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L’s Tactical Loyalty Model Delivers 3.8% Sales Lift as Retailers Battle Inflation and Store Switching

L’s Tactical Loyalty Model Delivers 3.8% Sales Lift as Retailers Battle Inflation and Store Switching

sales 23 Jun 2025

 

In a grocery landscape strained by rising costs, global trade tensions, and shopper fatigue, retailers are discovering that tactical loyalty—done right—can do more than just drive repeat visits. It can defend margins, differentiate brand value, and even fuel long-term growth.

That’s the promise behind L’s “Total Store Impact” model, which is helping grocery players in Australia—and globally—see an average 3.8% like-for-like sales boost, even in a climate where shoppers are rapidly shifting store preferences in pursuit of value.

“Retailers are navigating a perfect storm of rising costs and disrupted shopper behaviour,” said Sue Temple, General Manager of L – founders of loyalty Pacific. “In this environment, value has become the leading driver of where and how consumers shop.”

The New Loyalty Landscape: More Stores, More Switching

The traditional “one-store-fits-all” model is dead. According to L’s research:

  • 85% of Australian households now shop across multiple retailers

  • 48% change their list of stores weekly

That’s not just a challenge for brand loyalty—it’s a logistical headache. For retailers who rely on repeat patterns to drive basket size, shopper churn is a direct hit to revenue.

Enter L’s Total Store Impact strategy: a blend of data-driven promotions, personalized customer incentives, and long-term brand alignment. It’s not just about pushing discounts—it's about embedding a value perception that keeps customers engaged and returning.

Inside Total Store Impact: A Three-Pronged Model

What separates L’s approach from the usual points-and-punch-card tactics? It’s the strategic blend of short-term gain and long-term positioning.

1. Immediate Revenue Uplift

At its core, L’s platform is designed for speed and scale. Retailers using its tactical loyalty engine have seen average sales growth of 3.8%, thanks to real-time, high-desirability campaigns that increase basket size and frequency.

2. Emotional & Brand Stickiness

Rather than generic discounting, L’s model focuses on emotional engagement and exclusivity—from limited-edition items to tiered loyalty programs that align with the retailer’s brand story.

3. Predictive Analytics & AI

Using a deep reservoir of shopper data, L enables behavioral forecasting that optimizes campaign timing, product placement, and messaging. That makes loyalty not just more targeted—but more profitable.

Retailers at a Crossroads: Promotions, Price Cuts, or Precision?

Traditional promos still dominate grocery marketing—think “3 for 2” or weekly markdowns—but they’re no longer enough. Worse, they’re under regulatory scrutiny for transparency and fairness.

“Every retailer I speak with is asking the same question,” says Temple. “How do we protect margins while meaningfully engaging customers? The answer isn’t more discounts—it’s better targeting.”

L’s loyalty strategy addresses the modern consumer paradox: shoppers demand value, but they also crave personalization, rewards, and recognition. And as more purchasing decisions happen in digital environments—even for groceries—that means loyalty must evolve beyond paper coupons and static memberships.

A Global Strategy with Local Impact

L isn’t new to this game. With 30+ years of global loyalty expertise and partnerships with some of the world’s top retailers, the company understands how to balance short-term commercial targets with long-term brand equity.

Its solutions are designed for flexibility—scalable across geographies and adaptable to sectors beyond grocery, including pharmacy, retail apparel, and convenience.

And now, with a newly relaunched website and upcoming presence at the Consumer Goods Forum, L is sharpening its pitch: smart loyalty isn’t a side tactic—it’s a core business driver.

Why This Matters Now

As inflation continues to tighten household budgets and consumer choice becomes more elastic, loyalty isn’t just a retention tool—it’s an acquisition strategy.

Retailers who deploy data-driven, personalized incentives create more than just customer satisfaction—they build resilience.

And in 2025’s turbulent retail economy, that could be the ultimate competitive edge.

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VWO Taps Box UK for Strategic Push into EMEA’s Enterprise Optimization Market

VWO Taps Box UK for Strategic Push into EMEA’s Enterprise Optimization Market

digital marketing 23 Jun 2025

In a move aimed at reshaping how enterprise brands approach digital experience optimization, VWO, the experimentation and CRO powerhouse, has entered into a strategic partnership with Box UK, a seasoned UK-based enterprise digital consultancy. The goal? Bring experimentation-led digital growth to the forefront of product development across the EMEA region.

