Back from the Croisette, Tom shares his first-hand takeaways from Cannes Lions 2025 with David. While the festival had all the usual glamor and platform presence, this year’s true themes came down to three A’s: Appreciation for the power of community, a renewed focus on Agencies and their evolving role, and the real-world applications (and noise) surrounding AI. Together, they unpack what stood out, what fell flat, and what media leaders should really be paying attention to as the second half of the year kicks off.

00:00 – Setting the Stage: Why Cannes Still Matters
03:32 – Appreciation: The Role of Creativity and Craft
07:29 – Agencies: Still Central to Media’s Future
13:48 – AI: From Sizzle to Substance
18:15 – Final Reflections and What Comes Next

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.

Related links:

The New Vibe: Cannes 2025 and the Evolving Landscape of Agency and AI https://www.idcomms.com/blog/the-new-vibe-cannes-2025-and-the-evolving-landscape-of-agency-ai

Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com
Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms/

In this special #MediaSnack episode, Tom Denford and David Indo revisit one of their boldest predictions: the WPP 2.0 Playbook. Originally recorded when Mark Read stepped in as CEO, the episode laid out a proposed restructure of WPP’s sprawling agency network. Now, with major changes finally underway—including the retirement of the GroupM brand—Tom and David break down what they got right, where they missed, and what it all means for media leaders today. It’s a rare moment of reflection in an industry that’s always sprinting forward—plus insight into how the same themes now shape the Omnicom-IPG merger and the future of agency holding companies.

Watch the original WPP 2.0 Playbook episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSdrpMylNrE

How to Navigate Media Chaos and Come Out Ahead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXT0eLAI4KA

Why a Renegotiation Might Be Your Next Winning Move: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWR5nZkgndM

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.

Explore more: https://www.idcomms.com
Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms/

In this episode of #MediaSnack MEETS, Tom Denford and Mark Ritson discuss:

• The state of media and advertising today—and why marketers are getting it wrong
• The power of consistency and why sticking with what works beats chasing the new
• Why too much change is killing marketing effectiveness

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.

Mark Ritson Mini MBA: https://mba.marketingweek.com/?cmpid=...

Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com/

Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: / id-comms

As the Omnicom-IPG merger continues to reshape the media landscape, Tom Denford and David Indo return with critical insights for advertisers. In this episode of #MediaSnack, they explore how the traditional agency model is shifting from service to sales, and why advertisers need to rethink their media strategies now. They break down how to update contracts, renegotiate for better value, and protect agency relationships in a post-merger world. In the How to Win segment, they reveal how even big brands are losing competitive advantage by relying on outdated media auditing and platform-driven results, and what smart marketers must do to take control, boost outcomes, and future-proof their investments.

00:14 – How Not to Lose

Why media agencies are moving from service to sales
What advertisers must renegotiate in 2025 contracts
How to protect your brand’s talent and agency relationships

10:05 – How to Win

Why big spenders are seeing small results
The three hidden risks hurting media performance
How smarter audit strategies can drive real business growth

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.

Learn more about navigating the Omnicom-IPG Merger: https://www.idcomms.com/omnicom
Explore Digital Control and Modern Media Auditing: https://www.idcomms.com/digital-control
Winning the Digital Pitch: https://www.idcomms.com/blog/winning-...

Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com/

In this episode of #MediaSnack Meets, Tom Denford sits down with Vinny Rinaldi, VP of Media and Marketing Technology at The Hershey Company, where he oversees media planning, buying, martech, and digital innovation across one of the world’s most iconic brand portfolios. Vinny shares what it takes to build a high-performing, forward-thinking media function inside a modern CPG organization—and why success comes down to aligning media strategy with real business goals. They explore the biggest challenges facing marketers today, from the myth of cheap reach to the need for effectiveness-focused measurement. Vinny also reflects on taking the leap from agency to client-side leadership, shares advice on patience and curiosity, and explains why redefining partnerships will be key to the industry's future.

