#mediasnack

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

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

On this week’s #MediaSnack Tom and David devote the episode to considering Facebook’s stunning growth and the impact of a bumpy last few months which has included criticisms of fake news dominating their timelines, issues over measurement inaccuracies and the closing of their troubled ad-serving business. Where to start with Facebook? The media phenomenon has seen highly enviable growth over the last decade which has been well publicised. From the outside we’ve all marvelled at a business which has managed rocket-speed growth whilst managing to keep staff, investors, marketers and agencies consistently engaged and supportive. It is a case study in how to expand a business and maintain vision, consistency and reputation. However, in the last 6 months their celebrated success story has come in for a bumpy ride. The most notable dent, especially for marketers and agencies, comes from revelations Facebook issued in September 2016 that one of their performance metrics was inaccurate. After an internal audit by ind

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

My guest for this special, extended edition of #MediaSnack Meets episode is Andrew Susman, Co-Founder and COO of The Institute for Advertising Ethics. I ask Andrew our usual questions about his role and his view on the industry's successes and challenges, and then we spend a few minute talking about Andrew's great work in advertising ethics.You can learn more about The Institute of Advertising Ethics here: https://www.iaethics.org/Get certified as an Ethical Advertising Executive here: https://www.iaethics.org/get-certified---#MediaSnack​ Meets is a regular interview with the curious media professionals who are reshaping the global industry. Because the best are short of time, our guests answer only 6 questions in 20 minutesWe get to learn what is behind their success, what it takes to make change in the industry and what the rest of us can learn from that experience.We ask:1. What do you do, and what you are most proud of?2. What is the best thing about working in media?3. What do you think is the biggest ch

On this week's episode. We review some fascinating data published by AdAge, Agency Report 2016 which for the first time really brings the threat of “consultant” businesses to the traditional agency business into stark focus. Based on annual revenues, the somewhat tyranny of the “Big Six” which for many years has been WPP, Omnicom, Publicis, IPG, DentsuAegis and Havas has been broken. Accenture Interactive is now the sixth largest global agency by revenue having achieved $2.9bn in revenue for 2015, edging Havas Group out of the top six. We consider this trend, look further down the ranking and realise that the majority of the top ten digital agencies by revenue are now owned by consulting firms like Deloitte and PwC rather than WPP and Publicis. What impact is this making on the industry and is this the beginning of the end of the agency holding model and their historic dominance of the agency market?Next we look at SAP XM, a new media trading technology launched this week. Its another fascinating disruptor to

In this special edition of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo break down the most significant shifts in the global media and marketing industry from 2025. From blockbuster mergers and AI disruption to mass layoffs and murky data breaches, this has been a year of consolidation, chaos, and recalibration. Using the letters of “MediaSnack,” they recap the 10 biggest themes every CMO and media leader should be tracking as we head into 2026. Plus, they name their Media Person of the Year — the industry figure who had the most structural impact on media this year. This is your essential summary of the year in media, packed with perspective, insight, and guidance for marketers navigating what comes next. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why consolidation was the biggest story of the year — and how the Omnicom-IPG mega-merger is changing everything How AI moved from hype to operating system, and why marketers are right to ask: “Where’s the value?” The morale and trust crisis triggered by agency layoffs and the D

Reviewing your media account: #MediaSnack 154 by ID Comms

Over the last few years, the advertising industry has been witnessing how media agencies were pushing new trading models to increase their revenue while advertisers raise their concerns about the lack of transparency within the digital media value chain. The ANA report increased tensions and the global industry has been looking for innovative ways of self-regulation.Latin America as a region, was far from the US or Europe. The two biggest markets had opposite realities: Brazil has legislation that prevents the operation of media agencies, allowing creative agencies to perpetuate an obsolete model that allows remuneration at standard commissions based on media investment and media rebates from media owners. On the other hand, Mexico saw the peak of new trading models pushed by media agencies. The rest of the region will follow between these two different realities.In April 2021, Mexico approved a 13 article Law that aims to eliminate and prosecute non-transparent media practices between advertisers, media owne

As the Omnicom-IPG merger continues to reshape the media landscape, Tom Denford and David Indo return with critical insights for advertisers. In this episode of #MediaSnack, they explore how the traditional agency model is shifting from service to sales, and why advertisers need to rethink their media strategies now. They break down how to update contracts, renegotiate for better value, and protect agency relationships in a post-merger world. In the How to Win segment, they reveal how even big brands are losing competitive advantage by relying on outdated media auditing and platform-driven results, and what smart marketers must do to take control, boost outcomes, and future-proof their investments.00:14 – How Not to LoseWhy media agencies are moving from service to salesWhat advertisers must renegotiate in 2025 contractsHow to protect your brand’s talent and agency relationships10:05 – How to WinWhy big spenders are seeing small resultsThe three hidden risks hurting media performanceHow smarter audit strategi