This collaboration fuses VWO’s robust feature set—spanning A/B testing, personalization, behavior analytics, and feature rollouts—with Box UK’s sharp focus on digital strategy and enterprise-grade platform delivery.

A Match Made in Metrics

For years, VWO has empowered marketers and product teams to run continuous testing programs and uncover performance-driving insights. Now, with Box UK as a strategic partner, those capabilities are finding a new depth of enterprise application.

Leveraging VWO has fundamentally enhanced the way we deliver measurable growth for our clients,” said Paul Evans, CEO of Box UK. “We’ve used it to uncover actionable insights and validate ideas before full rollouts. That’s helped us improve conversion rates, reduce user journey friction, and deliver real impact.”

Box UK’s client roster reads like a who’s who of institutional and commercial leadership, including RS Group, The Welsh Government, and BMJ. These organizations rely on Box UK’s ability to manage large-scale, complex platforms—so the addition of a precision CRO tool like VWO is more evolution than experiment.

What This Means for Enterprise Brands

In an era where data-led decision-making is no longer optional, the need to validate ideas before they become full-fledged features is paramount. This partnership gives Box UK clients access to:

  • A/B and multivariate testing for iterative improvements

  • Behavior analytics to identify conversion bottlenecks

  • Personalized user experiences based on real-time data

  • Feature rollouts that reduce the risk of full-scale deployments

The result is a feedback loop where insight fuels action, and action fuels performance.

Sparsh Gupta, CEO of VWO, said the partnership is about more than just tools—it’s about transformation.

Box UK brings a strong track record in building future-ready digital experiences. With their strategic insight and implementation capabilities, clients will be able to unlock the full potential of our optimization suite.”

Strategic Context: Why This Partnership Matters Now

This collaboration comes at a time when enterprise demand for CRO, personalization, and agile product validation is surging—especially in regulated, risk-sensitive sectors like government, healthcare, and B2B commerce.

While many companies still rely on static redesigns and guesswork, the VWO-Box UK approach brings a continuous experimentation model that allows teams to test fast, learn faster, and scale only what works.

And with VWO continuing to expand across Europe, this partnership strengthens its ecosystem of digital-first partners driving innovation through data-backed experimentation.

Box UK’s Legacy and Digital Edge

Founded over two decades ago, Box UK has built a reputation for handling the kind of digital infrastructure that millions depend on daily. From automotive brands like Jaguar Land Rover to healthcare and education giants like BMJ, Box UK has delivered award-winning platforms that don’t just scale—they evolve.

Recognized by the Webbys, UK Digital Experience Awards, and more, Box UK’s multidisciplinary team blends strategic thinking with agile software delivery. Now, VWO’s optimization suite becomes a key piece of their offering—especially for clients who want continuous improvement without continuous risk.

What’s Next: Testing at Scale

This partnership signals a broader shift in how enterprises think about digital growth. It’s no longer just about launching websites or apps—it’s about orchestrating experiences, validating every change, and optimizing performance across the customer lifecycle.

Whether it’s a government platform needing accessibility testing or a commercial site wanting to reduce checkout drop-offs, the VWO-Box UK duo is ready to deliver.

And the timing couldn’t be better.

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Video Editing Software Market Set to Hit $3.27B by 2029—Fueled by AI, Smartphones, and Short-Form Content

Video Editing Software Market Set to Hit $3.27B by 2029—Fueled by AI, Smartphones, and Short-Form Content

video advertising 23 Jun 2025

The video editing software market isn’t just staying relevant—it’s thriving, evolving, and expanding at a pace that’s hard to ignore. According to the latest report from The Business Research Company, the market is poised to grow from $2.38 billion in 2024 to $2.54 billion in 2025, and reach $3.27 billion by 2029, riding a CAGR of 6.6%.

What’s fueling this growth? A perfect storm of tech innovation, content-hungry industries, and shifting consumer behavior. From TikTok creators to Hollywood post-production teams, video editing software is no longer a niche tool—it’s a digital essential.

Smartphones, AI, and the TikTok Effect

Let’s start with the obvious: video is everywhere. And it’s not just long-form productions. Short-form video, mobile-first content, and real-time editing are pushing the boundaries of what editing software needs to deliver.

Enter the smartphone—the unexpected hero of this market. Modern smartphones are equipped with powerful processors, stunning displays, and built-in editing apps that rival desktop tools from a decade ago. And with 95% of the UK population projected to own smartphones by 2025, accessibility is becoming universal.

