Core, non-political U.S. local advertising is estimated to grow 6.1% in 2025 to $171 billion from a year ago, according to BIA Advisory Services.
Total local digital media will land at $89.6 billion, with traditional media at $81.3 billion. Digital media will have a 52.4% share, with traditional media at 47.6%.
These results include all TV, radio, local streaming, digital platforms (PC, email and mobile), TV, digital, radio, digital, and print (magazines and newspapers).
Focusing just on local TV -- when looking at all ad spend (political and core advertising) -- BIA projects TV stations will get to $18.1 billion, down 20% from last year ($22.6 billion), which includes local TV-owned digital platforms.
The 6.1% projected growth in local ad spending is a clear signal that traditional media is far from dead, despite the dominance of digital platforms. However, conservatives should take note of where this money is flowing. With digital media now controlling 52.4% of the market, the political right must be strategic about how and where it advertises. Big Tech platforms have repeatedly demonstrated bias against conservative voices, whether through algorithmic suppression, demonetization, or outright censorship. Meanwhile, traditional media, holding a still-substantial 47.6% market share, presents both risks and opportunities—local newspapers and radio remain powerful tools for reaching grassroots voters but are often owned by conglomerates pushing progressive narratives. For conservatives, this spending trend underscores the urgent need to invest in alternative platforms and independent media outlets that provide unfiltered access to voters. Political campaigns in 2025 must balance digital strategy with traditional outreach, ensuring they’re not over-reliant on left-leaning tech giants that have proven their willingness to silence opposing viewpoints. ~Political Media