The IAB UK Podcast

Programmatic has never been more powerful, or more complex.Recorded live at Last Thursday Club, this episode brings together Ollie Chadwick (AdsWizz), Layla Soufi (Vistar Media) and Ben O’Mahoney (Ocado Ads) to explore where programmatic really stands today, and what needs to change for it to work better for marketers.The conversation looks at how programmatic has expanded far beyond display into CTV, audio and retail media, why fragmentation and transparency remain real challenges, and how automation and AI can support better decision-making - not just faster buying.A candid, in-the-room discussion on the realities of programmatic today, and what the next phase needs to deliver.

In this episode of the IAB UK podcast, we’re joined by Tony and Jill from IAB Tech Lab, recorded during their visit to the UK for Techtonic, IAB UK’s flagship ad-tech event.Coming shortly after the launch of the Tech Lab’s Agentic AI Roadmap at CES, the conversation explores what agentic AI means in practical terms and what it signals about how advertising is evolving. Tony shares the thinking behind the roadmap, who across the ecosystem should be paying attention, and how it connects with wider Tech Lab initiatives such as CoMP, focused on publisher engagement with LLMs.Jill brings a connected TV and premium video perspective, drawing on her work across TV+, the CTV Ad Portfolio, and ECAPI, and discusses the opportunity ahead if the industry aligns - as well as what still needs to mature for CTV to reach its full potential.Together, they reflect on the pace of change across AI, CTV, measurement and privacy, and where standards make the biggest difference in reducing friction, building trust, and helping the industry move faster.

Get a head start on 2026 with this special episode of The IAB UK Podcast, recorded live at November's Last Thursday Club. James Chandler is joined by an agency all star line up: Richard Kirk, Chief Strategy Officer at EssenceMediacom UK; Lucy Smith, Head of Search and Ecommerce at JAA Media; and Rosalie Shakir, Strategy Director at the7stars, to explore what will really matter for marketers in the year ahead.From the pull between performance and brand building to how AI is reshaping search, the trio dig into the trends that count. They also unpack plural media, why communities and culture are becoming central to planning, how sustainability and inclusivity can move from box ticking to business critical, and why better insight, measurement and share of voice data are top of their Christmas lists.If you'd like to be in the audience for our next live recording, you can sign up for future Last Thursday Club get togethers right now at iabuk.com/events

Netflix has released its latest Still Watching 2025 research, exploring how audiences stream, discover new content and build their fandoms. In this episode, James speaks to Brogane Colclough, Netflix’s Head of Measurement in the UK, to unpack the findings. They discuss why attention on streaming platforms is so strong, how mood shapes viewing choices, what fans want from brands, and how advertisers can measure success on Netflix Ads today. Get the full 'Still Watching 2025' report here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/netflix_still-watching-a-new-global-report-from-activity-7386760745184813056-bIJ_

What really makes Gen Z tick? In this episode, IAB UK’s Tom Stevens digs into LADbible Group’s new Youth Codebook - the biggest-ever study of Gen Z in the UK - with LADbible Group's Director of Marketing Mike Walsh and Research & Insights Manager Lili Donald.From identity and wellness to finance and AI, this generation is curious, confident and far more grounded than stereotypes suggest. Tom, Mike and Lili explore what brands and agencies can take away from the findings, how to build authentic connections with Gen Z, and why comfort, convenience and content now define modern youth culture.Get hold of the full report here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepKmUTehciRVFfxpm-fEprxHlrmdqtYpljAmQcFBBxmwOLoA/viewform

As signal loss scrambles the digital ecosystem, data curation is stepping in to restore clarity and control. Recorded live at IAB UK’s October Last Thursday Club, this episode explores how smart curation can help advertisers navigate a post-cookie world - unlocking access, improving transparency and driving stronger results.Hosted by the IAB’s Head of Ad Tech, Chloe Nicholls, this episode features expert insight from Pubmatic's Mark Williams, OpenX's Rowena Taylor and Azerion's George Evans.Check out all IAB UK's events, including Last Thursday Club events at iabuk.com/events