#MediaSnack 108: TRANSPARENCY: The Media Action Plan for 2018 by ID Comms

The media agency landscape has entered a true Red Ocean moment — consolidation, chaos, and disruption everywhere you look. The Omnicom–IPG merger is approaching the finish line, Dentsu is dealing with a damaging cyber breach, Publicis is surging ahead thanks to aggressive AI investment, and WPP just bet $400M on Google to catch up. The stakes have never been higher for marketers deciding who to trust with their media, their data, and their future. In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom and David break down the latest power shifts — from agency M&A to the AI arms race — and explain what this means for brands. They outline how advertisers can protect themselves from data-security risks, avoid being collateral damage during massive agency restructures, and ensure that AI and technology actually drive growth instead of adding complexity. Most importantly, they reveal the critical clauses every marketer needs in their agency contracts to safeguard first-party data and limit legal liability. If your agency touches

Welcome to #MediaSnack Meets where we meet the individuals and organizations doing great work to inspire success and drive change within the global media and marketing industry. My guest for this #MediaSnackMeets episode is Brian Wieser, Principal at Madison and WallFind out:- What is Brian's experience in the industry and what is he most proud of professionally?- What he sees are the industry's biggest challenges and how we might address them?- What does he do to unwind and recharge?- Plus his best industry leadership tips and more!You can find Brian here: linkedin.com/in/brian-wieser-cfa-0a32b5-----#MediaSnack​ Meets is a regular interview with the curious media professionals who are reshaping the global industry. Thanks for watching, if you enjoy #MediaSnack​ Meets please give us a thumbs up (it really helps) and do share links and tell others. Subscribe to our channel to stay updated.  Marketer? For tips, guides & other amazing free resources for marketers, get started at: www.idcomms.com

On this week's #MediaSnack we discuss news that the newly formed Publicis Media has marked a significant new business win in the UK, picking up Asda supermarkets UK media and creative business which have been handed together to Publicis UK. There was no pitch, the entire £90m ($130m) account was awarded without a review, meaning Carat UK have lost a significant and long standing client which will be a blow. Its good news for Steve King, Iain Jacob and the new Publicis Media team as they work to launch their new agency proposition, with a big UK advertiser now validating this will give them a huge boost. Next up Tom details his time spent at the recent FT Digital Media Conference in London, paying special attention to a fireside-chat interview with WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell, he talks about the scale of the group’s media buying, what he thinks are their differentiators from other agency groups and finally makes a bold statement about the likelihood of further consolidation of agency groups. Last up we bring a

What is the industry thinking about media talent in 2022?On the latest #MediaSnack we unpack results from our latest 2022 Global Media Report on the state of Media Talent. Learn about advertisers and agencies biggest concerns, where there is optimism and agreement and where do they still disagree about the future?Paul Stringer joins #MediaSnack host Tom Denford with results and analysis from the 2022 Global Media Talent Report.

#MediaSnack 105: TECHNOLOGY: The Media Action Plan for 2018 by ID Comms

With Dentsu exploring a sale of its international business and Horizon teaming up with Havas in a new joint venture, the industry faces a pivotal moment. Job cuts, private equity interest, and consolidation are reshaping the second tier of holding companies — raising urgent questions for advertisers about stability, talent, and future-proof operating models. In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom and David unpack what these moves signal for the future of the agency landscape. They explore why Dentsu’s divestment could open the door to radical new ownership models, what the Horizon–Havas partnership really means, and how advertisers can cut through AI “noise” to focus on the decisions that matter most. Plus, they share practical steps for brands to ask sharper questions, renegotiate smarter terms, and adapt to the shifting market. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the “Love Boat”: breakups & hookups 03:12 – Dentsu explores a sale of its international business 09:45 – Who might buy Dentsu? Private e

Last week, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the IPA and ISBA launched the Pitch Positive Pledge. Supported by Campaign Against Living Miserably, this is a cross-industry pledge to tackle systemic pitching behavior to drive better outcomes for people, planet and profit.The Pledge is very simple, with 3 commitments:1. Be positive a pitch is required2. Run a positive pitch3. Provide a positive resolutionOn this episode of #MediaSnack, we ask the question ARE AGENCY PITCHES BROKEN? We talk about he implications of this initiative and as always we have tips for what marketers should do in response. In this Episode:Pitch Positive Homepage:https://www.pitchpositivepledge.co.uk...dium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-2895651Agencies and Brands Promise to 'Pitch Positive'—Can They Fix What's Broken?https://www.adweek.com/agencies/agenc...The 70 brands and agencies promising to stop bad pitching behavior: https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/05/...omising-stop-bad-pitching-behaviorIPA and ISBA la

How do you make YOUR pitch invitation sit on TOP of the pile on the agency CEO’s desk?If you’ve run an agency pitch in the last five years you’ll know that agencies have become far more discerning about what they will compete for. So how do you make sure that the very best (and most discerning) agencies compete hardest for your business? It takes some thinking and some planningOn this week’s #MediaSnack we give you THREE TIPS to get the BEST agencies competing for your upcoming agency pitch. #MediaForGrowth#MediaSnack is brought to you by ID Comms, the award-winning growth consultancy specializing in media and advertising. Advisors to the world's most ambitious brands.

In this episode of #MediaSnack MEETS, Tom Denford and Mark Ritson discuss:  The state of media and advertising today—and why marketers are getting it wrong  The power of consistency and why sticking with what works beats chasing the new  Why too much change is killing marketing effectiveness  #MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results. Mark Ritson Mini MBA: https://mba.marketingweek.com/?cmpid=...  Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com/  Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn:   / id-comms