new business and brand partnerships director for Brixton Finishing School, who came forward after experiencing harassment this year. She discusses how the industry has reacted to her openness four months on.Nabs is a support charity for people in advertising and media, and has been around for over 100 years.If anyone has experienced bullying or harassment or is in need of support, please call Nabs advice line on 0800 707 6607.Further reading:Nabs launches training for managers in mental wellnessNever mind 'wellness', it's time to properly focus on mental health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Media Week Awards 2024 took place last Thursday with a theatrical show, Rylan Clark and almost 1000 people in attendance. As one of the most prestigious awards in media, and one of the rowdiest nights in the calendar, this episode catches up with the chairs of judges and top winners on the night.Hosted by Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley, the episode begins with a catchup the morning after with media editor Beau Jackson and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis. They discuss some of the standout moments of the night and also give a backstage look into the judging days that preceded the event.After their chat, the episode features Lewis on the ground at the awards talking to chairs of judges David Amodio, head of video sales specialists for Northern Europe at Amazon, and Laura Fenton, UK chief executive of Omnicom Media Group. With a G&T in hand, they discuss what makes a winner and the trends seen in the shortlists this year.Lewis then braved a few midnight interviews with the winners of the biggest awards – Media Agency of the Year and Sales Team of the Year. These were won by MG OMD and Telegraph Media respectively. They discuss why they think they won this year and what it will take to win again.The Media Week Awards 2024 were in partnership with Infinitum Entertainment, Alight Media, Bauer Media, Clear Channel, Mail Metro Media, Outernet, Radiocentre and Reach Solutions.Read more about the awards and the winners here: Media Week Awards 2024: winners revealedFind out more about: BRiM (Black Representation in Media)Campaign Big Awards (5 November)Campaign In-Housing Summit (5 November) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a Campaign feature on hybrid working, Thom Binding, co-founder of the Creative Communications Workers union, said culture is “a manipulative term defined by management”, often to enforce compliance, rather than genuinely foster a positive work environment.In this episode, the Campaign editorial team talk through the culture conundrum, with examples of manipulative culture as well as supportive, and why bad practices still exist. Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the studio welcomes features editor Matt Barker, media editor Beau Jackson and deputy editor Gemma Charles. The team discuss how culture impacts creativity, what the new generation want and what agency leaders can do to improve.Further reading:One in six agencies increased number of office days in 2023Is hybrid working killing creativity?Publicis makes in-office attendance mandatory on Mondays and eliminates consecutive remote work daysOmnicom's John Wren on the future of work, the business and succession plans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publicis Groupe's chief executive Arthur Sadoun breaks his six-year silence from public speaking in the UK at Campaign's inaugural Campaign Live event.Opening the conference opposite Campaign's UK editor-in-chief Gideon Spanier, Sadoun is questioned on how to sell creativity and what has made Publicis Groupe "extract itself from the agency pack".In this episode, Spanier and tech editor Lucy Shelley have a brief chat about the interview before heading into the session from the event. The discussion begins with Sadoun making a joke as he sits down in stage about buying Stagwell, who are projected behind him as a sponsor of the event. "I'm not going to buy them," he said.The question from the audience came from financial analyst and Campaign columnist Ian Whittaker, who asked about the value of creative and how if clients are prepared to pay for it, that could add to the agencies' share price value.Further reading:Arthur Sadoun: 'I have never won a pitch without a creative idea'Arthur Sadoun on defying doubters, Q2 revenue upgrade, ‘very high' staff bonus pool and Paris OlympicsPublicis' mocking ‘taking the BS out of AI' film goes down badly with agency rivalsM&A rumour mill is buzzing as Publicis pulls ahead of agency packMore from Campaign Live:Adam & Eve/DDB's Richard Brim says industry's creative ‘low point' is an opportunityAds 'must accurately represent target audience' say Campaign Live panellistsBlack creatives recount 