But hardware alone doesn’t tell the full story. The integration of AI and machine learning into editing platforms has fundamentally changed the game. Tools can now auto-tag scenes, enhance visuals, suggest cuts, and even generate highlight reels—all in seconds.

Platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and upstarts like LumaTouch and Clipchamp are building AI-driven experiences that balance power with usability.

Cloud, Collaboration, and the Creator Economy

The rise of cloud-based and web-based editing platforms reflects another macrotrend: distributed workflows. Whether it’s a YouTuber collaborating with a motion graphic artist in another country, or a media agency cutting client videos across multiple time zones, collaborative editing tools are in high demand.

Cloud platforms like WeVideo, Frame.io, and Wondershare’s Filmora are stepping into this space with real-time previewing, shared asset libraries, and AI-powered collaboration.

As more companies adopt subscription models, the barrier to entry has lowered dramatically. Freemium tools cater to creators just starting out, while enterprise-grade platforms offer custom workflows for studios, marketers, and media teams.

Who’s Dominating the Editing Desk?

The competitive landscape includes heavyweights and challengers alike. Apple, Adobe, Autodesk, and Blackmagic Design continue to lead in professional editing environments, while Movavi, TechSmith, Animoto, Clipchamp, and KineMaster cater to consumer and prosumer audiences.

Newer players like AKOOL, OpenShot Studios, and InShot are making noise in the mobile and open-source segments, further democratizing access to video editing tech.

Notably, these brands are racing to differentiate through AI features, multi-camera editing, 4K+ support, and seamless cross-device sync.

Where the Market's Going: Regional and Segment Insights

In 2024, North America led the charge, but Asia-Pacific is the one to watch. The region is expected to post the fastest growth, driven by a boom in smartphone adoption, a flourishing esports ecosystem, and increasing investment in mobile-first content platforms.

In terms of segments, the market is divided across:

  • Type: Cloud-Based vs. Web-Based

  • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Mobile

  • Pricing Model: Subscription, One-Time Purchase, Freemium

  • Application: Commercial vs. Personal

  • End-Users: From the film industry to social-first creators

Enterprise-grade platforms are expanding fast in the cloud segment, offering AI-powered editors, mobile access, and multi-user workflows. On the web side, template-driven tools with real-time rendering appeal to content teams and social marketers looking for speed over complexity.

The Content Boom Isn’t Slowing—And Neither Is This Market

The surge in demand for video—especially in education, gaming, marketing, and remote work—isn’t just a passing trend. It’s the foundation of the future internet.

Whether you're an educator uploading explainer videos, a brand launching product reels, or a digital creator posting daily shorts, the need for intuitive, powerful editing tools is only rising.

As Erika Olsen of Morning Brew recently put it (in a different context): “It all comes down to knowing your audience—and acting on that knowledge in real-time.”

For video editors, platforms, and developers, the challenge now is the same: keep up with that pace—and keep it sharp.

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Morning Brew Writes a New Playbook for Media Growth with Iterable’s AI Engine

Morning Brew Writes a New Playbook for Media Growth with Iterable’s AI Engine

customer engagement 23 Jun 2025

Morning Brew Inc., once known simply as the startup delivering witty business news to your inbox, is fast becoming a case study in how modern media brands can scale intelligently. By teaming up with Iterable, an AI-powered customer communication platform, the company has retooled its backend infrastructure to convert fragmented engagement signals into seamless, revenue-driving journeys.

This isn’t just an operational win—it’s a new growth model that many B2B publishers and digital media firms would do well to study.

Making Sense of Complexity Without Adding Bloat

As Morning Brew’s portfolio expanded beyond its flagship newsletter into verticals like Marketing Brew, Retail Brew, HR Brew, and others, the backend complexity ballooned. Fragmented data made it difficult to align content engagement with actionable follow-ups.

Iterable changed that.

“Iterable gave us the infrastructure to unify everything,” said Erika Olsen, Senior Manager of Audience Operations at Morning Brew Inc. “We’re now smarter and faster with our messaging, more intentional with brand expansion, and more aligned with what our readers care about.”

That transformation wasn't just cosmetic. It’s allowing the company to grow without the typical operational sprawl—no bloated headcount, no redundant tools, no data black holes.

AI That Predicts What (and When) Readers Want

Morning Brew’s real unlock came with Iterable’s Predictive Goals—a feature that uses behavioral and demographic signals to forecast intent. Ahead of a recent Sports Marketing event, the team targeted just under 10% of their total list. That tiny segment ended up driving 20% of total sign-ups.

