Over the years affiliate networks have contributed heavily to the development of the affiliate marketing space, playing a crucial role in building relationships between clients and publishers to drive sales for the advertiser and, in turn, commission for publishers. However in recent years their role in the industry has come into question. With the recent downturn in the economy and marketing budgets being squeezed, many media agencies are starting their own in-house networks to drive revenue to their businesses and offer alternative solutions for advertisers. The question is, as advertisers and publishers forge closer relationships, are networks becoming obsolete? This panel discussion will feature contributors from all sides of the debate – an advertiser, an agency professional, a publisher and an executive from an affiliate network. The participants will discuss the changing role of networks and media agencies, and whether this poses a real threat to traditional affiliate networks. How are networks developing their offering to further add value to the mix and, most importantly, what is the view of advertisers and publishers?