'unapologetic' pushes for industry changeMonzo's AJ Coyne: ‘Creativity is the way to differentiate yourself'NatWest chief design officer: AI makes brands ‘more creative'Ex-Unilever CFO says it's now harder to justify marketing and media spend to investors‘It all comes down to trust': KFC and Mother on how to create a cult Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is true, and fair, cross-media measurement possible?ISBA launched its cross-media measurement platform Origin into beta trails last month, following successful alpha trials in 2023. However, the launch of Origin has thrown some questions and controversies into the air.In this episode, Campaign's media duo (Beau Jackson, media editor, and Shauna Lewis, deputy media editor) are joined by editor Maisie McCabe to discuss what the concerns are for broadcasters, how the industry is reacting and the complications of measuring views on TV vs digital.Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the team discuss Google and Meta's involvement, why it doesn't include Barb data and who else is also attempting to achieve true cross-media measurement.Further reading:ISBA starts beta trials of Origin cross-media measurement platformMedia360: NatWest CMO criticises broadcaster scepticism of ISBA's OriginAs phase four launches, what do broadcasters think of ISBA's Origin?First phase of Project Origin testing 'exceeds expectations'Industry shows caution as ISBA's Origin claims proof-of-concept milestoneITV and Channel 4 unite with Sky for TV ad measurement tool CFlight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it risky for brands to pick a new agency without a proper pitch process, or is it time to reevaluate how agencies win business?Last month B&Q appointed Leo Burnett without a pitch, pushing out the incumbent Uncommon Creative Studio who had held the account since 2019. In this episode, Campaign's editorial team investigate the risks and benefits of a pitchless process, what is considered good practice and how it impacts creativity.With Campaign editor Maisie McCabe, deputy editor Gemma Charles, and deputy media editor Shauna Lewis, this episode looks into the role of intermediaries, why public sector clients are mandated to have a pitch process, and what happens to the incumbents when agencies are picked without a pitch. The episode is hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:Why the Pitch Positive Pledge remains a diamond in the roughSpecsavers shows Pitch Positive Pledge commitment with OMD reappointmentMother calls on clients to shorten pitch process at chemistry meetingsTesco moves £110m account to BBH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night the great and the glorious in podcasting gathered not around microphones but tables to attend the sold-out British Podcast Awards 2024, presented by Campaign in partnership with Wondery, Audible, Global, Podcast Discovery and YouTube.From Rylan Clark and Scott Mills to Greg James and the Whitehalls, celebs and independent podcasters alike assembled in London to celebrate the best in the business.In this episode, Lucy Shelley, tech editor at Campaign, and Adam Shepherd, editor of the British Podcast Awards, talk through the event, its highlights and winners as well as the bittersweet moments including a moving tribute to late broadcaster and health expert Dr. Michael Mosley, whose podcast Just One Thing won this year's Hall of Fame award.Backstage at the awards, we chat to some of the winners including The News Agents, YouTube's head of podcasts, and Tortoise Media. We discuss what podcasting brings to news journalism, if a video podcast counts a podcast, and where we're going next for podcasts.Check out the full list of winners – which include The Rest Is Politics and Help I Sexted My Boss – here.This episode includes interviews with:The News Agents hosts Emily Maitlis, Jon Soper and Lewis GoodallYouTube's head of podcasts Sandy WilheimGood Bad Billionaire hosts Simon Jack and Zing TsjengTortoise Media producer Rebecca Moore and voice of the Sensemaker podcast Tomini BabsGossip Gays hosts Danny Beard and DJ Billy AndrewsFurther reading:Should podcasts behave more like social media?UK is trailing behind US in podcast advertising, says Goalhanger founderGuardian in talks to sell The Observer to Tortoise Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Agency brands have been through the wash this year with a laundry load of mergers, acquisitions, closures and some clean and sparkly new shops.In this episode, the Campaign editorial team discuss how agency brands become distinct and recognisable and what concoction of ingredients help them create their own brand.From famous leaders and agency names, to office location and calibre of clients, Campaign's journalists investigate what happens when an agency gets bought (in light of NCA's sale to WPP) and how shops stand out among the competition.Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, this episode includes Maisie McCabe, UK Editor; Charlotte Rawlings, senior creativity reporter and Gideon Spanier, UK editor-in-chief.Spanier takes us through the history of how some of the UK's biggest agencies, including WPP and Saatchi & Saatchi, became who they are today. McCabe examines some of the top creative agency brands and Rawlings suggests that if agencies are so good at building brands for clients, do they need to take a dose of their own medicine?Further reading:WPP buys New Commercial Arts as founders hit jackpot againWhat does adland think of NCA's sale to WPP?Ogilvy and NCA chiefs on M&A deal, sharing talent and why rivals should be ‘frightened'WPP merges VMLY&R and Wunderman ThompsonWill advertising agencies survive?Laura Jordan Bambach, Hannah Matthews and Fern Miller unveil 'advanced' creative agencyWPP makes £2.8bn annual loss after Covid hits value of agenciesWPP's Mark Read on the outlook for 2024, bonuses, fewer freelancers and job cutsMaurice Lévy on his Publicis legacy: handing power to Arthur Sadoun ‘worked beautifully' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Who wants to advertise on Twitter with a maverick owner?," said Gideon Spanier, Campaign's UK editor in chief in this episode.Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, renamed X, journalists have been busy keeping up with the contention surrounding the platform – from cutting staff by 80% to blaspheming advertisers for withholding adspend; filing an antitrust lawsuit against GARM causing the body to close, and posting on X saying “civil war is inevitable” in the UK after the riots that took place this August.After all the controversy, many of X's largest advertisers – including Apple, Warner Bros., Discovery, Sony and Disney – have left the platform. So, in a new, revamped version of the Campaign Podcast, the editorial team ask: What do brands lose by not having X on their plan?This episode welcomes Spanier to the studio with Maisie McCabe, Campaign's UK editor, and Shauna Lewis, deputy media editor. It is hosted by Lucy Shelley, tech editor at Campaign.Read more about what was discussed in this episode:'We can't see brands ever returning': agency leaders on advertising with X'Now it is war': Elon Musk's X sues advertisers over alleged ‘illegal boycott'Consultants call GARM antitrust lawsuit ‘disaster' for XElon Musk on artistic ads, 'foolish' posts and telling advertisers to go fuck themselvesX officially allows ‘consensually produced' adult contentX/Twitter one year on: Site traffic is up 22.3%Media buyers: ‘Advertisers are not responsible for keeping X afloat — or shutting it down'X-rated Elon Musk burns bridges with concerned advertisers: ‘Go F yourself'Advertisers flee X as Elon Musk announces 'thermonuclear' lawsuitIBM suspends advertising on X (Twitter) after ads appear next to Nazi posts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Language is everything" in advertising, particularly for the Paralympics.Channel 4's "Considering what?" campaign frames Paralympians as world-class athletes rather than competitors "overcoming" their disabilities. The International Paralympic Committee's “They're not playing games” left messages on social media from the Paris Paralympic 2024 athletes saying “I won't be participating at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games” to then reveal that they will be "competing".This year's advertising sees a movement to correctly represent the athletic and sporting champions in the Paralympics games, kicking the "well-meant bullshit" out of its vocabulary.Going behind the scenes of these campaigns and discussing what has changed in the media for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, we speak to:Lynsey Atkin, outgoing executive creative director of Channel 4's in-house agency 4Creative;Tom Ghiden, managing director of Joan London;Craig Spence, chief brand and communications officer at the IPCThis episode was hosted by Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley.Further reading:Why brands need to stop talking about ‘overcoming' disabilitiesParalympians challenge perceptions in campaign ahead of Paris GamesChannel 4 cuts the ‘well-meant bullshit' in 2024 Paralympic campaignPick of the Week: Channel 4 takes home gold in 2024 Paralympic campaignOrange “When you love sport, you love sport” by Publicis ConseilParalympics 2024 round-up: watch the adsChannel 4 in Paralympic ads deal with TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign teamed up with Activision Blizzard Media to explore the world of gaming ads and how brands and agencies can make the most of it.Gaming is big business - worth almost $250bn last year. Tuned-in brands