In this special episode of MediaSnack, Tom Denford walks through the topline findings from ID Comms’ new 2026 State of Digital Media report, based on a global benchmark study representing over $35B in media spend. This episode—originally recorded as a live webinar—covers key insights for marketers and procurement leaders looking to strengthen governance, transparency, and confidence in digital media.

Tom reveals why media confidence still hovers around just 60%, why many brands are stuck in reactive compliance audits rather than performance-driven oversight, and why internal data silos—not fraud or fees—are now seen as the #1 source of media waste. He also unpacks the widening optimism gap between marketers and agencies, what to do about it, and why AI’s transformative power in media won’t be realized unless brands fix their governance foundations first.

You’ll hear why 2026 must be the year marketers shift from asking “Did we spend our media budget?” to “Did we waste it?”—and how to close the confidence gap before it costs you.

Learn more about ID Comms

• Website: https://www.idcomms.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id-comms