Using AI to analyze signals like article clicks, past attendance, and even geography, Morning Brew created an intelligent content path. AI-powered send-time optimization ensured subscribers got messages when they were most likely to act, and follow-up messaging nudged them toward either livestream or in-person attendance.

The result? Fewer emails, higher ROI, and less inbox fatigue—a winning combo for any modern marketer.

“Iterable’s AI doesn’t just make campaigns smarter—it makes them exponentially more efficient,” said Olsen.

Personalization at Portfolio Scale

The real game-changer lies in how Morning Brew activates intent signals across its expanding brand ecosystem. Iterable’s platform lets the team monitor real-time engagement across multiple properties—from newsletter opens and article shares to whitepaper downloads—and turn them into monetizable audience segments.

This enables:

  • Dynamic newsletter recommendations (e.g., promoting HR Brew to HR professionals)

  • Sub-brand launches driven by emerging audience interests

  • Sponsor targeting based on behavioral signals like content engagement or job title

So far, the results speak for themselves:

  • 15,000+ new subscriptions

  • $100K+ in acquisition cost savings

  • Expanded revenue opportunities through hyper-targeted sponsorships

The New Media Playbook: Intent-Driven, Data-Smart

Morning Brew’s partnership with Iterable exemplifies a broader shift in the digital media landscape: editorial brands need tech stacks that let them behave like agile SaaS companies.

Iterable’s role? Provide the backbone to move fast, scale smarter, and speak directly to both subscribers and advertisers with context-rich messaging.

“It all comes down to one thing: knowing your audience and acting on that knowledge in real-time,” said Olsen. “Iterable gives us the power to do that—and to keep evolving with our readers.”

Looking Ahead: Listening at Scale

Morning Brew and Iterable are now heading to Cannes, not just to showcase their tech, but to invite the marketing community to ask real questions—about engagement, content fatigue, personalization, and the evolving consumer journey.

In fact, they’re crowdsourcing those questions. Marketers can chime in via a LinkedIn post to submit what they’ve always wanted to ask a deeply engaged audience.

Because the next frontier in martech? It’s not just automation or AI. It’s curiosity—at scale.

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MoEngage Named a Gartner Customers’ Choice in Multichannel Marketing Hubs for 2025

MoEngage Named a Gartner Customers’ Choice in Multichannel Marketing Hubs for 2025

customer engagement 20 Jun 2025

MoEngage, a leading insights-led customer engagement platform, has been named a “Customers’ Choice” in the Gartner Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer: Multichannel Marketing Hubs report for 2025. The recognition highlights MoEngage’s strong performance in user satisfaction, adoption, and customer experience—further cementing its reputation among marketing technology leaders.

This marks the second consecutive inclusion for MoEngage in the Voice of the Customer report. With 92% of customers saying they would recommend MoEngage (based on 36 verified reviews as of January 2025), the company is one of only two vendors to receive the “Customers’ Choice” badge this year.

“At MoEngage, customers are at the center of everything we do,” said Raviteja Dodda, CEO & Co-founder. “From seamless onboarding to transparent contracting and a product roadmap aligned with our clients’ evolving needs, we strive to deliver long-term value. Just last year, over 90 brands switched to MoEngage for their multichannel marketing requirements.”

Inside the Gartner Peer Insights™ Methodology

The Gartner Peer Insights “Voice of the Customer” aggregates direct customer feedback based on user interest, product adoption, and overall satisfaction. Vendors recognized as a “Customers’ Choice” must meet or exceed the market average for these metrics.

While Gartner does not endorse any specific vendor, its Peer Insights content serves as a vital tool for enterprise decision-makers navigating complex martech evaluations.

MoEngage’s Momentum and Market Differentiation

Trusted by 1,350+ brands across 60+ countries, MoEngage continues to grow its presence in the customer engagement space, supporting enterprises with:

  • Multichannel campaign orchestration

  • AI-driven personalization

  • Real-time analytics and automation

  • Mobile-first and omnichannel messaging

MoEngage’s clients span industries from retail and banking to telecom, media, and travel. With a presence in 15 countries and backing from investors including Goldman Sachs Asset Management, B Capital, and Steadview Capital, the company is doubling down on innovation and scale.

MoEngage

MoEngage is a customer engagement platform built to help consumer brands personalize experiences across web, mobile, email, SMS, and messaging apps. The platform delivers insights-led engagement strategies that improve retention, conversion, and brand loyalty.

