bynd vs mediasense

RMS Studies: Audio Advertising Boosts Brand Search and ROI

RMS, a German audio advertising marketer, released two studies demonstrating the effectiveness of audio advertising in the age of generative AI. The first study, 'Audio on – Search up!', conducted with bynd, analyzed 21 brands and found that audio advertising significantly increases brand-related Google search volume, with up to 70% of the effect persisting over weeks. The second study, 'Audio On, ROI Up', based on 166 marketing-mix models, showed that radio achieves a median ROI index of 175 compared to 100 for TV, and digital audio reaches 130. The studies emphasize that audio builds mental availability, which is crucial as AI-driven search makes brands more comparable. RMS argues that audio should be weighted more heavily in media plans given its proven contribution to brand building, demand generation, and economic success.

• RMS and bynd study 'Audio on – Search up!' analyzed 21 brands and found audio advertising increases Google search volume.
• Up to 70% of audio advertising's effect on search volume persists over weeks (carry-over effect).
• RMS study 'Audio On, ROI Up' based on 166 marketing-mix models (2005-2025) shows radio median ROI index of 175 vs 100 for TV.

Ad Industry Lacks Strategic Thinkers, Misaligned Incentives Blamed

A report from the WFA and marketing advisory Mediasense reveals that strategic thinking is becoming increasingly crucial as AI automates routine tasks, yet the industry faces a shortage of such talent. The study, based on a survey of marketers, found that strategic thinking topped the list of talent shortages, cited by 72% of respondents. While the quality of marketing talent is generally rated positively, accessing the right skills is difficult. The report emphasizes that developing internal talent is key, but current incentive structures often discourage strategic development, favoring execution and efficiency over impact. Agencies are still evaluated on executional delivery, even as AI commodifies that layer. To close the capability gap, advertisers and agencies must adapt their incentive structures and take a long-term view on talent development.

• WFA and Mediasense published a report on the growing importance of strategic thinking in advertising amid AI adoption.
• 72% of marketers surveyed identified strategic thinking as one of their top three talent shortages.
• 46% of marketers rated the quality of marketing talent as strong or very strong.

ISBA and mediasense report establishes first capability baseline for UK digital retail media networks

New research assesses campaign, reporting and measurement capabilities across five leading UK retail media networks.

Mediasense's Jack Shearring: Governance Beats Gadgets in Marketing

Jack Shearring, vice president of strategy at Mediasense and Drum Awards Festival juror, emphasizes that governance, not technology, is the key to successful marketing transformation. He argues that many organizations have sophisticated tech but unclear data ownership and fragmented agency relationships. For 2026, he would invest in measurement infrastructure over flashy tools, noting that better inputs matter more than better tools in a world of platform automation. He advocates for managing brand and performance as complementary, and for a shift toward probabilistic, modelled, and judgement-driven measurement. Leadership, he says, will favor those who ask good questions and create clarity, not necessarily those with the most knowledge.

• Jack Shearring is vice president of strategy at Mediasense.
• Shearring is a juror at the 2026 Drum Awards Festival.
• He advocates investing in measurement infrastructure for 2026.