ESPN Ads Target Obama

[Boom_70]

Did not see this anywhere else on SJ, ect ect
If the MODs want to take down ect , ect. Thought it would be a
good fit as sports journalism topic since it involves ESPN.
Please stay away from politics, ect ect.

Found this note in Politico pretty interesting and wonder if its money well spent or wasted:

BREAKING THROUGH -- "Winning over Obama with ESPN," by Anna Palmer : "Companies and trade associations are ... buying up airtime on ESPN. Media strategists tell POLITICO they offer up the all-sports network as an option to clients who want to get their issues in front of Obama and top White House officials, known as big sports fans and rabid ESPN watchers. 'It's certainly a tactic that's talked about a lot,' said one media strategist, who had a client advertise on ESPN in hopes of reaching Obama during the climate change debate of his first term. ... The strategist said the ads can't be so obvious that Obama knows he's the intended audience. ... Microsoft ... took to 'Monday Night Football' to bash Google as part of its 'Scroogled' campaign. The ad ran locally at least twice during the Washington Redskins and New York Giants game in December. Scroogle ads are also running on ESPN now in D.C.... Local ad buys on ESPN in D.C. range from around $750 to $1,000 per spot and at the national level could be in the $15,000 to $20,000 range ...

 

[SFIND]

Who watches commercials anyway?

 

[Boom_70]

Who watches commercials anyway?

I don't specially when watching sporting events. I use the time to catch up on reading which is likely what they do in Washington also.

 

[SFIND]

Who watches commercials anyway?

I don't specially when watching sporting events. I use the time to catch up on reading which is likely what they do in Washington also.

I wonder how many people really do, especially today when many probably already have a smartphone/tablet etc. on their lap while watching TV. During a game, commercials are snack/restroom etc. break time.

 

[Michael_ Gee]

I think it's pretty amazing ESPN has found advertisers who believe the President of the U.S. can't use the remote. I mean, I was no fan of George W. Bush, but I'm sure he was more than capable of switching to another game when commercials came on.

 

[Boom_70]

I think it's pretty amazing ESPN has found advertisers who believe the President of the U.S. can't use the remote. I mean, I was no fan of George W. Bush, but I'm sure he was more than capable of switching to another game when commercials came on.

That's a great point. There sure are some gullible people out there who should be
in a position to know better.

 

[zagoshe]

Outside of the Super Bowl when you are specifically watching commercials because it is sort of a tradition - do you really watch commercials? And do you really remember what is actually being advertised?

I know I don't - I go right to another channel during commercials.

I know the market research must suggest people are still influenced by commercials, but they seem to be overpriced and outdated as a means of advertising.

 

[LongTimeListener]

Most of the market research, though, says the one place that ads still carry weight is on live sports. Other than some special occasion like the Oscars or election night, sports is the only thing people watch in real time -- most people prefer that to going the DVR route.

 

[da man]

Outside of the Super Bowl when you are specifically watching commercials because it is sort of a tradition - do you really watch commercials? And do you really remember what is actually being advertised?

I know I don't - I go right to another channel during commercials.

I know the market research must suggest people are still influenced by commercials, but they seem to be overpriced and outdated as a means of advertising.

And yet everyone seems to know instantly when a funny commercial is introduced, or a controversial one or whatever. When someone mentions the hot chick in the [INSERT PRODUCT NAME HERE] commercial, everyone seems to know exactly who they're talking about. On the NCAA tournament thread, just as an example, there were numerous posts about the Charles Barkley/Alec Baldwin ads, the annoying kids ads, the girl flashing the camera in the Direct TV ads, the Bud Light blind date girl, etc.

Clearly, someone is indeed still watching commercials. Even some of the ever-so-hip people who post here.

 

[poindexter]

Outside of the Super Bowl when you are specifically watching commercials because it is sort of a tradition - do you really watch commercials? And do you really remember what is actually being advertised?

I know I don't - I go right to another channel during commercials.

I know the market research must suggest people are still influenced by commercials, but they seem to be overpriced and outdated as a means of advertising.

Outside the Super Bowl, I make it a point to practically always dvr a game, at least a half hour ahead. NBA or NCAA needs a huge headstart. There is no need to watch commercials.

 

[BillyT]

I watch all the ads, because that's what's paying for the sport I watch.

Same on the Internet.

(Clicking on the Sprint ad)

 

[mythirdalt]

I've seen that good Hyundai commercial a bunch of times, with the kids challenging each other in football. I didn't think I watch commercials, but I guess I do.