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Market 32 and Price Chopper Launch Gamified Summer Loyalty Campaign with Konekt.io

Market 32 and Price Chopper Launch Gamified Summer Loyalty Campaign with Konekt.io

digital marketing 20 Jun 2025

As grocers compete for attention in a crowded digital marketplace, Market 32 and Price Chopper, divisions of Northeast Grocery, Inc., are rolling out a dynamic omnichannel loyalty initiative aimed at turning summer shopping into a high-reward experience. The “Summer Shines Here” campaign runs through Labor Day and is designed to blend digital engagement with in-store activation, increasing basket sizes and strengthening brand loyalty.

At the heart of the campaign: the Summer Doubler, an enhanced AdvantEdge Rewards feature built with Konekt.io, a leader in embedded finance and retail loyalty tech. The new offering doesn’t just double down on rewards—it gamifies the experience.

Gamification Meets Grocery Rewards

The Summer Doubler gives AdvantEdge Rewards members double points on qualifying purchases and features a carnival-style digital spin wheel—playable twice during the summer—to win 100 to 500 bonus points. It’s a simple but powerful tactic: reward participation, personalize engagement, and spark repeat visits.

“We’re excited to add this new twist to one of our flagship marketing promotions,” said Sam Trimboli, Director of Shopper Experience at Market 32 and Price Chopper. “It’s a great example of how we use data and behavior insights to create meaningful value aligned with how our customers want to shop and engage.”

Digital Engagement Drives Loyalty and Sales

Digital loyalty remains a core focus for NGI, with the AdvantEdge Rewards platform enabling customers to earn and redeem points for both food and fuel rewards. The gamified elements of the Summer Doubler were developed in partnership with Konekt.io, which brings to the table a suite of AI-driven, real-time loyalty and payments infrastructure.

“This isn’t just a seasonal promo—it’s a strategic digital engagement lever,” said Blaine Bringhurst, President of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “Our most engaged digital users are also our top spenders, so we continue to evolve the rewards experience to deepen value and build frequency.”

Konekt.io Scales Retail Loyalty Across Channels

With more than $3 billion in annual digital payment volume and partnerships across 150,000 stores globally, Konekt.io is helping grocers like Market 32 and Price Chopper move from points-based programs to personalized loyalty ecosystems.

“We’re thrilled to partner on this gamified rollout,” said Ashmit Bhattacharya, CEO of Konekt.io. “It’s a great example of how retailers can use embedded loyalty technology to create fun, sticky experiences that also deliver measurable ROI.”

How Shoppers Participate

AdvantEdge Rewards members can activate the Summer Doubler starting May 25, 2025, by registering via the Market 32 or Price Chopper app or website. Once enrolled, members receive double points and the opportunity to spin the wheel for bonus points twice during the campaign window.

The campaign runs through Labor Day, integrating across owned and paid digital channels, email, app notifications, in-store signage, and point-of-sale promotions.

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Benson Partners with Entryway to Empower Homeless Jobseekers Through Apparel and Career Support

Benson Partners with Entryway to Empower Homeless Jobseekers Through Apparel and Career Support

marketing 20 Jun 2025

Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions, a leader in centralized marketing for the multifamily industry, has entered a new partnership with Entryway, a national nonprofit tackling situational homelessness through career pathways and stable housing.

The partnership centers around donated career apparel for Entryway participants—a tangible step to help individuals facing homelessness enter the workforce with confidence and dignity. But this initiative goes beyond clothing: it's about signaling a fresh start and a professional identity.

“Entryway’s impact extends far beyond job placement,” said Brian Benson, Founder of Benson. “By fostering stability and self-worth, they empower individuals to rebuild their lives with purpose and pride. We’re honored to support their mission.”

More Than a Suit: Strategic Community Investment

Benson will contribute high-quality career wear to Entryway’s participants as they begin roles in the multifamily housing industry—an area where the company already holds deep expertise. The collaboration also includes executive leadership engagement: Eric Clark, VP of Business Development at Benson, has joined Entryway’s Atlanta Advisory Board, further reinforcing Benson’s investment in long-term community change.

“Benson’s commitment to this new apparel program helps remove real barriers our participants face,” said Kristen Poteet, Senior Vice President, External Affairs at Entryway. “Their generosity helps our clients start meaningful careers and feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

A Mission Aligned with Market Values

This partnership arrives at a time when corporate social responsibility and employer branding are increasingly intertwined. In industries like multifamily housing—where property managers face recruiting challenges and brand trust plays a critical role—meaningful partnerships like this can amplify internal culture and external goodwill.

