The Media Landscape in 2025: A Rapidly Evolving Industry

By: Todd M. Schoenberger, CEO of CrossCheck Media Inc.; CIO of CrossCheck Management LLC

The media landscape in 2025 is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the exponential growth of streaming platforms and a marked shift in consumer behavior away from traditional cable services. This evolution is not only reshaping content consumption but also redefining employment within the industry.

The Surge of Streaming Platforms

In recent years, streaming services have experienced unprecedented growth. The global video streaming market was valued at approximately $106.83 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.5% from 2024 to 2030. This surge is attributed to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, with the market's revenue increasing to $297.40 billion in 2020. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with projections indicating that the media and entertainment industry's revenue will surpass $3.4 trillion by 2028.

Decline of Legacy Media

As streaming platforms flourish, traditional media outlets face challenges. Companies like the Daily Mail have announced plans to merge their print and online teams to adapt to the digital landscape, resulting in job cuts. Similarly, other publishers, including NBC News, CNN, and Vox, have implemented staff reductions in response to the evolving media environment.

Employment Trends in the Media Industry

The shift towards digital media has significant implications for employment. While traditional media outlets are downsizing, opportunities in digital content creation are expanding. The rise of streaming platforms, blogs, and influencer-driven media has created new roles in content production, digital marketing, and data analytics.

Recognizing these shifts, the White House recently announced a "new media seat" for streamers, bloggers, and influencers, acknowledging the growing influence of digital content creators in shaping public discourse.

The Rise of Content Creators

Content creators have become pivotal in the modern media ecosystem. Nearly 40% of individuals under 30 now get their news from influencers, highlighting a shift towards personalized and relatable content. This trend has led to the emergence of creator-led media ecosystems, where individuals leverage platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch to reach global audiences.

CrossCheck Media’s Success in the Evolving Landscape

As legacy media struggles, innovative companies like CrossCheck Media are thriving in this rapidly changing industry. CrossCheck Media turns three years old this month—on February 18th, to be exact—and has positioned itself at the forefront of the digital media revolution. By embracing streaming, podcasting, and digital newsletters, CrossCheck Media has built a powerful multi-platform presence that caters to today’s media consumers.

CrossCheck Media operates three business verticals: Video, Audio, and Digital Print. Through its flagship network, Biz Talk Today TV (BTT), its video content is distributed across dozens of global streaming platforms, reaching millions of viewers each month. Additionally, its audio programs average approximately 125,000 downloads per month and are distributed on major platforms like Apple, SiriusXM/Pandora, iHeart, Spotify, and Amazon. The company’s digital newsletters have also seen exponential growth, with a subscriber base of approximately 675,000.

These numbers illustrate how CrossCheck Media is succeeding precisely because of the ongoing transformation within the media industry. As consumers move away from traditional television and print, CrossCheck Media has capitalized on the demand for high-quality, accessible, and specialized content.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the media industry is poised for further transformation. Key trends include the mainstream adoption of artificial intelligence in content creation, the growth of niche streaming platforms catering to specific audiences, and the expansion of immersive media experiences through virtual and augmented reality.

In conclusion, the media landscape in 2025 is characterized by a decline in traditional media employment and a surge in opportunities within digital platforms. As consumers continue to "cut the cord" and embrace streaming services, companies like CrossCheck Media are proving that adaptation and innovation are key to long-term success in the modern media era.

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