Broadcast TV: Still Top for Reach and Time Spent 

The 2025 Media Comparisons Study once again confirms the power of television and continues to highlight broadcast TV as the top medium for both viewers and consumers, not only on a TV set, but across all devices.

Ric Harris To Lead WGN-TV

For nearly 10 years, he served as President/General Manager of WCAU-10 and WWSI-62, the NBC and Telemundo O&Os under NBCUniversal serving the Delaware Valley. Now, he’s in the Windy City taking the VP/GM role formerly held by Paul Rennie, who retired in 2023.

Millions Are Already Being Spent on Political Ads 

The new election cycle is underway, and there’s already plenty of ad dollars being placed. While it’s unlikely to top the massive $11.1 billion record-setting total during the presidential cycle, AdImpact says $61.1 million worth of ads have already aired in the current cycle.

Scripps Rolling Out Scripps News Group Umbrella Sales/Marketing Brand 

Scripps’ Vice President of Local News, Jeff Kiernan, says the aim of the new umbrella brand is to help consumers connect Scripps’ 60+ local stations with a strong national footprint — enhancing Scripps’ reporting capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to local news while showcasing the power of the national streaming news channel, Scripps News. 

Neighborhood Watch: Eyeing The Rise of Local Marketing Spend 

Marketers are increasing their local marketing budgets for 2025, often doubling down from last year. According to one recent study, 83% of advertisers think that local advertising is attributable to more than 20% of their revenue. And consumers in front of a TV agree somewhat. 72% of streaming and broadcast viewers of local ads say they want to learn more about an advertiser than if they saw only national ads.

Nissan Launches Plan to Revive U.S. Market Share

Facing declining U.S. retail sales, Nissan is launching a wide-ranging dealer incentive program to stimulate demand. The Q4 Acceleration Bonus Program offers dealerships up to $1,000 per vehicle on 2025 and select 2024 models if they hit their February and March sales targets, aligning with the end of Nissan’s fiscal year.

NRF: Record Valentine’s Day Spending

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2025, surpassing last year’s $25.8 billion and slightly exceeding the previous record of $27.4 billion set in 2020. On average, individuals plan to spend $188.81, up from $185.81 in 2024.

Industry Reacts To Future of Television Initiative Report

The Future of Television Initiative report, released in mid-January on advancing the transition from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0 has largely received praise from industry players, including many broadcasters and ATSC, but some have cast a wary eye or thrown shade not simply on the report but ATSC 3.0 itself.

Grand Slam Track Inks Media Rights Deal with The CW, NBC Sports

The CW, NBC Sports and Grand Slam Track, a new global track competition, have announced a media rights deal that makes The CW the exclusive U.S. broadcast home of Grand Slam Track.  “We were determined to make sure that Grand Slam Track would be seen by millions of fans across the country, and we’re delighted to be delivering on that promise. We can’t wait to get started with our Slams in April; you won’t want to miss this,” said Grand Slam Track Commissioner Michael Johnson.