00:30 – Meet Vinny Rinaldi
01:04 – What Vinny Does at Hershey
03:17 – How to Succeed in Modern Media
07:31 – Big Challenges in Media Today
09:49 – Solve Business Problems, Not Media Problems
10:45 – Leadership Advice: Patience and Curiosity
12:10 – Life Outside Media: Hockey Dreams
13:28 – Rethinking Media Partnerships

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.
You can find Vinny Rinaldi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinny-rinaldi-62953610/
Learn more about The Hershey Company: https://www.thehersheycompany.com

Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com
Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms

As the media industry braces for the impact of the Omnicom-IPG merger, advertisers face a shifting landscape filled with both risk and opportunity. In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom and David unpack the real implications of the merger—whether you're with Omnicom, IPG, or any other agency group. They introduce a practical four-quadrant framework to help advertisers understand where they stand and what actions to take. Then, in the How to Win segment, they tackle why brands need to shift their thinking from chasing cheap media to prioritizing quality and effectiveness—and how to stress-test your agency relationships and audit practices to make smarter media decisions in 2025 and beyond.

01:04 – How Not to Lose

• What the Omnicom-IPG merger means for advertisers of all types
• A strategic framework for navigating uncertainty
• Why most advertisers should renegotiate—not pitch

12:04 – How to Win

• How to avoid the hidden costs of cheap media
• Modern media audit strategies that actually work
• Why effectiveness—not discount—is the new metric for success

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.

Explore the Omnicom-IPG Merger Hub: https://www.idcomms.com/omnicom

The High Cost of Cheap Media: https://www.idcomms.com/blog/the-high-cost-of-cheap-media

Winning the Digital Pitch: https://www.idcomms.com/blog/winning-the-digital-pitch

💡 Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com
🔗 Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms/

In this episode of #MediaSnack Meets, Tom Denford sits down with DJ Perera, Chief Media Officer at the Ad Council, the nonprofit behind some of the most iconic social impact campaigns in the U.S. With a background in both agency and corporate media, DJ brings a unique perspective to what it takes to build high-impact, message-driven campaigns in today’s evolving media environment. She shares insights on navigating the shift from commercial to purpose-driven media, how to drive results with donated inventory, and what media leaders can learn from the nonprofit world. DJ also reflects on the launch of Love Your Mind World—an innovative mental health campaign on Roblox—and offers thoughtful advice on leadership, change, and finding joy in the work.

00:00 - DJ’s Role at the Ad Council

02:14 - Career Highlights and Big Wins

03:55 - Challenges in the Media Industry

05:23 - Leadership and Career Advice

06:46 - Outside the Office

07:32 - Looking Ahead

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.

You can find DJ Perera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djperera

Learn more about the Ad Council: https://www.adcouncil.org/

Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com/

Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms/

The biggest media deal in a decade is here—Omnicom’s proposed $13 billion acquisition of IPG—and it’s set to reshape the industry. In this episode of #MediaSnack, Tom Denford and David Indo break down what this consolidation means for advertisers, agencies, and media buying power. With exclusive insights from a private meeting with Omnicom and IPG leadership, they unpack the risks, opportunities, and strategies advertisers should consider as the industry braces for change. Plus, in our #MediaSnack Meets segment, marketing legend Mark Ritson shares his no-BS take on why marketers are addicted to change, why it’s hurting them, and what they should do instead.

01:15 - How Not to Lose

-What the Omnicom-IPG merger means for advertisers and media buying power
-Key regulatory hurdles and potential industry ripple effects
-What non-Omnicom/IPG clients should be doing right now

12:50 - How to Win

-How brands can leverage industry consolidation for better deals
-Key negotiation strategies in a competitive agency landscape
- Why now is the time to stress-test agency capabilities

20:39 - #MediaSnack Meets: Mark Ritson

- The state of media and advertising today—and why marketers are getting it wrong
- The power of consistency and why sticking with what works beats chasing the new
- Why too much change is killing marketing effectiveness

#MediaSnack is presented by ID Comms, the global media consultancy helping brands achieve better media results.

-What the Omnicom-IPG Merger Means for Advertisers: https://www.idcomms.com/blog/what-the-omnicom-ipg-merger-means-for-advertisers
-Winning the Digital Pitch https://www.idcomms.com/blog/winning-the-digital-pitch
-20 Must-Ask Questions for Digital Media Pitches: https://www.idcomms.com/20-must-ask-questions-for-digital-media-pitches
-Mark Ritson Mini MBA: https://mba.marketingweek.com/?cmpid=251_se_go_res_tx_nonbrk&utm_medium=search_paid&creative=718241472628&keyword=ritson%20mini%20mba&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goDF1xYqVWC59gfNIqb5OGxwknHUzV3DxlTw8i1zzveKrCWgAXNj3LhoC6e0QAvD_BwE

Want to stay ahead in media? Visit https://www.idcomms.com/
Follow ID Comms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms/