Broadcast Was Safe Until It Wasn’t

Between Christmas and New Year’s, I always take time to reflect on where I’ve been and where the industry is going. Looking back, I’m grateful. Personally and professionally, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I’ve learned from the downs and appreciated the ups. In Media and advertising, nostalgia may be comfortable; adaptation is essential.

I remember the era of Yellow Pages, daily newspapers, and double-digit prime-time TV ratings. All powerful in their time, all gone today.

Holding onto what worked yesterday limits what’s possible tomorrow. In the long run, late adopters fall behind and lose their advantage.

I have always believed in first-to-market, first-to-mind, but the lead is fragile. It only lasts if it’s backed by superior product, strategy, and service.

Today, the media landscape has been completely reshaped by social media, influencers, and streaming/CTV. If you haven’t adopted yet or are shifting slowly, make 2026 the year. Don't just do it, do it thoughtfully, with the right plan and partner. Jumping in is easy. Executing strategically is not. Many can run a Streaming/CTV schedule. Very few run great ones.

In 2025, I wrote extensively about what separates activity from strategy in streaming, and many people have. There are a lot of great articles to read, and some poor ones as well. You can be a quick study or reach out. I am always happy to talk through the opportunities, risks, and the thinking behind high-performing CTV plans.

Broadcast was once considered “safe,” protected by local news and sports. The last few years proved otherwise. There is no safe place in the media, only a smart strategy.

Let’s talk Streaming/CTV and Happy New Year.