Business environment in Phoenix, Arizona
Offering 300-plus days of sunshine annually, the metropolitan Phoenix area is expected to grow to 6 million people by 2029 and represents nearly 73% of the state’s economy. Phoenix is the 5th largest U.S. city and boasts 40-plus colleges and universities to prepare the state’s workforce. Projected employment growth for the next decade is 15%. With a median age of 37.6, Phoenix is the 4th youngest U.S. major metro city. Over 35 million consumers can be reached within a single day truck haul, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport connects to 100 domestic and 24 international locations via 1,200 flights daily. Tourism and hospitality, technology, retail, construction and real estate, as well as a thriving small business environment are among the many industries that call Arizona, the Grand Canyon state, home.
Phoenix, Arizona | Courtesy of Visit Phoenix
Communications and media market in Phoenix, Arizona
The marketing communications industry in Arizona is well-educated, highly specialized, and is well-versed in both traditional and digital strategies.
The communications professionals throughout Arizona, public relations practitioners and journalists alike, are tight-knit and collaborative. There are more than 400 media outlets across print, broadcast, and online platforms, many of which focus on hyperlocal news in their regional metro area. Broadcast television stations in Phoenix and Tucson have popular morning programming, multiple newscasts, as well as fee-based and breaking news programming throughout the day. Major daily and community newspapers as well as news talk radio round out the media landscape in the state.
Key expertise of HMA Public Relations
1. Media Relations: The HMA Public Relations team understands not only what makes a great story but where the right place is to tell it. Our team will work with you to implement a strategic media relations effort that aligns with your organizational goals.
2. Crisis/Issues Management: In today’s rapidly changing global landscape and unpredictable social dynamics, organizations are more susceptible to unexpected events that can impact operations, financial health or damage a well-earned reputation. Partnering with an agency like HMA Public Relations adds an additional layer of protection for your organization. We constantly scan for issues and provide counsel and awareness of potential issues to avoid or mitigate before they can impact the trust you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
3. Thought Leadership and Content Marketing: The thought leadership content created and distributed by HMA Public Relations can drive increased business and create long-term customer relationships.
4. Digital Communications: The authentic, personalized content we create and distribute through various digital platforms seeks to improve brand reputation and build brand awareness.
Top 3 advice for foreign companies to navigate the media and communications environment in Phoenix, Arizona
1. Successful public relations campaigns come from knowing the market. You might think “Phoenix,” but should you also consider other communities such as Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, Chandler, Surprise, Paradise Valley, or Fountain Hills. Looking to expand into Southern or Northern Arizona? Understanding the nuances of the state is an important factor when considering your public relations efforts.
2. Respect cultural differences. Arizona is home to 22 Native American communities, each with its own sovereign land and tribal government. More than two million Latinos call Arizona home. Black Americans are moving to Phoenix in historic numbers. In order to work in any field, it is critical to understand and respect the cultural makeup of the state.
3. We are your trusted advisor. We want to help you become part of the community. From involvement in nonprofit and civic organizations to understanding the political climate and who are the decision-makers in town, we stand side-by-side with you to ensure your communications goals align with your organizational goals.
Most influential media for consumer communications in Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona Republic/AZ Central: The Arizona Republic is the daily newspaper, published in Phoenix. Circulated throughout Arizona, it is the state’s largest newspaper. Since 2000, it has been owned by the Gannett newspaper chain. AZ Central is its online counterpart. The number of people who visited the outlet’s domain in a month is estimated at 6,361,787.
Arizona’s Family: Arizona’s Family – with two broadcast channels in KTVK 3TV (IND) and KPHO-TV5 (CBS) as well as expanded coverage on azfamily.com – is the premier local news, weather, sports, and entertainment destination in Arizona. It serves all Arizonans from its studios in the Phoenix metro area, with bureau locations in Flagstaff and Yuma. Owned by Gray Media Group, Arizona’s Family delivers original content, 24/7 live breaking news, weather, and in-depth coverage on issues facing the state.
KJZZ FM: KJZZ is an award-winning, listener-supported public radio station broadcasting throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. As the National Public Radio member station for the region, KJZZ features a mix of local, national, and world news, including BBC, American Public Media and Public Radio International. The station airs classic jazz and blues nightly and entertaining weekend programs.
PHOENIX magazine: For more than 40 years, PHOENIX magazine has focused its Valleywide editorial content on in-depth features, informative narratives and profiles as well as investigative pieces that keep its 385,500 subscribers in touch with the latest trends, events, personalities and places.
Phoenix New Times: The Phoenix New Times is a free, weekly newspaper, distributed every Thursday throughout the Valley. Phoenix New Times publishes daily online coverage of local news, restaurants, music, arts, cannabis, as well as longform narrative journalism. The number of people who visited the outlet’s domain in a month is estimated at 1,236,446.
