Why branded content may be the smartest digital revenue growth strategy for finishing 2026 strong Media companies everywhere are asking the same question right now: Where will meaningful digital revenue growth come from next? Programmatic margins continue shrinking. AI-generated content is flooding the internet. Traditional display inventory is increasingly commoditized. Advertisers are demanding stronger ROI, deeper engagement, and more strategic partnerships. Meanwhile, one

If you look at the latest Local Media Consortium industry survey, one thing stands out: Advertising declines aren’t just a challenge; they are the main challenge. Thirty-one percent of local media leaders say advertising declines are a top issue, tied with traffic declines as the industry’s biggest concern. But here’s the uncomfortable truth that often goes unsaid: This isn’t just a problem with the market. It’s a problem with the business model. The Old Model Is Breaking and

Get more than 1,400 articles across 12 high-revenue verticals, perfect for everything from creating special sections to supplementing your print magazine content to selling sponsorships to advertisers.

David Arkin, founder of David Arkin Consulting, shares advice on building successful client campaigns.

One significant opportunity for growth is not in more posting or more boosting — it’s in creating strategic partnerships and leveraging those partnerships to help amplify the content.

This campaign was intentionally built around the idea that in a highly regulated category like HIV, credibility must come before scale.

Content marketing is helping local advertisers grow, connect with audiences, and tell stronger stories. Understanding how businesses use it today is key to unlocking new revenue opportunities for local media.

If you want to increase your close rates in 2026 — not by a little, but dramatically — there are two systems that will move the needle more than anything else in your sales organization.

Branded Content Cash Camp: Turn Ideas Into Revenue

The market for branded content has never been stronger — or more misunderstood. The 2025 Borrell Associates research shows content marketing is a $85+ billion industry with over three-quarters of spending in digital formats, growing more than 5% year over year. For local media companies, that’s incredible news. It means opportunity is everywhere — but only for teams who know where to look and how to pitch with purpose.

Join the Big Branded Call on April 22 at 2 ET!

Why SEO Matters in Branded Content

David Arkin, founder of David Arkin Consulting, shares advice on fulfilling successful client campaigns.

Unlocking Branded Content with Audio & Video: Affordable Tools Media Companies Can Use Today

"10 Things You Should Be Doing Now to Grow Sales Revenue” talk was a clarion call to local media professionals: sharpen your process, push your team, and sell smarter.

Branded Content Cash Camp: Turn Ideas Into Revenue

Join the Big Branded Call on September 17 at 1 ET to hear the inspiring success story of the Minnesota Women's Press!

We are excited to announce the 12 media organizations selected to participate in the Branded Content Project’s second Cash Camp! This...

David Arkin, founder of David Arkin Consulting, shares advice on fulfilling successful client campaigns.

Nannette Fevola shares the behind-the-scenes playbook from Together Long Island.