Trusted, Local, and Lasting: Why Newspapers Matter More in Tough Times
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.
Why Television Remains a Must-Buy in Any Economy —Especially a Tough One
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.
TV News Sees Surge in Social Media Engagement — Here’s Why It Matters for Local Media
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.
TV News Sees Surge in Social Media Engagement — Here’s Why It Matters for Local Media
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.
Radio's Real Power: Trust, Reach, and Resilience in Tough Times
With uncertainty in the economy it is time to prepare for a tougher sales season. When the economy slows down, advertisers often ask, “What can I cut?” But the smarter question is, “What can’t I afford to lose?” And the answer—especially for local and regional businesses—is radio. That’s because radio provides one of the strongest, most consistent, and most personal connections to the consumer. At a time when trust, familiarity, and influence matter more than ever, radio delivers them all in abundance.
5 Social Ad Trends - Local Media Sellers Can’t Ignore
PPC advertising is surging in popularity thanks to its scalability and fast turnaround. Adrian Falk outlines five key trends reshaping social advertising: short-form video, AI-generated content, Messenger-based campaigns, micro-influencer UGC, and automated AI targeting. For local media sales teams, these shifts highlight new opportunities to integrate digital tactics into traditional campaigns and drive better results for small and mid-size advertisers. Embracing these trends can position local media as savvy digital partners—not just legacy platforms.
What’s Next in Social Ads: 5 Trends for Local Media Sellers
PPC advertising is surging in popularity thanks to its scalability and fast turnaround. Adrian Falk outlines five key trends reshaping social advertising: short-form video, AI-generated content, Messenger-based campaigns, micro-influencer UGC, and automated AI targeting. For local media sales teams, these shifts highlight new opportunities to integrate digital tactics into traditional campaigns and drive better results for small and mid-size advertisers. Embracing these trends can position local media as savvy digital partners—not just legacy platforms.
Radio’s Office Comeback: AM/FM Surges as Americans Return to Office
New research from Edison shows that AM/FM radio listening at work has jumped 10 share points year-over-year, signaling a major shift as more Americans return to office routines. AM/FM continues to dominate ad-supported audio in the car and is now the leading choice on smart speakers. With 66% of U.S. adults tuning in daily, radio offers consistent, high-impact reach across devices and demographics. Combined with podcasting’s rapid growth, audio is once again proving to be a cornerstone of effective advertising.
Radio’s Office Comeback: AM/FM Surges as Americans Return to Office
New research from Edison shows that AM/FM radio listening at work has jumped 10 share points year-over-year, signaling a major shift as more Americans return to office routines. AM/FM continues to dominate ad-supported audio in the car and is now the leading choice on smart speakers. With 66% of U.S. adults tuning in daily, radio offers consistent, high-impact reach across devices and demographics. Combined with podcasting’s rapid growth, audio is once again proving to be a cornerstone of effective advertising.
Calendar of Events
These events below provide excellent opportunities for
- Ad agencies to build campaigns and promotions
- Local media sales professionals to sell advertising to retailers
These events attract large audiences and offer high visibility for brands. By aligning advertising campaigns with these events, retailers can effectively reach and engage their target customers.
Media Usage Expected to Dip in 2025 - Why It’s a Wake-Up Call for U.S. and Canadian Media Sellers
For the first time since 2009, total media usage across the U.S. and Canada is expected to decline, with a projected 0.3% dip in 2025 according to PQ Media. The slowdown highlights how digital media growth can no longer offset traditional media declines — but it also reinforces that traditional media still commands strong, high-quality audiences. For local media sellers, it’s a prime opportunity to position broadcast, print, and trusted digital outlets as powerful, stable options for advertisers aiming to maximize reach in a fragmented landscape.
Media Usage Set to Decline in 2025: A Critical Juncture for U.S. and Canadian Media Sellers
For the first time since 2009, total media usage across the U.S. and Canada is expected to decline, with a projected 0.3% dip in 2025 according to PQ Media. The slowdown highlights how digital media growth can no longer offset traditional media declines — but it also reinforces that traditional media still commands strong, high-quality audiences. For local media sellers, it’s a prime opportunity to position broadcast, print, and trusted digital outlets as powerful, stable options for advertisers aiming to maximize reach in a fragmented landscape.
Digital Video Ad Spending to Surge in 2025: A Boon for Local Media Sales
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) forecasts a 14% growth in digital video ad spending in 2025, reaching $72 billion. This growth presents a significant opportunity for local media salespeople to tap into new revenue streams by selling video ads on their websites. The shift towards digital video is driven by its ability to deliver engaging, personalized, and shoppable experiences, despite economic uncertainties. As digital video is set to capture nearly 60% of total TV/video ad spend, local media salespeople can leverage this trend to enhance their sales strategies and offer more value to advertisers.
Digital Video Ad Boom in 2025—What It Means for Local Media
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) forecasts a 14% growth in digital video ad spending in 2025, reaching $72 billion. This growth presents a significant opportunity for local media salespeople to tap into new revenue streams by selling video ads on their websites. The shift towards digital video is driven by its ability to deliver engaging, personalized, and shoppable experiences, despite economic uncertainties. As digital video is set to capture nearly 60% of total TV/video ad spend, local media salespeople can leverage this trend to enhance their sales strategies and offer more value to advertisers.