iSpot: TV Ad Budgets Hold Steady Despite Economic Jitters
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and growing concerns over tariffs and a potential recession, most advertisers plan to maintain or even increase their TV and streaming ad budgets this year, according to new survey data from video measurement firm iSpot. The findings, released ahead of this year’s Upfronts, show 86% of brands and agencies expect their budgets for TV and streaming to either stay the same or grow in 2025. Just 14% anticipate any cuts— though iSpot cautions that figure could rise if economic conditions worsen.
Indiana Fever & WTHR Extend Broadcast Agreement
WTHR and WALV, Tegna’s MeTV affiliate in the market, will air 18 games, giving fans across central Indiana access to watch the Fever as they fight to return to the WNBA playoffs. Last season, WTHR’s coverage elevated Indiana Fever viewership to new heights. Fever games on WTHR were watched in nearly two-thirds more homes than nationally televised matchups, boasting a 63% household ratings increase over national network games, according to WTHR.
Dynamic Ad Insertion Is Key To CTV Dollars
To stay competitive, broadcasters must implement the right strategy and offer advertisers something that the likes of YouTube cannot: a superior, scalable, and seamless ad experience delivered to an engaged audience. Dynamic ad insertion (DAI) has now become the gold standard. It presents a holistic monetization solution that transforms broadcaster platforms into advertising powerhouses. But how can broadcasters use DAI to bridge the gap to the future of ad monetization?
Study: Consumers Want More Video From Brands
In its fourth-annual State of Video Technology report, Atomik said nearly 80% of consumers want brand communications to involve video products, and they’re open to the idea of those videos being created using AI tools.
Katz Media Group Promotions Come To Political Ad Team
National advertising sales specialist Katz Media Group has promoted from within to fill the roles of VP of Political Sales and Director of Political Sales, respectively. PJ Stack takes the Vice President slot, while Kevin McTigue becomes Director.
Madhive Welcomes A Chief Product Officer
Taking the CPO role is Michael Kim. Kim was previously Senior Vice President of Product at Samba TV and, before that, served as Chief Product Officer at Simulmedia.
Digital, Linear Media Use Rises In 2024
Global consumer media usage, including all digital and traditional media channels, increased 2.4% in 2024 to an average of 57.2 hours per week.
Tim McNamara Named WGN-TV Director Of Sales
The Chicago sales veteran will lead ad sales across all the Nexstar CW affiliate’s local, national, political and digital platforms
Daniel Talley Upped To GM Of KLKN Lincoln, Neb.
He adds oversight for Standard Media’s ABC affiliate to his previous duties as director of sales on May 1.
Major League Pickleball & Gray Media Set Local Media Partnerships
Major League Pickleball (MLP) and Gray Media today announced local media partnerships that will provide expanded distribution in multiple MLP team markets during the 2025 season, bringing professional coed team pickleball to more local fans.
Pharma: TV Advertising Is Key
The impact of TV is evident, as 85% of 58 first-time pharmaceutical TV advertisers—from their FDA approval date through 1/31/25—saw their highest brand search volume once their TV campaign launched.
Ad Tech Firms Look to Boost Broadcasters’ Revenue
Digital ad platforms offer new opportunities to target and measure audiences, monetize content.
BIA Advisory Services Names New Forecasting VP As Ovadia Exits
BIA Advisory Services has named Senan Mele as Vice President of Forecasting and Data Analysis, succeeding Nicole Ovadia, who Radio Ink has learned has exited the company to pursue a new opportunity after three years in the role.
Abolishing Ownership Rules Tops NAB’s Long List of FCC Rules to Delete
Sunsetting ATSC 1.0, reducing paperwork, EEO and other areas, and updating EAS are among the many NAB proposals.
Christina Ailsworth Upped To WATN News Director
Tegna’s ABC affiliate WANT Memphis and WLMT (CW) have promoted Christina Ailsworth to news director, effective April 20.
Pharma Brands Rocket Forward On Spot TV
Take one quick glance at the latest Media Monitors Spot Ten TV report, and you’ll clearly see that pharmaceutical brands are sending dollars to broadcast TV.
Local Stations See Upside In Pro Sports, But It’s Still Early Innings
For teams, the OTA broadcasts reach a much bigger audience than they had with RSNs, helping to drive ticket and merchandise sales as well as overall fan engagement. And for local stations, the live games have yielded a significant ratings improvement over the programming they replaced as well as a strong advertiser response.
FCC Opens Comment Period On NAB’s ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV Petition
The FCC’s Media Bureau seeks feedback on the NAB’s two-phase transition plan and related proposals. The notice invites comments through May 7, with reply comments due by June 6.
Used-Auto Prices Fall In March, Despite Demand
Wholesale used-vehicle prices were lower in March compared to February. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) dropped to 202.6 in March, a 0.2% year-over-year decrease. This is also lower than February’s level, CBT News reports.
TEGNA’s ‘9NEWS’ Continues As The Broncos’ Key TV Partner
Denver television station branded as “9NEWS” will continue as the “Hometown Television Partner” of the city’s National Football League franchise.