Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) announced plans to increase its 2025 advertising spend in news by 22%, aligning with its second annual Future of News UK summit.

The move follows new data from Stagwell’s HarrisX research, revealing that EMEA CEOs and Board Directors see news as a powerful platform to engage key stakeholders.

The study, surveying over 500 business leaders across the UK, France, Germany, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), found that 80% recognize news media as an effective way to reach audiences, with 85% calling it a worthwhile investment.

In the GCC, 92% support advertising in news, while 86% of leaders across EMEA believe it enhances reputation among the public and investors.

Despite broad support for brand safety measures, 71% argue current protocols are too restrictive, potentially harming media outlets and advertisers.

Stagwell’s Future of News initiative aims to strengthen ties between marketing and journalism, promoting research, events, and dialogue on brand safety.

The summit will feature industry leaders from CNN International, Newsquest, and The Sunday Times, discussing journalism’s role in truth and accountability.