The publishing sector turned out en masse to support the first-ever Media Week Live in central London.

The event was created to connect and inspire agency and client planners in the early stages of their media careers, with talks from industry luminaries such as Jenny Biggam, Founder, the7Stars. PPA Magnetic shared how trusted editorial brands influence consumers and drive results for advertisers.

Saj Merali, PPA Magnetic CEO, kicked off the session by outlining how brands in our sector have the power to shape culture, lead markets, and drive belonging. One of her key takeaways: “Content around our interests and passions has the power to captivate, hold attention, inspire, and prompt action. As a collective industry, this provides influence and authority. Our audiences trust our recommendations, they intentionally seek us out, they feel seen and represented by us, and they move with us from browse to buy.”

Rob Biagioni, MD, Time Out UK, took to the stage to share examples where our brands create communities and engagement. Those partial to two wheels and lycra, seek out cycling magazines for the latest kit, and details of where they can meet like-minded enthusiasts; Good Housekeeping’s ‘tried and tested’ offers a seal of approval for brands that have been tested and reviewed at their lab; people planning to meet others for a night out, turn to Time Out for inspiration and recommendation. All these trusted editorial platforms provide brand-safe opportunities to connect consumers and advertisers.

Customer strategy specialist Amanda Wigginton then chatted to Uber Eats’ Head of Marketing, Will Hooker about the importance of using trusted voices from editorial brands in their marketing.  He sees this as a key differentiator to competitors in the market, and shared how long-term partnerships with publishers like Time Out have been invaluable in helping them to connect with, and extend their influence in the local communities they work with.