Question - Advertising on Cable Networks

[TexasBushwhacker]

Okay, if a candidate wants to run ads on say, the History Channel, is that airtime paid for and booked by market, or is it nationwide since the network is nationwide.

The reason I ask is that there have been several Bush ads running on the History Channel this evening. Why do I find this odd? I'M IN TEXAS! Why the hell would the Bush campaign be wasting money running ads in Texas, unless they know something we don't?

[LTR]

1. Most cable systems have local slots available

We see all the ads up here in Wisconsin. Cable systems sell airtime to local interests. For example, Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold can buy time on CNN if he chooses (and he has, with some phenomenal advertising).

Some campaigns might do some national buys, but I have no idea why.

Perhaps you're actually watching FOX. That's a 24/7 Bush infomercial.

[TexasBushwhacker]

2. No, I have the History Channel on

That's why it's so wierd. I mean, if it was a national ad buy then it's not an issue. But if it's local or even regional, why would BUSH be buying airtime in Texas?

[KharmaTrain]

3. Depends On Your System...

Some sell local advertising, but usually only on the "big" channels...ESPN, Faux, MTV...and many systems will throw in a History Channel or MTV2 for free.

It's fairly easy to see who runs what...local breaks are generally within the top 5 minutes of the hour & half hour.

I used to love the History Channel but got tired of the militarisitic tone this channel takes. Fortunately, I get History International, New York Times Channel and several PBS and Discoveries here.

[LTR]

4. Discovery Times is a good channel

More history, less Hitler.

[Born_A_Truman]

5. History Channel

All cable networks can be purchased nationally or locally. Most national advertisers buy national cable but you can buy local cable by market and purchase whatever national cable network the local cable system carries.

I seriously doubt that either campaign would buy local cable, so most likely you are watching an ad that is running on the History Channel across the nation.

[newyawker99]

7. Hi Born_A_Truman!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[WatchWhatISay]

6. Maybe this will explain it

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x857993

WASHINGTON - President Bush's political team is orchestrating a vastly larger advertising campaign than thought possible under federal law, taking control of millions in Republican Party funds simply by inserting the phrase "our leaders in Congress" in selected commercials.

The GOP strategy had gone unnoticed for weeks by Sen. John Kerry and the Democrats, who now may abandon their own less cost-efficient approach to advertising.

Ken Mehlman, Bush's campaign manager, said in an interview that federal election law allows the campaign access to party money "provided that your message is broader than the individual candidate and includes a discussion of the overall agenda and the message of the party." The Republican National Committee has $93 million on hand.