The IAB UK Podcast

In the second episode of our podcast mini-series ’Futurescape: 2030 & beyond’, we turn our attention to how tapping into communities - large and small - provides advertisers with a powerful way to authentically speak to consumers. It’s already happening, and by 2030, our Futurescape study shows that resonating with micro-communities will sit at the centre of smart planning as Gen Z’s values-led approach gains ground and Gen Alpha’s media habits enter the fray. So, from gaming to social platforms, how is the way people come together, connect and co-create reshaping how advertisers show up, be part of the conversion, and stay relevant?  To explore this, James Chandler, IAB UK’s Chief Strategy Officer, is joined by Sabrina Francis, Strategy Partner at the7stars, and Chris Bailes, EMEA Senior Sales Director at Activision Blizzard Media. Together, they delve into how community dynamics are shifting across digital platforms, what it takes to show up meaningfully, and why brands need to think long-term if they want to build lasting connections. From values-led planning to the rise of fandom marketing, the conversation reveals the power of communities to drive real impact when brands take the time to understand, respect and invest in them.  Listen now or watch via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/PLY8d2xvkMk?si=TFLkos3SLTnFSi5P Explore Futurescape: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape

In the first episode of our new podcast miniseries ‘Futurescape: 2030 & beyond’, we’re tackling a big topic – how content is coming to the fore like never before as the lines between media channels crumble. From TV to news brands, the trend is the same: media owners are diversifying to engage audiences in new ways and planners need to discard channel-led thinking in favour of a content-centric approach. Our Futurescape study – which explores the attitudes, innovations and media shifts that will shape the advertising industry in the lead up to 2030 – unpacks this shift in more detail, concluding that this redefined landscape will require going back to the fundamentals of media to focus on ad formats, quality of content and audience fit, rather than channels or platforms. Drawing on these findings, James Chandler is joined by Pippa Scaife, Director of Digital Advertising at Sky Media UK, and Lauren Dick, Managing Director of Media & Commerce at Mail Metro Media, to explore why content remains such a powerful force – and how it’s evolving across TV, social, streaming and news platforms. From premium podcast storytelling to video virality, their conversation spans the entire content ecosystem, opportunities for advertisers, and how well-established media owners are embracing change while maintaining their distinctive voices. Plus, the trio share what they’re watching, what makes content cut through and why being on every platform isn’t always the answer. Listen now or watch via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/PLY8d2xvkMk?si=TFLkos3SLTnFSi5P Explore Futurescape: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape

Last month, IAB UK’s Policy Team hosted an event at Reach’s printworks in Manchester focused on how digital advertising can further support SMEs and regional journalism around the UK. The occasion brought together MPs, small business owners, local press and IAB members and marked the culmination of a nationwide roadshow of roundtables where we have heard from local leaders about how the digital ecosystem is benefiting communities - and what more can be done to maximise this. Lucy Powell (MP for Manchester Central and Leader of the House of Commons) and Sarah Lester (Editor of the Manchester Evening News) both spoke at the event and, in this special episode of The IAB UK Podcast, they sit down with Sinead Coogan Jobes (Head of Policy & Public Affairs at IAB UK) to share their thoughts on the role of the regional press in a digital-first landscape, what it has to offer advertisers, and how further growth can be unlocked.  The findings from the IAB’s roadshow and the recommendations we’re making to Government off the back of it are laid out in our latest report ‘Powering Up 2025’, available here: https://www.iabuk.com/news-article/powering-2025-recommendations-help-smes-unlock-power-digital

Recorded live at IAB UK’s Last Thursday Club, this episode explores how publishers are navigating the new AI-powered media landscape – and where the human touch still matters most. With insights from Cath Waller (Immediate Media) and George McMahon (UM Worldwide), hosted by IAB UK’s Director of Transformation, Sophia Haynes, the discussion covers everything from AI-assisted editorial tools to why trusted journalism is more essential than ever. Plus, find out how publishers are building stronger consumer relationships, protecting their IP and unlocking smarter content strategies in the age of AI.Explore more in our Futurescape research: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape

