Major broadcast and cable TV news outlets saw significant growth in social video engagement in March, with Fox News, CBS News, CNN, and MSNBC all reporting double-digit increases in both unique viewers and minutes watched on Facebook and YouTube. This surge highlights the growing demand for video news content on social platforms—even among older audiences. For local media, it’s a signal to double down on social video strategies, leveraging local storytelling to drive attention, engagement, and advertiser value. Local stations that repurpose strong content for social platforms and track watch time—not just views—can unlock new growth and revenue opportunities.

Television remains the most powerful and trusted medium, reaching over 90% of adults daily who watch for more than 4 hours on average, according to The Media Audit. In a down economy, TV’s ability to deliver high-impact advertising alongside trusted news, live sports, and shared cultural events makes it an essential platform for driving brand visibility and purchase intent. Stations that emphasize TV’s reach, emotional connection, and proven ROI—while offering smart packaging and local insights—will help advertisers stay strong through uncertainty and position themselves for faster recovery.

In a challenging economy, newspapers and their websites remain one of the most trusted and effective platforms for reaching engaged, optimistic, and influential consumers. According to The Media Audit, newspapers reach over 40% of adults daily, with readers spending more than an hour each day with content and showing 10% higher financial optimism than the general public. For advertisers, staying visible in this trusted, community-rooted medium is not just smart—it’s essential for maintaining relevance, credibility, and market share.

U.S. retail sales rose 1.4% in March 2025, driven by auto purchases and supported by tax refunds, lower gas prices, and modest income growth. While the National Retail Federation forecasts core retail sales to grow up to 3.7% this year, consumer confidence remains shaky amid ongoing tariff uncertainty and global trade disruptions. For local media, this presents short-term ad revenue opportunities in sectors like auto, home improvement, and financial services. However, advertisers are expected to be cautious and demand more ROI-driven, flexible advertising solutions.

Omnicom and Publicis report that advertising spending remains stable in early 2025, with clients continuing to invest to maintain brand strength despite economic uncertainty. Both agencies caution that volatility in inflation, tariffs, and geopolitics may impact future spending, but Q1 growth was solid—7% for Omnicom and 4.1% for Publicis in the U.S. Clients are taking a wait-and-see approach for the remainder of the year, holding off on major new investments until conditions clarify. Analysts warn that a potential decline in consumer spending could lead to modest reductions in ad budgets later in 2025.

Kroger is expanding its Our Brands portfolio with a fresh lineup of trendy, affordable products under its Kroger, Private Selection, and Simple Truth labels. The new offerings reflect the supermarket chain rsquo;s commitment to innovation, customer preferences, and budget-friendly quality.

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