Media Round-Up: The Pitch 2026, Influencer marketing, B2B marketing capability

CIM continues to represent the marketing profession in the press and in government.

This month, we have provided insight and opinion on AI, trust and B2B marketing capability for The Guardian newspaper’s special report on the future of marketing.

We have also discussed social media regulation and influencer marketing, while securing widespread coverage of The Pitch 2026, CIM's global student competition.

Below is a summary of recent media coverage featuring CIM, our latest news and thought leadership, as we continued to amplify our voice globally.

Future of marketing campaign

CIM Chief Executive Chris Daly and CIM’s Strategy and Commercial Director James Sutton were selected to voice their opinions in The Guardian for the newspaper’s ‘Future of Marketing’ report, discussing two of the biggest hurdles organisations are facing right now. 

The Guardian: The leadership challenge: harnessing AI without losing trust 

Chris Daly shared strategies for balancing automation with authenticity – and why trust and marketing capability are key. 

The Guardian: Why capability, not shiny tools, will drive B2B marketing success 

James Sutton’s article focuses on B2B marketing capability, reinforcing the importance of organisations investing in training for their marketing teams so they can adapt to new tools and technological advancements. 

To see both articles, please click here.

The Pitch 2026 winners

Little Black Book: Winners of CIM’s Global Student Competition ‘The Pitch’ Announced 

Earlier this month, CIM announced the ‘3 Marketeers’ from the University of West London and ‘Pitch Perfected’ from the University of Birmingham as the undergraduate and postgraduate winners of The Pitch. Their success was covered in numerous outlets, including Little Black Book.

Ealing News: Ealing students win global marketing competition

The undergraduate winners from the University of West London received local coverage from the Ealing News. 

Social media regulation

New Digital Age: Q&A: Chris Daly, CEO of the CIM, discusses the prospect of a social media ban for under-16s 

CIM Chief Executive Chris Daly recently spoke to New Digital Age, discussing a potential social media ban for under-16s in the UK and the possible implications for marketers.

Influencer marketing

Marketing Week: How education is fuelling ethical influencer marketing 

CIM course director Will Francis recently spoke to Marketing Week, providing insight into his CIM course, the importance of influencer marketing education and how marketers should view influencers. 

EPR’s impact on the marketing sector

The Grocer: The EPR effect: how a ‘hidden tax’ is transforming drinks marketing 

Mark Dodds FCIM recently authored a byline article on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), its potential impact on the marketing sector, and how organisations can adapt to the changes these regulations will bring.