Did you know that's a form of advertising known as product placement? And it's a type of stealth advertising that's grown 8% in the first half of 2009 with 9,540 prime-time product placements.
Some critics want the FCC to require networks to disclose these placements. Their proposals range from text running along the bottom of the screen to a flashing red light alerting viewers when an advertiser is pushing something. A red light – give me a break!
Look at shows like the Biggest Loser in which the dieting contestants hike from one Subway to another to get a meal as part of the contest. It seems like a natural part of the show and Tv viewers are smart enough to "get" that Subway paid to be a part of it. They also offer disclosures at the end of the show. ("Special consideration provided by Subway" for example.)
So what do you think? Where is the line? Talking about a McFlurry vs. walking to Subway? What about driving a certain kind of car or discussing brand name shoes (Hello, Sex in the City)? You decide. Are you being deceived? Or is it just the next generation of advertising?
Source: Facts have been taken from Business Week, October 26, 2009. Post also includes opinions of blog author, Michelle Lefebvre.
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