The summer of 2025 is bringing significant changes to the communications landscape, according to Susan Davis International (SDI). The firm, which has a nearly 50-year history in traditional media outreach, is adapting to an environment where digital marketing, social media, newsletters, videos, and podcasts are playing a larger role in reaching audiences.
“The only constant in life is change.” This quote from Greek philosopher Heraclitus was referenced by SDI as the company reflects on the shifting nature of news consumption and technology use. The organization noted that while traditional media remains important, it is now one element among many in strategic planning.
SDI highlighted several key developments this summer:
Razia Jan, founder of Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation and advocate for girls’ education in Afghanistan, passed away at age 81. The foundation’s Zabuli Education Center continues to provide educational opportunities for about 800 girls. SDI Chairman Susan Davis commented on her passing: “SDI Chairman Susan Davis was a close friend of Razia’s and has been honored to serve as board chair for the Foundation for more than a decade. We are deeply saddened by her passing, though we know many will carry her brilliant vision and humanity forward. It is a shame, however, that one’s lifechanging work isn’t celebrated by global media like the New York Times, the Economist, NBC’s TODAY Show, and others until death.”
Artificial intelligence is being used more practically by organizations. SDI cited its clients Maximus and the B&O Railroad Museum as examples—Maximus uses AI to improve mailroom efficiency for state agencies while the museum applies AI technology to digitize millions of historical railroad records.
Local news syndicates remain influential in sharing stories nationwide. For instance, when a World War II veteran was reunited with his tank at Quantico’s National Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps on August 15th—a story covered locally by Stars & Stripes and WTOP radio—SDI worked with Nexstar’s DC bureau to syndicate coverage across 116 local markets.
The caregiving sector is growing rapidly; currently one out of four Americans serves as a caregiver. There are also an estimated 14.3 million military or veteran caregivers nationally. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation addressed this trend during its Annual Convening this summer. Its COO Elizabeth Feld appeared on the All Home Care Matters podcast discussing future support needs for caregivers.
Several historic anniversaries were recognized this year including the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps—ahead of America’s semiquincentennial celebration in 2026—as well as preparations for commemorating two centuries since the founding of America’s railroad industry next year.
Finally, SDI noted contributions from its summer interns Leonor Selas do Amaral and Jessica Graham who provided insights into generational differences regarding technology use within professional settings.
