Pasta fazul, so much money is squandered in our fine country. Wouldn't our nation be better served if: elections were held weeks after announcement (like in England, for instance); if politicians could do whatever it is they do without having to become marketing machines, constantly raising money? The election is two (!!) years away, yet candidates are already jostling for television time.
Advertising Age - TV Stations Prepare for $1 Billion Presidential Ad OnslaughtThe 2008 presidential race is shaping up to be an embarrassment of riches -- and possibly headaches -- for TV markets across the country.
Amid mouthwatering visions of more than $1 billion in spending on the most wide-open race since the TV era began, stations will have to devise some way to handle the rush when close to two dozen candidates come knocking at the same time. And some local TV stations will look to the web for help.
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Even though it's only January 2007 and basics such as the once-set-in-stone primary and caucus schedule have yet to be resolved, Evan Tracey, chief operating officer of TNSMI/Campaign Media, said advertising could well start in force this summer, with candidates trying to introduce or establish themselves early.
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The financial stakes are obviously high. Mr. Tracey estimated spending on the presidential race alone over the next two years could reach $1 billion. In 2004, $659 million was spent, with $314 million spent before the party conventions.Mr. Tracey predicts that any ad-allocation problems at local broadcast affiliates will be a boon for cable providers, cable channels and newspapers.
Tags: 2008_election
