Ocean has been named Campaign’s inaugural Media Company of the Year 2026 in the Out of Home category.

Campaign, the trade publication published by Haymarket, said the award recognises Ocean’s “leadership, creativity and commercial impact”,  the business “widely regarded as setting the benchmark for premium Digital Out of Home in the UK.”

This is the first year the Media Company of the Year awards have taken place. They are designed to spotlight the media owners, publishers and vendors with operations in the UK who underpin the advertising industry. The awards are judged by senior agency leaders, brand CMOs and industry practitioners.

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A defining force in the UK premium DOOH market

Brand Partnerships, Ocean Studio and Ocean Labs were all credited as important growth drivers, along with investment in DeepScreen® formats and new technology. Commercial momentum was evidenced through “strong client and agency engagement”, and estate development via major contract renewals, expansions and new city launches.

Internally, Ocean’s culture of internal progression was highlighted, supported by retention, training and social-mobility initiatives and inclusion programmes designed to broaden access to careers in media. Environmental and social impact was also singled out as being integral to day to day operations, with the climate contribution platform Pinwheel linking growth to direct funding for verified environmental charities.

Overall, Ocean was named “the standout and most-rounded business in the field, combining iconic assets, creative ambition and innovation with demonstrable cultural relevance, values aligned partnerships and clear commercial strength.”

Ocean Outdoor UK CEO Nick Shaw said: “Thank you to everyone who played a part in this award: the Ocean team, clients, agencies and landlord partners. We’re grateful for the collaboration and trust that made this possible. Our sincere congratulations also go to all the other winners and finalists.”