Print Advertising in 2026: More Relevant Than You Think

By Chris Eden, Managing Director

For years, marketers have been told that everything is moving to digital. But the latest data suggests consumers aren’t replacing their existing media—they’re adding to it.

According to a 2026 Cincinnati Media Consumption Study, 90.2% of adults are streaming content, yet 88.7% are still watching traditional television. Beyond that, nearly 1 in 4 adults regularly visit Cincinnati.com. The lesson? Consumers engage with multiple media channels every day.

So, what role does a hyper-local print publication like Living play? It’s two things: trust and recall!

Research consistently shows that print remains one of the most trusted advertising channels. In fact, consumers are roughly twice as likely to trust print ads as opposed to social media advertising. Studies have also found that print advertising delivers up to 70% higher recall than digital ads.

For local businesses, trust matters. Print advertising places your message in a focused, distraction-free environment and alongside the stories that define a community. Unlike a digital ad that disappears with a scroll, magazines and community publications often remain in homes for months, creating repeated exposure over time.

The most effective marketing strategies in 2026 aren’t choosing between print and digital. They’re combining both. Digital builds frequency. Social builds awareness. Print builds credibility and trust.

Email me at chris@livingmagazines.com to learn more about this data and how we can partner together to elevate your brand.