Traditional news is shrinking, and digital platforms are stealing the spotlight. To thrive, it’s time to rethink the PR strategy. Ready for the new media landscape?
- The Shrinking Newsrooms – According to recent reports, print newspapers are disappearing at an alarming rate. Over 130 newspapers shut down in 2024 alone, adding to the 3,200 closures since 2005. Today, fewer than 5,600 papers remain and 80% of them are weeklies. Standing out in this crowded space has never been harder, with fewer outlets and tighter competition. Digital is trending now, with over 105 new digital-only sites and 30 newspapers shifting entirely online.
- Trust in Media vs. Business – Media trust is at an all-time low. Businesses continue to be the most trusted source of information–outranking NGOs, governments, and media outlets. This is good news for businesses that seize the opportunity to craft compelling, authentic stories that build a brand and engage audiences directly.
- Digital News Dominates – Pew Research crowns digital devices as king. A whopping 58% of U.S. adults get their news from smartphones, tablets, or computers–dwarfing TV (32%), radio (6%), and print (4%). News websites and apps top the list (23%), followed by social media (18%), search (12%), and podcasts (5%). PR campaigns need a multi-pronged approach: social media, podcasts, and news sites. As this hits your inbox, the numbers have gone up.
- Social Media Powerhouse – Social media continues to dominate consumer and business mindshare. 76% of companies now see it as a critical part of their communication strategy, with 79% investing in paid social campaigns, according to Meltwater.
Every company communication plan must be revised and updated to keep pace as the digital ecosystem evolves. We’re here to help.
IN THE NEWS
OWC Won Coverage for Abiomed on CBS 8 San Diego
OWC landed a feature for Abiomed highlighting Joe Sanchez’s incredible heart health journey for American Heart Month. After experiencing sudden heart failure symptoms, Joe underwent lifesaving surgery with Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, who used an Impella heart pump to support his recovery. Now, over two years later, he’s back to surfing, creating art, and spending time with family.
Read the full coverage here.
OWC Secures Story for Nuvve in School Bus Fleet
OWC landed a feature in School Bus Fleet for Nuvve, highlighting their role in a new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging pilot in Illinois. The project showcases how Nuvve’s V2G technology enables electric school buses to return stored energy to the grid, improving energy efficiency and sustainability. This coverage reinforces Nuvve’s leadership in the clean transportation space. Read the full coverage here.
ICYMI: OWC’s Talk PR with Fabric VC’s Laurel Mintz
OWC’s Tracy Williams interviewed Laurel Mintz, Founder and General Partner of Fabric VC, on the previous episode of the Talk PR series. Mintz dove into what she looks for in founders, the current state of venture capital, the importance of solid branding, and the companies she’s investing in today. Watch it again here.