For Benson, a company known for its Centralized Marketing Platform, the initiative aligns naturally with its mission to streamline brand execution while investing in people-first solutions.

Entryway

Entryway is a national nonprofit focused on transitioning individuals and families from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency. By partnering with real estate companies, Entryway provides career training, job placement, and housing solutions in markets across the U.S. To date, they’ve helped over 1,000 individuals and families secure housing and jobs, with thousands more receiving career coaching and employment services.

Active in metro areas like Atlanta, Houston, Denver, and Central Florida, Entryway works at the intersection of housing, employment, and dignity—all key to addressing situational homelessness with lasting impact.

Benson

Founded in 1992 and based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions is the multifamily industry’s leading Centralized Marketing Platform. The company offers an end-to-end suite of services, including design, print, signage, promotional items, and branded apparel. Benson helps property owners and operators achieve brand consistency, procurement efficiency, and operational excellence through a unified digital and logistics infrastructure.

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Gray Media Names Shalayna Valencia GM of KOSA-TV, Strengthening Local Broadcast Leadership in Texas

Gray Media Names Shalayna Valencia GM of KOSA-TV, Strengthening Local Broadcast Leadership in Texas

digital transformation 20 Jun 2025

Gray Media, Inc. has appointed Shalayna Valencia as the new General Manager and Director of Sales for KOSA-TV, its CBS affiliate in Odessa, Texas—a move that reflects the company’s continued focus on cultivating proven local leadership amid an evolving media landscape.

With over two decades of experience in broadcast and digital advertising, Valencia’s appointment signals a push toward stronger cross-platform strategies for Gray’s West Texas properties, where local storytelling and market familiarity remain essential.

“Shalayna is a dynamic and accomplished leader with deep roots in West Texas and an exceptional track record across broadcast and digital sales,” said a company spokesperson. “Her strategic mindset and people-first leadership style are a perfect match for KOSA’s next chapter.”

A Career Built on Community and Cross-Channel Growth

A native of Levelland, Texas, Valencia is no stranger to the Permian Basin media scene. She began her career as an Account Executive at KWES in Midland/Odessa before rising through leadership roles at Townsquare Media, where she served as Market President, and more recently at Hearst, where she led as Digital Sales Director.

Valencia has been widely recognized for her ability to drive results while cultivating high-performing, community-centric teams. Her arrival at KOSA comes at a time when local broadcasters are navigating the increasing intersection of traditional TV and digital engagement—with stations expected to deliver not just viewership, but integrated audience experiences across web, social, mobile, and OTT.

“I’ve always believed in the power of local media to uplift communities and inform citizens,” Valencia shared in a prepared statement. “This opportunity to return home and lead one of the most trusted local brands in the region is both humbling and exciting.”

The Broader Play: Gray Media’s Hyperlocal Focus

Valencia’s appointment aligns with Gray Media’s national strategy of empowering local stations with autonomy, innovation, and accountability. As the largest owner of top-rated local television stations in the U.S., Gray serves 113 markets—and in 78 of those, it owns the #1-rated TV station.

This hyperlocal dominance is bolstered by a robust portfolio that includes:

  • Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency

  • Leading Spanish-language affiliates, with the largest Telemundo group in the country

  • Production arms like Raycom Sports and Tupelo Media Group

  • Studio facilities including Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios

While national media brands chase scale through programmatic and streaming, Gray’s model is about deepening its local advantage—and that means investing in the right leaders for the right markets.

“When you combine Shalayna’s West Texas roots with her expertise in digital and broadcast growth, you get a leader uniquely capable of connecting with both audiences and advertisers in a meaningful way,” the company added.

Why It Matters

With linear television viewership continuing to evolve, and digital-first consumers increasingly fragmented across platforms, local stations face rising pressure to do more than broadcast news. They must deliver integrated marketing solutions that work across Google, Meta, CTV, and traditional channels. Valencia’s mix of small-market insight and digital acumen positions her to build revenue while preserving editorial integrity—a delicate but essential balance in local journalism.

Her leadership also represents an important signal that Gray is doubling down on trusted talent to lead in a time of massive industry transformation—where AI tools, first-party data, and omnichannel reach will decide who survives and who fades.

Gray Media, Inc.

Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States, serving 113 television markets and reaching approximately 37% of U.S. households. The company operates leading Spanish-language and English-language broadcast brands, along with a growing portfolio of digital and video production businesses. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Gray is committed to empowering communities through journalism, innovation, and local leadership.

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