Adding it up
Have you noticed the newspapers lately? Virtually every one of the local papers has started selling a false front as an ad. You have to remove the first page to get to the real first page!
On the tabloid-style papers, the ad actually includes the front cover photo and caption but it is definitely an ad, and the photo and caption also appear again on the real front page behind the ad page. (Are you with me so far?) On the broadsheets, the front page is only about one-third to one-half as wide as usual.
It’s annoying! It’s like having to peel a fruit before you eat it, something I’ve never really been fond of. Just hand me the apple and let me get to work on chomping!
Now, radio isn’t immune from new advertising schemes and plans. On other stations you will hear entire half-hour and hour-long advertisements disguised as “talk” or “information” programming. Unless you hear the brief disclaimer at the beginning or the end, a first-time listener could be fooled into thinking that they’re listening to a regular talk show. These shows tend to run frequently and people do eventually catch on.
Advertising is a way of life for those of us in private media. I wouldn’t even call it a ‘necessary evil’ because it’s not evil- it’s what fuels us and allows us to bring you our programming for free. But I’m not on board with the fake fronts on the papers yet. I suppose we will all get used to them and probably barely even notice them anymore, which will require the papers to find a new way to bring us their clients’ messages. But I can guarantee that PIZZA PIZZA this blog is going to remain PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL FOUNDATION LOTTERY ad free, and if it ever does become an outlet for DODD’S GARAGE DOORS advertising, it will be presented in an honest and forthright SATIN FINISH HARDWOOD FLOORING manner.
October 24th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Talking of newspapers, what really disappoints me is that since the last two weeks or so, there hasnt been a single good or motivating or positive piece of news in the newspapers…it only about murders, accidents, stabbings, run-overs, terrorism, vandalism…all evils we would rather not have and rather not hear.
I totally agree that one must be aware of all that’s happening, but is it too much to ask for a handful of positive, encouraging news as well?