Stagwell Launches News Network for Enhanced Advertising Opportunities in 2025
In a significant move towards enhancing advertising effectiveness and client engagement, Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) has officially launched the Stagwell News Network. This platform serves as a private marketplace associated with the company’s Future of News initiative, aimed at increasing investment and engagement in quality news content across industries. With its launch, Stagwell aims to bridge the gap between leading publishers and brands, granting advertisers direct access to major news outlets. This initiative includes partnerships with prominent publishers such as Newsweek, NPR, The Washington Post, and TIME among others.
As part of the introduction of the News Network, Stagwell has also shared findings from recent research. Conducted by HarrisX among over 7,000 U.S. adults, the research highlights a rise in news consumption, particularly among engaged audiences referred to as 'News Junkies.' This group, consisting of approximately 80.4 million U.S. adults, shows a notable preference for brands that use news-based advertising, demonstrating higher metrics in purchase intent, favorability, and trustworthiness.
Stagwell’s Chairman and CEO, Mark Penn, emphasized the critical role that news media plays in advertising outcomes. He pointed out that campaigns utilizing news platforms achieve a significant uplift in performance. The company’s findings reveal that the average purchase intention among this group stands at 66%, surpassing the mere 50% exhibited by the general population. Additionally, Stagwell’s metrics illustrate that news advertising can yield up to three times the average return on ad spend compared to other media channels, underscoring the value of engaging news consumers.
The research further illuminates the growing tendency of audiences, particularly Exclusive News Junkies—those who closely follow news but not sports or entertainment. This demographic has increased by roughly 7.2 million individuals since 2024 and now constitutes 13.8% of the general U.S. population. Notably, nearly 60% of these individuals are following news more closely than in previous years, with increased attention toward political and economic news. Stagwell is keen on leveraging this shift in audience behavior to optimize client advertising strategies.
To celebrate the launch of the Stagwell News Network and share insights on the effectiveness of news-related advertising, Stagwell will also host the inaugural NewsFronts event in October 2025. This event aims to highlight the importance of news in the marketing mix, featuring key discussions and presentations from industry leaders.
Stagwell’s commitment to revolutionizing news consumption through creative and analytical initiatives positions them at the forefront of marketing innovation. As the company drives investments into news, it continues to foster a collaborative environment that brings together the marketing and news media sectors. The Future of News Initiative not only promotes discussions about funding quality journalism but also empowers brands to connect meaningfully with consumers.
advertisers are encouraged to engage with this rapidly evolving news landscape. With access to the right audiences and compelling advertising formats, brands have the potential to enhance their reach and effectiveness significantly. As highlighted by Stagwell’s research findings, creating campaigns that incorporate news content proves to be a strategic move for those looking to stand out in a competitive marketplace. To learn more about the Future of News Initiative, interested parties can directly contact Stagwell or visit their website for in-depth insights and resources. The Stagwell News Network stands as a testament to the company's vision of harmonizing creativity with data-driven strategies, ensuring that clients leverage the strong implications of news consumption in their advertising efforts.