Most influential media for corporate communications in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix Business Journal: The Phoenix Business Journal is the No. 1 source in Arizona for business news and information. It publishes a weekly edition in print covering breaking news and trends, offering business leads and tips, and featuring special sections on a variety of topics. It also provides daily news on its website and through email updates. The number of people who visited the outlet’s domain in a month is estimated at 6,187,197.
KTAR FM: KTAR-FM (92.3 MHz) is a commercial radio station serving the Phoenix metropolitan area. KTAR-FM’s talk radio format includes news reports at the top and bottom of every hour, sports and weather updates as well as long-form programs throughout the day. The number of people who visited the outlet’s domain in a month is estimated at 928,029.
AZ Big Media: For more than 30 years, AZ Big Media covers business and lifestyle news through the print editions of AZ Business magazine, AZRE, Ranking Arizona, Az Business Leaders, Home and Design, Experience AZ, People & Projects to Know, Play Ball and Arizona Business Angels. In addition to its print outlets, stories are regularly published on azbigmedia.com. In addition, the website features breaking business news as well as a digital newsletter with more than 150,000 subscribers. The number of people who visited the outlet’s domain in a month is estimated at 260,589. Readership in its media kit is listed at over 1 million per month.
In Business Phoenix: In Business Magazine and inbusinessphx.com features in-depth content on leadership and management, sales and marketing, human resources, technology, finance and communications. The number of people who visited the outlet’s domain in a month is estimated at 15,000. Combined readership in its media kit is listed at 106,000 per month.
Arizona Capitol Times: A non-partisan, weekly newspaper covering state politics and government is published every Friday. The statewide newspaper focuses on the Arizona Legislature, the state’s other elected officials and governmental agencies. There is also business coverage, especially as it relates to and impacts the economy and government impact. The number of people who visited the outlet’s domain in a month is estimated at 56,597.
Most popular social media channels in Arizona
YouTube: With 216 million YouTube users in the United States, an estimated 4.8 million are Arizonans. YouTube has retained its status as the premier video-sharing platform, widely used across the globe.
X: X, formerly Twitter, is most used in the United States with 105 million users, and an estimated 2.3 million from Arizona. X is a popular platform for local engagement and a key platform for connecting with media contacts.
Instagram: Instagram has over 169 million users in the United States and an estimated 3.7 million in Arizona. Instagram is home to visual content and is the preferred platform for social media users aged 16-34.
Facebook: The United States has 175 million Facebook users with an estimated 4.3 million from Arizona. Facebook engages all audiences and is a helpful tool to connect local public relations professionals in Arizona.
TikTok: TikTok has nearly 150 million users from the United States on the platform and an estimated 3.4 million in Arizona. TikTok is a social media giant leading the pack in short-form video content sharing.
LinkedIn: The United States represents over 200 million LinkedIn users, and an estimated 5.8 million users in Arizona. LinkedIn is the leading networking platform dedicated to fostering professional connections and business growth.
Reddit: Reddit, a popular online discussion forum for all communities, has 52 million daily active users worldwide with nearly half of visitors from the United States.
Snapchat: Snapchat is a photo-sharing platform with an audience of over 106 million in the United States. Snapchat is most popular among younger audiences and has become an increasingly notable platform for marketing opportunities.
Most important international events in greater Phoenix in 2024
Barrett-Jackson: Barrett-Jackson, considered by many as the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction, takes place for a week in January annually. The 2024 event recorded a record-breaking $207.6 million in sales. The organization also hosts the four-day Scottsdale Fall Auction featuring entertainment and lifestyle elements.
WM Phoenix Open: The WM Phoenix Open, Phoenix’s singular largest-scale event takes place each year in February. Nicknamed “The People’s Open,” it has been named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times acknowledging the tournament’s status as one the most unique events in golf. The 2024 tournament marked the 89th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 15th with WM as title sponsor. The event is led by The Thunderbirds, a philanthropic organization whose mission is promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds have helped the tournament eclipse $190 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932 (through the 2023 tournament).
Cactus League Spring Training: Founded in 1947, the Cactus League has blossomed into a baseball fan’s paradise, with 10 ballparks hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams. Hosted by the Arizona Cactus League Association, the Cactus League is committed to strengthening and promoting the spring training industry while serving communities and contributing to the wonderful quality of life for all to enjoy in Arizona.
2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four®: The NCAA semifinals – nicknamed the Final Four – as well as the championship game was hosted at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the home stadium of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, in early April 2024.
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has become a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable funding to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities throughout the state. On Dec. 31, 2024, the Valley will play host to one of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal games during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.