Media Sales Today

The peak time for toy sales remains the holiday season but consumers purchase these products at other times during the year. Not surprisingly, digital marketing is becoming increasingly important for parents as they research what their children ask for. And, new data indicates that marketers could boost results by shifting their ad strategies.

Despite all of the talk about customizing content and using behavioral targeting to reach a unique audience, there are still marketers who want to connect with millions of consumers instantly. For decades, TV has been one of the leading media formats used to accomplish this goal. And many industry watchers believe that despite a shrinking audience, marketers will continue to spend a significant portion of the media mix on TV.

New research shows most Americans still rely on traditional media for local information, turning most often to television for local news and weather, and to newspapers for a wider range of local information.

Last month, I blogged on several reports that projected a fourth quarter spike in auto industry advertising. A recent post in TV News Check suggests there’s reason for optimism in 2012. All three source of auto ad dollars – manufacturers, dealer associations, and dealers – should increase their spending next year.

The future holds challenges for the broadcast television industry. While panelists at last week’s discussion of Columbus, Ohio broadcast TV leadership highlighted their concerns about what lies ahead, they also shared their views on how to turn those challenges into opportunities, namely through providing good content.

Social media was a hot topic during last week’s panel discussion of Columbus, Ohio broadcast TV leadership. Integration of social media, as well as mobile devices, are two of the methods local stations are using to bring audiences back to their websites and their channels on the bigger screen.

Whether it is through a television screen or a smartphone app, panelists voiced the importance of connecting with the community during the a panel discussion of Columbus, Ohio broadcast TV leadership last Friday.