Dec 3, 2024 | Media, Retail, Advertising and the Economy, Industry Press Highlights Executive Summary: Black Friday 2024 saw a resurgence in in-store shopping, with a record-breaking...

Many rabid sports fans revel in the opportunity to support their favorite teams by wearing their gear to games, fueling their enthusiasm with tailgate parties and cheering wildly from the stands. Attending many sporting events is either prohibited or limited, however. Sports fans are relegated to the safety of their homes and their big-screen TVs – and a much more comfortable seat than any in a stadium or arena.

Market Size: US jewelry market valued at approximately $80 billion in 2023, expected to reach $90 billion by 2027 (Source: Statista, IBISWorld). Key Segments: Fine jewelry (45%), fashion jewelry (35%), watches (20%). Core Consumer: Women aged 25-54, but expanding to younger and male demographics. Purchasing Occasions: Gifts (40%), personal rewards (35%), weddings/engagements (25%)

Podcast advertising continues to outperform expectations, with Nielsen data showing strong lifts in brand awareness, purchase intent, and consumer engagement across nearly 2,000 case studies. Host-read ads are especially effective, with listeners rating podcast hosts as likeable, credible, and relatable—making brand endorsements feel authentic and trustworthy. The medium commands 19% of daily ad-supported audio time among U.S. adults, with even higher engagement among younger and Hispanic audiences. Local media companies, sales reps, and ad agencies can capitalize on this trend by launching community-focused podcasts and offering host-read ad packages to regional advertisers. As podcasting grows, it offers local professionals a powerful new channel for storytelling, brand building, and audience connection.

It’s time to take a deep breath and stop all the hand wringing about the demise of TV, as a content and advertising medium, and the ascendancy of digital, as TV’s replacement. It hasn’t happened and is unlikely to occur like the “sky-is-falling” advocates claim it will. A good place to start is THE MEDIACENTER’s August 2016 Online Newsletter.

Too often, local media salespeople mdash;across newspapers, magazines, billboards, TV, and digital mdash;only enter the conversation once an advertiser has already finalized their product, audience, media mix, and message. At that point, there #39;s little room for real influence. To stay relevant and valuable in today rsquo;s complex marketing landscape, local sellers need to shift from selling media products to helping clients achieve business growth. By focusing on client outcomes instead of ad inventory, media sellers can reclaim their seat at the table and build deeper, longer-lasting partnerships.

How a War Veteran Built Canada's Most Influential Youth Media Empire and Changed Pop Culture Forever
Allan Waters, a World War II veteran, transformed a failing Toronto radio station into CHUM Limited, one of Canada’s most influential media empires. He pioneered youth-focused programming and launched iconic platforms like MuchMusic, while supporting Canadian artists through initiatives like VideoFACT. Waters succeeded by deeply understanding underserved audiences and building cultural institutions that fostered trust and loyalty. His legacy teaches media professionals that long-term success comes from innovation, community connection, and purpose-driven leadership.

Humans have invented and embraced technologies for millennia. Whether they were fire, the light bulb or the computer, all have been valued for improving our lives, making us safer, extending life expectancy, allowing us to be more productive and enjoying more of life. Now, we live in a time of transformational disruptions – primarily digital disruptions –

Weekly Newsletter January 19, 2026

Why does this Special Report from Media Group Online, Inc. use the word “enigma” to refer to direct mail? Advertisers and consumers’ continued use of the medium is a mystery, a puzzle, as it seems to be defying gravity. There are so many current conditions that should be pulling it to the ground with a resounding thud.

SmartBrief surveyed marketers about in-person events now that mask mandates have been lifted across the country. A lot has changed since last summer. The in-person events industry was crushed in 2020. About 83 million people had to change plans when the pandemic hit, per Forbes. Two years later, live events are making a comeback, but SmartBrief’s most recent survey of marketers finds

Weekly Newsletter February 2, 2026

A new Proton report estimates that the average U.S. Google user represents about $1,605 a year in advertising value, with some high-value profiles worth far more based on age, device, search behavior, geography and advertiser demand. For local media sellers and agencies, the finding is less about Google alone and more about the market’s growing willingness to put a precise dollar value on consumer attention. Radio, TV, cable, print, outdoor and digital sellers can use this as a timely reminder: local audiences are not commodities; properly defined, they are valuable segments advertisers are already paying heavily to reach.

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.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming local media sales by enhancing—not replacing—the human touch, allowing reps to prospect smarter, understand clients more deeply, and optimize campaigns in real time. By integrating AI tools into their workflow, reps can automate routine tasks, personalize content, and build stronger relationships with clients. A step-by-step guide helps reps begin with one tool, experiment, and scale thoughtfully, while a curated resource section offers tools and platforms for learning and growth. Looking ahead, trends like voice AI, predictive seasonal modeling, and AI-generated commercials will reshape how local media connects with audiences. Ultimately, AI empowers reps to become strategic artisans—blending data and empathy to sell with integrity and impact.