Headlines
2023 Political Ad Spend Forecast Up $100M+ over 2021
In BIA’s recently released Local Ad Forecast, we forecast political spend of $516 million in 2023, an increase of $105.8 million over 2021. The 2023 forecast of $516 million is up $261.7 million over 2019, which was the last odd year before the 2020 Presidential and national elections.
Adults Don’t Follow The News As Closely, As Many Don’t Trust The News
With the news in overdrive with a relentless political cycle and global turmoil, two studies on the news medium have recently been released. A Pew Research report found Americans are not following the news as closely as they had been in the past. A survey from Gallup found Americans’ trust in media news is at an all-time low.
BIA
Local ad spending will hit $175.6 billion in 2024 thanks to a political boost
Local advertising in the US is expected to grow 8.6% to $175.6 billion in 2024, per a recent BIA Advisory Services report.
US Political Advertising Dominates 2024 Projections: A Deep Dive into Local Media Ad Spend
In the realm of local media advertising, the year 2023 could be described as rather stagnant. However, the horizon seems brighter in 2024, as BIA Advisory Services unveils a forecast that paints a vivid picture of change and growth.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: Portland’s ‘Slavic Family Radio’ Sold; Radio Punjab Exits Midwest.
Volodymyr Golovan’s Emerald Management Services has filed a $1.5 million deal to buy ethnic “Slavic Family Radio” KXPD (1040) from Irina Baranova’s PIN Investments. Emerald Management Services does not own any other stations.
KUER To Acquire KCPW; Launch Radio Bilingüe
The University of Utah through its Public News/Talk 90.1 KUER-FM Salt Lake City and PBS Utah will acquire 88.3 KCPW-FM Salt Lake City from Wasatch Public Media.
Television
KSAT San Antonio Launches Neighborhood News Conducted By Residents
The campaign, “Know My Neighborhood,” introduces viewers to an inside perspective and guided tour of area neighborhoods conducted by people who know them best, the residents.
Radio
Local Northern VA Radio Station In Jeopardy After School Cuts
Residents of Woodstock, VA were surprised to find their local radio station, WUDS 94.9, off the air on October 10. The nonprofit low-power FM, known for its diverse music playlist and global news, ceased its operations without prior warning to its listeners.
LeGeyt Praises Speaker Johnson's Support Of Radio's 'Vital Role'
With the election of Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson to Speaker of the House, Washington, DC is abuzz with how the new leader’s deeply conservative politics will shape the upcoming election year. One aspect is certain, Speaker Johnson’s track record shows he is a positive force for radio on Capitol Hill.
Tech
Congress Considers Requirement That AI Content Be Labeled
As broadcasters and other content creators figure out how to best use artificial intelligence, when it comes to creating content there is a bipartisan proposal in Congress that would require AI-generated programming to be labeled.
CTV/OTT
Women's Sports Growing On TV, Streaming - But Have A Way To Go
If desperate linear TV networks -- and local TV stations -- believe live sports is the main programming content draw that will keep viewers staying around, why not expand our vision of that content?