We are delighted to announce the runners-up of the UK Young Lions Competition 2026.
We received over 150 entries and the work was of an incredibly high standard. We would like to thank all the entrants for taking part and our wonderful panel of judges for their valued feedback.
This year’s brief was provided by The News Alliance. Launched in March 2025, this cross‑industry coalition champions professionally crafted, regulated news as a powerful, brand‑safe environment for advertisers and agencies. Its members share a deep belief in the value of trusted news media – not only to defend against misinformation, but as an effective advertising platform.
The brief was to create a compelling campaign platform for news media with a strong cross‑channel idea, a memorable one‑liner, and a clear call to action. The task demanded a tone that was positive yet persuasive – one that would inspire advertisers and agencies to play an active role in sustaining the future of news.
Sarah Jones, Director of Planning at Sky Media and Chair of The News Alliance, said:
“Wow! We have been completely blown away by the calibre of entries, the creativity around the brief and the sheer passion coming through for news media and trusted journalism from these wonderful Young Lions. It’s heartening to see such clever and creative ideas for promoting news media to advertisers and agencies. To all the teams we’d like to say thank you – the time, effort and thinking they all put into the brief has been truly inspiring. And to the winners, massive congratulations – we’ll see you in Cannes.”
Below you can find out more about our runners-up and their work.
DESIGN RUNNERS UP
Hannah Tsuji, Midweight Designer, MullenLowe Global (Omnicom)
Hannah Neville, Mid-weight Designer, Bulletproof
View their work here
DIGITAL RUNNERS UP
Adriana Hiromoto, Creative Art Director, VML UK
Razik Darji, Creative Technologist, VML
View their work here
FILM RUNNERS UP
Tim Darmenov, Freelance
Oleksandr Ostrohliad, Freelance
View their winning work here
MARKETERS RUNNERS UP
Rebecca Webster, Assistant Brand Manager, Kenvue
Phil Hunt, Brand Manager, Kenvue
View their work here
MEDIA RUNNERS UP
Lauren Daly, Strategist and Planner, OMD EMEA
Tegan Glasby, Senior Executive, Client Leadership, OMD EMEA
View their work here
PRINT RUNNERS UP
Sarah Brighton, Copywriter, VML
Sally Fiddes, Art Director, VML
View their work here
View the UK Young Lions Competition winners here
About The News Alliance:
The News Alliance launched in March 2025 with a bold ambition: to champion professionally crafted, regulated news as a powerful, brand‑safe environment for advertisers and agencies.
As a cross‑industry coalition, its members share a deep belief in the value of trusted news media – not only to defend against misinformation, but as an effective advertising platform.
Evidence consistently shows that advertising alongside credible, regulated journalism drives results and is brand safe, regardless of topic. Yet investment in news remains challenging, as ad spend accelerates into unregulated environments.
The News Alliance exists to change this trajectory. Through clear, actionable steps, it urges advertisers and agencies to rethink brand safety in the context of news, review blocklists that unfairly penalise quality journalism, and actively invest in trusted news environments – because they work.
Alliance members include Bountiful Cow, British Society of Magazine Editors, Campaign, DAIVID, Ebiquity, Electric Glue, Havas Media Network, Haymarket Automotive, Media Lab, Newsworks, Ozone, PPA, Radiocentre, Sky Media, the7stars, Thinkbox, and World Media Group.
