In this episode of Media Unfiltered, Justin Lebbon and Ian Whittaker unpack the shifting deal landscape in global media, from the evolving Netflix–Warner–Paramount dynamics to the conspicuous silence around Sky–ITV. They dig into what Q4 results really reveal about the agency business, examine why music continues to outperform in a digital-first world, and debate what diversification actually means for broadcasters navigating structural change.

This week we examine investor nerves around the colossal levels of capital being poured into AI, and whether those investments will truly pay off without fundamental change across gaming, software, and agency businesses. We also look at signs of advertisers returning to TV, following positive financial signals from NBCUniversal and Fox in the US, before closing with a discussion on the importance of independent oversight after Google’s legal action against Kantar.

This episode covers the recent news that Google employed a 'cease and desist’ tactic to force Barb and Kantar Media to stop the viewership measurement of YouTube on TV screens. We secured private commentary from advertisers and agencies while discussing implications for YouTube around transparency. Does it even matter today? Are clients happy with the data and feedback loop they get from YouTube to worry about it? How should broadcasters and JICs around the world respond?

This podcast explores the turbulent financial world in 2026 reflecting on the impact it may have on media and marketing. Much to the surprise of our hosts, 2025 was a strong year for ad spend with the main victors being the platforms. What will happen in 2026? Will brands begin to resist the ease and appeal of the platforms? Will governments step up efforts to support local media and curb the dominance of the platforms? The financial outlook is messy and traditional global pacts are being tested, how will this impact global media and advertising.