Whenever you hear someone declaring that a particular thing is dead, you can be certain of two things. First, there is likely a survey from a large consulting group with clients who want the survey to confirm what they wish to be true. Second, whatever is supposedly dead is very much alive and kicking.

Industry Press Highlights, Media, Retail, Advertising and the Economy

Urban One, founded by Cathy Hughes in 1980, has grown from a single AM radio station into the largest African-American-owned multimedia company in the U.S., dedicated to amplifying Black voices across radio, television, digital, and integrated marketing. With the strategic leadership of her son, Alfred Liggins III, the company expanded into TV One, iOne Digital, and Reach Media, becoming a trusted cultural and commercial force. Their mission—“Information is Power”—has guided their programming and community engagement, making them a vital voice during pivotal moments in Black American history. Urban One’s story offers powerful lessons in authenticity, audience connection, and adaptability for advertisers and media professionals alike.

Elevate your advertising with this week’s standout promotions!
• Browning Safes Military First Responders Rebate – Exclusive offers honoring service.
• Simplicity Rev Up Rebate – Big savings on performance equipment.
• Wrangler Back-to-School – Must-have deals for the season.
• Can-Am Ride in Style for Less – Style and performance at a value.
• Mitsubishi Travel Ready Service – Prep customers for their journeys.

For local media reps, sales managers, and agency pros, a disciplined Client Needs Analysis separates order-taking from consultative selling.
A disciplined Client Needs Analysis (CNA) turns a sales call from pitching into diagnosing—aligning every tactic with one clear business objective and a simple success metric. By mapping the customer, current funnel, decision path, and constraints up front, local media sellers and agencies cut guesswork, right-size budgets, and set renewal criteria before a dollar is spent. The process is practical: do the homework, ask targeted questions, define the KPI, establish instrumentation (tracking numbers, landing pages, promo codes), and close with a one-page brief and same-day recap. Avoid common traps—rushing to inventory, juggling too many KPIs, and ignoring capacity—and make CNA a team habit through inspection, role-play, and consistent post-call summaries. The payoff is faster deals, cleaner creative, measurable outcomes, and higher retention—because clients fund what they understand and can track.

Sales managers and reps face immense pressure to deliver results—understanding how to operate within your Overton window could be the key to career survival. I am not typically drawn to political discussions. In my experience, politics can often lead to negativity and unnecessary stress. The last time I watched political news shows, it was during the Clinton administration. Instead of television news, I prefer reading The Economist or other well-regarded publications that focus on insights rather than divisive opinions. I have a theory that we often get the leaders we need at a particular time rather than the ones we necessarily want.

Change sucks. It requires one to step into the unknown. To twist and turn into a new transformed self, team or firm. To leave the safety of the known path. Lift anchor and sail into a foggy horizon with no guarantee of safe harbor. Difficult as it is … irrelevance is worse. Individuals, teams and companies that wish to transform must endure change. Successful change requires six steps

Judgment is the ability to make good decisions. It’s a complex phenomenon requiring the ability to observe and understand things, draw upon knowledge and experience, form an opinion, and reach a decision. It entails discerning, comparing, and making considered decisions.

Sales professionals in the media industry face unique challenges. With a constantly evolving landscape of digital platforms, content marketing strategies, and client needs, mastering the art of the sale requires more than just product knowledge and industry insight. To stand out, media sales professionals must hone their communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. One of the most effective ways to do this? Role-playing.

Valentine’s Day spending is projected to hit a record $29.1 billion, with shoppers budgeting about $199.78 on average, and gifting expanding beyond romantic partners to family, friends, co-workers, teachers—and increasingly pets. That broadened “gift list” creates multiple local-market campaign angles (romance, friendship, workplace appreciation, classroom gifting, pet-parent pride, and self-care) that different advertiser categories can credibly own. The biggest dollars cluster around jewelry and dining out, while last-minute behavior makes clear offers, smart timing, and cross-channel packaging especially valuable for local media sellers and agencies. Even many “non-celebrators” still plan self-care or social activities, opening additional lanes for spas, salons, fitness, and experience businesses.

Keep your advertising in motion with this week’s top promotions!
• Bridgestone Tires – Roll into savings.
• Serta Labor Day Sale – Comfort at a great price.
• TYM Hot Summer Savings – Heat up your summer deals.
• Skeeter Boats Blazing Hot Summer Event – Make a splash.
• Subaru A Lot to Love Event – Unbeatable offers.
• Kubota Mowers – Powerful savings.
• Suzuki Offers – Great value to ease your wallet.

Fuel your week with these can’t-miss co-op deals!
• The Genesis Signature Event! — Step into luxury and style with Genesis and enjoy special offers during this signature sales event.
• E-Z-GO Merry Markdown Sales Event! — Get moving this season with E-Z-GO and take advantage of festive markdowns on golf carts and utility vehicles.
• Simmons Beautyrest New Year Sale! — Sleep better in 2026! Enjoy amazing deals on Simmons Beautyrest mattresses and start your year refreshed.
• Chevy Red Tag Sales Event! — Drive into the New Year with Chevy and save big during the Red Tag event.
• Start Your Year With a New John Deere! — Power through your projects and adventures with John Deere equipment and seasonal savings.
• Lincoln Year End Service Event! — Keep your Lincoln running like new with exclusive year-end service offers.
• The Nissan Year End Sales Event! — Don’t miss out—get behind the wheel of a Nissan and enjoy limited-time year-end deals.

Whatever the world throws at US consumers – inflation, limited inventory, higher prices and interest rates, recessions and even drastic weather and a pandemic – they are unstoppable. Since they are responsible for approximately 70% of total GDP, they better not stop. Although current economic conditions may cause many Americans to pause or re-prioritize their spending, total seasonally adjusted retail and food services sales during March 2023 was $6.92 trillion – and only exceeded by January’s and February’s total.

Kick off the week with strong co-op campaigns built to drive seasonal demand and customer action.
• Dough for a Doughboy Event! — Durable above-ground pools made for easy backyard summer fun, now with seasonal savings.
• May Savings on Firestone Tires! — Trusted all-season tires built for safety, performance, and everyday driving value.
• Get Big Savings This Spring From Lennox! — High-efficiency HVAC systems designed for reliable, year-round home comfort.
• Benjamin Moore Kick Off Summer With Color! — Premium paint for bold color, smooth coverage, and lasting results.
• HEVI-Shot Tom Takedown Rebate! — High-performance hunting loads built for precision and power in the field.
• The Stearns Foster Memorial Day Sale! — Luxury mattresses designed for premium comfort and supportive sleep.
• Honda Marine’s Coverage Plus Sales Event! — Reliable marine engines with strong performance and added coverage benefits.

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.