are diversifying their channel mix and turning to gaming to capitalise on fandom's fierce nature and the growing attention the channel now commands. Yet, despite being one of the world's most popular entertainment channels, it's still one of the least understood by advertisers.In this special podcast, Campaign's tech editor Lucy Shelley talks with Claire Nance, head of global gaming business success strategy for Activision Blizzard Media, the media arm of gaming giant Activision Blizzard which owns Candy Crush Saga, Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.Their wide-ranging conversation includes: debunking popular gaming myths, best practices for effectively reaching players, and the in-game measurements you should be paying attention to.If you want to up your ad game - listen in.This podcast episode is sponsored by Activision Blizzard Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pay, people and pitching. Not just fantastic alliteration but also the basis for a number of features that have run over the summer using data from this year's School Reports.Hosted by media editor Beau Jackson, who was joined by deputy editor Gemma Charles and premium content editor Nicola Merrifield, this episode digs deeper into the issues raised in the following articles:Is adland 'manipulating culture', or striking the right balance with hybrid-working rules?‘Winners and losers': how agency bonuses dried up in 2023Agency pay revealed: junior wage rises slow as ‘balancing profitability gets harder'The waiting game: agency staff churn dips as restructuring hitsWhy the pitch positive pledge remains a diamond in the rough Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the school holidays. So in a more relaxed episode, the Campaign editorial team debates this summer's top cultural moments.Hosted by features editor Matt Barker, the team discusses what's been inspiring and entertaining them away from the advertising industry. TV shows, books, music, anything really!Senior creativity reporter Charlotte Rawlings educates us on Taylor Swift, tech editor Lucy Shelley talks through her theatre highlights and Barker imparts Wembley wisdom, exhibition recommendations and tales of giggling through Kafka. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After WPP's Q2 results, the Campaign team analyses why the agency group downgraded its annual forecast and saw revenues drop in China.Gideon Spanier, Campaign UK's editor-in-chief, discusses his recent interview with Mark Read, the chief executive of WPP, and the context behind his questioning which included the FGS sale and what's going on with Group M.Gideon Spanier, Campaign UK's editor-in-chief, sat down with WPP chief executive Mark Read to discuss the holdco's Q2 results.He is joined in the studio by Charlotte Rawlings, senior creativity reporter, who reminisces her school days with M&S and Mother's back-to-school campaign. Plus she takes us through the N Brown creative review which owns JD Williams, Simply Be and Jacamo.Hosted by tech editor Lucy Shelley, the trio discuss the latest feature from creativity and culture editor Alessandra Scotto di Santolo which digs into adland's hybrid working structure using data from Campaign's 2024 School Reports and how the industry might be "manipulating culture".Further reading:Group M appoints Zenith's Jon Stevens as chief growth officerDentsu results: EMEA bounces back strongly as group returns to modest growthDentsu whistleblower reports more than double amid major reformsVolvo launches review of global £353m media accountGrace Francis, Jamie Mancini, Katy Collins launch Wonderful Things Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Jex, chief creative officer at TBWALondon, and Carren O'Keefe, chief creative officer at Digitas UK, join Campaign's senior creativity reporter, Charlotte Rawlings, to review some of the latest ads.Jex and O'Keefe explore the prevalent use of oil paintings and classical music in recent work. The pair discuss Bodyform “Never just a period” by Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, Heineken “Forgotten beers” by LePub, TNT Sports “Only sport can do this” by Brothers & Sisters, Babybel “Let the goodness begin” by BETC, British Airways “A British original period drama" by Uncommon Creative Studio, and Thomas Cook and Marine Conservation Society “Deflatables” by McCann Birmingham.Further reading:Bodyform exposes menstrual health gaps in latest campaign by AMV BBDOHeineken urges socialising over sipping for International Beer DayTNT Sports launches first campaign by Brothers & SistersBabybel celebrates summer of sport with peeling billboardBritish Airways launches period-drama-style safety videoThomas Cook and ocean charity spotlight inflatables' environmental impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.