Media Mindfulness

One of the least discussed aspects of media is the extent to which the auto industry actually shores up programming and content. In our ad-based media system, car commercials represent the single largest group of ads. My non-scientific estimate is that car ads account for roughly 25% of primetime airtime on television. With a slumping car business (Gas prices? Decreased sex appeal?), magazines are now feeling the pinch of withering placements. As media-minded people, it is important to make the connection between the auto industry, oil companies, war, global warming and advertising. This systems view of media literacy is generally eschewed for the more content oriented-sensational topics of sex and violence.

AUTO AD SLUMP CRUSHES MAGAZINES:

“DETROIT (AdAge.com) — Auto advertising in magazines suffered a meltdown in 2005, with publishers losing almost $100 million in revenue. Worse news for publishers: The new year in print ads for cars has dawned a lot like last year ended — dead.”

(Via Ad Age.)