Is in-store retail media just DOOH in a new outfit - or is it a distinct space in its own right? In this week's episode, James Chandler is joined by Layla Soufi (Vistar Media), Simon Lonsdale (Tesco Media) and Roy Shepherd (Goodstuff) to unpack the creative, technical and commercial dynamics behind retail media’s latest frontier: the store itself.From programmatic pipes to power at-shelf personalisation, they explore where the overlap with digital out-of-home ends, what brands are getting right (and wrong) and how to unlock smarter, more joined-up campaigns in the aisles. Expect punchy perspectives, a few acronyms and a reality check on what in-store screens can really deliver.

For the first time ever, we recorded a podcast live from Engage – IAB UK’s flagship event. Stationed in the bar area at Soho Place, the IAB’s Charlotte Robinson caught up with speakers fresh off stage and chatted to delegates about their standout moments.With this year’s theme centred on how content connects, you’ll hear from a brilliant mix of voices, including The Times and Sunday Times' Manveen Rana, Spotify’s Jenny Haggard and TikTok’s Callum Smith, as they reflect on connecting with their audiences, driving creativity and making culturally relevant content.Whether you joined us on the day or are catching up after the fact, this special episode is your bite-sized guide to the biggest themes and takeaways from Engage 2025. For more, head to https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025Podcast guests:Manveen Rana, Journalist & host of The Story podcast from The Times & Sunday TimesCallum Smith, Head of Marketing Solutions, TikTokAlex Partridge, podcaster & content creatorJenny Haggard, Global Thought Leadership Lead, SpotifyRob Biagioni, Managing Director, Time OutOllie Presswell, Innovation Lead, Wanderlab by TripadvisorMolly Griffin, The Goat AgencyIsvana Da Silva, ImmediateMaddie Torbati, Mindshare

Welcome back to The IAB UK Podcast, recorded live from our May Last Thursday Club. This month’s event unpacked Google’s recent decision to keep third-party cookies on Chrome and what privacy-first advertising looks like today without a universal identifier. Chaired by IAB UK’s Ad Tech Manager, Pat Hann, the session explored how advertisers, publishers and tech providers can continue innovating in a privacy-preserving way with panellists Clara De Rosa (Adform), Ruth Reynolds (Havas Media Network) and Matt McIntyre (choreograph) sharing practical insights on media buying strategies, the future of first-party data and whether AI could help solve for addressability.Explore IAB UK's resources relating to cookieless solutions: https://www.iabuk.com/cookie-alternativesAfter more from us? Engage 2025 is happening on 10 June - see the agenda and book here: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025

For this emergency podcast, James Chandler is joined by the IAB's Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Sinead Coogan Jobes, to break down the Government’s latest announcement on the upcoming less healthy food and drink (LHF) advertising restrictions.With brand advertising now formally exempt from the restrictions, and the implementation date pushed back to January 2025, this conversation provides essential clarity on what’s changed, what the voluntary period means for advertisers and what still needs to happen before the new rules come into force. Sinead also shares how we got to this point, what happens next on legislation and guidance and why industry support has been so crucial in securing this clarity.For more information, visit: https://www.iabuk.com/news-article/government-confirms-brands-ads-exemption-lhf-ad-ban

What’s broken in creator marketing – and how do we fix it?In this episode, James is joined by Tim Mitchell, founder and CEO of DRPCRD, to talk about how its platform, CreatorOS, is taking the faff out of creator campaigns. From finding and briefing talent to automating contracts and collecting live performance data, Tim explains how DRPCRD is helping brands and creators work smarter – and faster.They get into what makes a great TikTok, why creators obsess over watch time, the subtle tricks behind scroll-stopping videos and how AI is quietly reshaping pricing and production. If you’ve ever struggled to wrangle creator content (or understand what it should cost), this one’s for you.10 Dark Arts of TikTok: https://www.creatoros.xyz/resources/creatoros-10-dark-arts-of-tiktokBook Engage 2025: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025