Martin Sorrell calls WPP ‘catatonic’ as Goldman slaps sell rating on its own client Media Sir Martin Sorrell spent 33 years turning WPP from a small Kent-based wire and plastics manufacturer into the world’s largest ad company. He left in 2018 following a dispute over personal conduct that he has consistently denied, and has been a vocal critic of his successors ever since. “I think they are further gone than [...]
S4 Capital sales fall as tech clients divert cash to AI build-out Media Sir Martin Sorrell’s S4 Capital has been hit with sliding sales as its biggest clients spend less on advertising and more on building AI. The digital advertising group behind Monks reported revenue of £754.8m for 2025, down 11 per cent from £848.2m a year earlier. Net revenue fell 10.8 per cent to £673m, reflecting weaker [...]
Big Tech cashes in on £1 trillion ad market boom The global ad market is booming, with spend forecast to reach $1.19 (£1.04) trillion in 2025, up 8.9 per cent from last year, according to WARC’s recent report. Growth is projected to accelerate to $1.30 trillion in 2026 and $1.40 trillion by 2027, a doubling in size since the pandemic. But while the market is [...]
Channel 4: AI adverts boost offered to small businesses November 17, 2025 Channel 4 has launched a new AI tool to help small businesses create TV ads quickly and cheaply. Following ITV’s lead, the system can turn a company’s website or social media content into a draft ad in minutes. Broadcasters then help polish the ad, make sure it follows advertising rules, and get it ready to [...]
WPP picks Microsoft exec Cindy Rose as CEO amid sliding sales July 10, 2025 WPP has named Microsoft executive Cindy Rose as its new chief executive, as the advertising giant battles declining revenues, key account losses, and a falling share price. Rose will step into the top job on 1 September 2025, replacing Mark Read, who is stepping down after seven years at the helm and more than three [...]
Brits spend £5bn to avoid ads on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Spotify May 19, 2025 Brits are spending a staggering £5bn a year just to avoid ads on leading streaming services, according to a new report. In a bid to keep binge-watching and playlist-streaming interruption-free, a new Finder report found that over 31m UK adults now pay for premium, ad free subscriptions across Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, and Spotify. [...]
ITV grows digital ad sales amid Studios boost May 15, 2025 ITV has kicked off 2025 with a strong showing from its digital arm and a rebound at ITV Studios, helping it stay firmly on track with its turnaround strategy. In a trading update for the three months to 31 March, the broadcaster said digital advertising revenue rose 15 per cent year on year, outpacing the [...]