Company Updates
Stacker Newswire: 2024 year in review
Stacker continued to grow and adapt to publisher needs in 2024, with a big focus on personalization. Here's what happened, and what we expect for...
With our macro lens looking across publishing patterns of 4,000 publications, here's what we observed in 2024 and what we expect to see this year.
The past couple years have been challenging for publishers across the US, marked by significant industry upheaval. A staggering 258 newspapers have closed and 458 changed ownership, according to the Medill School of Journalism. Public trust in traditional news is waning amid sociopolitical polarization and a fractured digital media landscape.
Publishers have been striving to own their audiences, and reduce dependence on platforms like Google, Meta and X. As Stacker’s diverse network of publishers has grown, we’ve seen a clear need for personalized, fact-based stories to resonate with hyperspecific audiences. It’s not just about filling content gaps, but finding Stacker stories that will maximize reader reach and engagement with the specific audience each publisher is trying to reach. As such we’ve developed advanced content filtering and new methods of story delivery.
With our macro lens looking across publishing patterns of 4,000 publications, here's what we observed in 2024 and what we expect to see this year.
Look back on 2024
Dominance of financial topics
“Pocketbook” topics from career insights to cost of living had the highest pickups across our network. There was also an appetite for content that improves financial literacy, with a big focus on personal finances in the second half of the year. This reflects a growing concern from readers about economic pressures, such as inflation and premiums. Predictive pieces that helped consumers prepare for what’s to come were particularly popular.
Transportation emerged as a key subcategory under our Money category, reinforcing interest in practical issues such as commuting costs, autonomous vehicle safety, and infrastructure developments. Articles examining topics like the hidden costs of commuting captured audiences. Safety remained a consistent theme, with pieces on vehicle reliability and traffic concerns driving significant engagement.
Subcategories of high pickup stories across the network in H2 2024
News that hits close to home
The “Money” category continued receiving the most pickups in the second half of 2024. However, when looking at “Standout” stories–350+ high pickups and tens of thousands of content viewers–“News” stories came out on top. Unsurprisingly, timeliness captures the larger readership. Topics tangential to the election dominated the news cycle for months on end. We saw a big pull for policy content affecting people directly, such as healthcare, taxes and voter issues. 
Stories about consumer tech, and more specifically about AI, privacy and changes in streaming and tech platforms were also in high demand. We also saw the emergence of cultural trends, with a growing demand for stories around tentpole awareness months and shifting inclusivity movements.
What to expect in 2025
The value of local
Whether discussing regional economic trends or community safety, these stories resonate deeply with readers seeking content that feels directly relevant to their lives. Much of our network are already experts in hyperlocal reporting, but still seek stories from our wire that will put their region in context within larger trending stories.
Though we expect partners to gravitate toward our lighter, dependable topics around Lifestyle and Entertainment, they still highly value our timely News. We wouldn’t be surprised if News stories that succeed the most provide fresh perspectives on widely discussed trends, offering readers deeper insights or alternative viewpoints.
Evolving safety concerns
Safety is a recurring concern across different sectors, and it will continue to draw attention this year.
- In the Money category, we expect stories around transportation, finance scams and job security being successful.
- News - stories about community safety, civil rights and healthcare access should also draw attention.
- Science - stories about the environment, especially strategies for preparing for natural disasters —and its far-reaching effects on communities, economies, and infrastructure, will be front and center.
- Health - public health trends, nutrition and mental health issues, will continue engaging due to their tangible impact on everyday life.
- Finally, content discussing AI should continue capturing interest, no matter the category they intersect with - News, Money, Science, Entertainment, Lifestyle.
The state of media is in flux, but publishers are proving resilient by adapting to challenges and leaning into opportunities. As the industry continues to evolve, Stacker is committed to supporting partners with personalized solutions. Every story that hits the Stacker network finds its audience, especially now that we offer publishers various ways to filter through the content to find the golden nuggets that align with their content goals. Whether you’re a publisher seeking fresh angles or a brand offering unique angles on a more general topic, reach out to our team and start planning your distribution strategy to make sure your content reaches its audience in 2025.
As the Senior Partner Success Director at Stacker, Angelica Catalano Sanchez works with publishers to incorporate high-quality, data-driven content into everyday coverage. With nearly 15 years in content production and partnership management, her work has been showcased on platforms including PBS, Teen Vogue, and leading nonprofits. She has utilized collaborative storytelling to help grow The Mighty into a 3M-member community. Angelica holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
Photo Illustration by Stacker // Canva