UK tv ad spending remained stable at GBP5.11bn in 2017, according to research from ThinkBox, The Drum reports.

Sir Martin Sorrell has taken a swipe at WPP following remarks from its new boss that its structure had become too complicated. Sorrell told the news channel that he didn't think the answer was always simplicity and that consolidation was giving EU-based holding companies a challenging time while US-baed holding companies continued to do well by investing in their multiple brands.

Mediatel reveals that new figures from PAMCo shows that when digital channels are included, news brands are managing to grow their reach, and the only titles showing a small decline were "The Times" and "The Sun," as well as the free London paper "Metro."

Mobile network Three is looking to appoint its first CRM agency. "Campaign" reveals that the process is being handled by AAR.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told an Advertising Week delegate yesterday that if there is a second referendum on EU membership, the Remain side of the argument will need the best creatives to help make the argument for continued membership without resorting to the so-called "Project Fear" of the last campaign, "The Drum" reports.

Instagram has launched in-app shopping, allowing its users to purchase items without leaving the platform. "Marketing Land" reveals there are 23 brands on board for launch, including Adidas, Dior and Burberry.

Ocean Outdoor has posted full-year figures showing that revenue is up 15% and now, according to "Campaign," the outdoor company intends to carry on growing through further M&A activity.

The BBC is considering launching a national charity to fund local journalism. "The Guardian" reports that further details of the Local Democracy Foundation are expected to be announced this summer with the potential for Google and Facebook to make donations to a central pot, rather than fund local journalism projects on an ad hoc basis.

Tesco's head of media laments that the supermarket has to keep spending budget on brand safety and verification tools that he believes should be included in any normal media-buying process, "The Drum" reports.

"The Times" is reporting that Sir Martin Sorrell has revealed S4C is in the process of two more deals -- a digital media-buying business in Latin America and a creative agency in the EU.