#MediaSnack

In this episode of #MediaSnack, In our latest #MediaSnack episode, David Indo and I unpack what these Q3 results actually mean for marketers managing meaningful media money. We cover: The New Growth Engine: How holding companies are evolving beyond pure planning and buying, and why a lazy fee squeeze will not unlock their true value. The Living Room Battle: Why Instagram testing 90-minute horizont...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo dive into the latest shakeup in the cola wars as Coca-Cola splits its global media account among Omnicom, WPP, and Dentsu. They discuss the implications of Pepsi's strategic move to Publicis and what it means for these beverage giants. The conversation shifts to analyze the evolving landscape of media agencies, particularly the role of Acc...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, I sit down with Dave Kersey, VP and Global Head of Media at SharkNinja. We dive into his journey through the media landscape, discussing how he transitioned from agency roles to brand leadership, and the importance of leveraging media as a strategic investment rather than just a buying function. Dave shares insights on operational excellence, audience activation, an...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom and David dissect the evolving role of marketing procurement during global agency reviews. As Media Palooza accelerates, modern procurement leaders are stepping away from 2015-era unit-cost slashing to become strategic architects of agency operating design. We explore why aggressive price-beating backfires by forcing holding companies to hide margins in principa...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo explore the pivotal role of CMOs in driving successful agency pitches. They discuss the importance of having marketing leaders at the forefront to inspire agency talent and ensure growth-focused outcomes rather than cost-cutting races. The hosts emphasize the need for CMOs to set a clear vision, define value, and create an inspiring enviro...

On this episode of #MediaSnack WINNERS, Tom Denford sits down with Megan Matlock, SVP of Media and Partnerships at FanDuel, to explore what it takes to build a media organization that can move at the speed of sport without losing sight of the customer. Megan shares how FanDuel thinks beyond simply reaching sports viewers to understand the full experience of sports fandom—and why winning in an incr...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo dive into the art of agency renegotiations amidst the Media Palooza frenzy. They explore the strategic advantages of closed-door negotiations over public pitches and explain why renegotiations can offer a more effective path for advertisers seeking improved terms with their agencies. With insights drawn from real-world examples, Tom and Da...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo dive into the unfolding drama between top media agencies and global brands Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. With Publicis stepping back from Coke to embrace a lucrative PepsiCo deal, Coca-Cola is left in a strategic quandary, reopening its $700 million media account. As WPP exits the pitch, Omnicom and Dentsu are positioned as potential contenders....

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo delve into the intricacies of Media Palooza—a pivotal period where $40 billion in media spend is up for grabs. They explore three strategic approaches advertisers can take: a wide-scale competitive pitch, a discreet renegotiation with incumbents, or a bold, innovative move like Pepsi's recent play. The conversation also highlights the evol...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and resident pitch expert Yasmena explore the art of crafting the ultimate pitch brief amidst the $40 billion Media Palooza wave expected in 2027. They emphasize the importance of presenting a clear, strategic vision to attract top agencies and share insights into the four critical questions agency CEOs consider when evaluating briefs. Jasmina provides v...

In this episode of MediaSnack, we delve into the crucial elements of preparing for agency pitches, especially in the context of a potential MediaPalooza. I discuss the common pitfalls of acquiring off-the-shelf agencies without first assessing internal media capabilities. We explore the importance of defining your current operating model and envisioning a future state that aligns with your media s...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, titled "MEDIA PALOOZA: THE TIMELINE - Advice for Advertisers," I delve into the imminent phenomenon of MediaPalooza, where a surge of agency pitches is set to take place. Joined by David Indo from London, we explore the critical timeline marketers need to consider for successful pitches. We discuss the importance of preparation, covering everything from understandin...

In this episode of MediaSnack, I delve into the upcoming Mediapalooza 2027, an anticipated event that could redefine the media landscape. With tens of billions in media spend set to pitch, I explore what Mediapalooza means for advertisers and how 2027 is poised to surpass previous years in scale and complexity. Join me as I unpack critical insights on the implications for media procurement, the ro...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo explore one of the biggest challenges facing marketers today: how to build trust with media agencies while still maintaining independent oversight. They discuss why traditional auditing is no longer enough, how today's media ecosystem has created new layers of complexity, and why verification—not blind trust—is essential to protecting medi...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, we dive into the pressing question: Can agencies be trusted? Hosts Tom Denford and David Indo explore the evolving landscape of the media and marketing industry, addressing the complexities that have emerged since the landmark transparency report a decade ago. As marketers grapple with new technologies and shifting agency business models, the duo highlights the impo...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo delve into the recent challenges faced by WPP, including major account losses and ongoing legal issues. They discuss the implications of WPP losing the Adidas account to Omnicom and what it signifies for the agency's future. The conversation also covers the significant legal trouble WPP is facing in China, where former executives have been...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo dive into the latest media industry buzz as the Cannes festival approaches. They explore Publicis's strategic moves, including their $2.2 billion acquisition of LiveRamp and a satirical AI-focused video that stirred industry waters. The duo also sheds light on Dentsu's resurgence, fueled by new leadership and the retention of Heineken's me...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford sits down with Bill Tucker, CEO of Aquila LLC, to discuss the groundbreaking initiatives Aquila is bringing to the media measurement landscape. They delve into the intricacies of cross-media measurement and how Aquila's platform is set to revolutionize deduplicated reach and frequency across major platforms like YouTube and Meta. Bill shares insights on...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, I dive into the implications of a recent webinar celebrating ten years since the ANA's groundbreaking media transparency report. Join me as I explore the current state of transparency in the advertising industry, revealing that nearly half of advertisers still harbor serious concerns. I discuss the stagnation in progress over the last decade, despite initial excitem...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and pitch expert Yasmena, evaluate the ANA and 4A's new pitch principles, providing a tier ranking of each based on their relevance and impact. The discussion highlights the importance of mutual commitment, streamlined timelines, and the nuances of speculative work and compensation. Discover how these principles can transform your pitch process and lead...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, we explore the newly released principles for best practices in agency pitches, crafted in collaboration between the ANA and the 4As. Joining them are Greg Wright and Matt Kasindorf, who provide insights into the importance of transparency, fair timelines, and chemistry in fostering successful client-agency relationships. The discussion highlights the need for clear...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo dive into the complexities of outcome-based pricing in the media marketing industry. They explore the benefits and challenges associated with this remuneration model, offering insights into how it can impact advertiser-agency relationships and media investment transparency. The duo also introduces Akila, a promising cross-media measurement...

In this episode, Tom Denford and David Indo dive into the biggest trends from the ANA's advertising financial management conference. They explore the complexities of outcome-based pricing and its implications for advertisers, highlighting both the opportunities and the risks involved. The duo also tackles the controversial topic of principle-based buying, questioning its impact on transparency and...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo welcome Bill Duggan from the ANA to discuss the evolving landscape of marketing procurement and its implications for advertisers. They delve into the significance of the ANA's Advertising Financial Management Conference and explore the rising importance of principal media and AI in transforming agency operations. The conversation also high...

In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo delve into the recent FTC settlement with major advertising groups, discussing its implications for brand safety and advertisers. They explore the role of brand care, emphasizing the need for marketers to take ownership of where their brands appear. The conversation shifts to Publicis' impressive Q1 results and their strategic win of Micro...