[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWaxuuAsuV0&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
It’s no secret that cable advertising is regional, that is why you never see a ‘Popeye’s chicken’ ad in SF, well maybe once in awhile. I know a couple of cable ad salesmen in town, and advertising is very focused on our community, so when I got this email today, I thought I would post it. Food for thought;
Hey Scott, I don’t imagine you watch much cable TV because you’re probably like me and stick to the internet for news… but today I noticed something odd.
Is Walmart launching a campaign with a massive broadcast budget? My parents told me they’ve been seeing these commercials for the past month.
On CNN today, I noticed over 2 hours over 2 different programs that Walmart ran a commercial during every single commercial break. Not lying, every single commercial break included a 30 or 60 second WM ads. Other ads talked about how WM gives back to the community through charity.. the theme of these commercials is “Get to know the Real Walmart at theRealWalmart.com”
These ads are not your typical WM, Target, Home Depot commercials.. nothing like them at all. These ads don’t talk about saving money or current specials, or even any products/services at all. The commercial I saw today highlighted an employee who’s paying for his college with his “good paying” job at WM, it ends with the young black male saying “I hope when you look at WM, you look at me investing in my future”. So – these commercials are 100% about promoting WM’s image and credibility – not selling anything. This is essentially indirect campaigning in advance of the likely referendum vote they can expect from SON.
Try to see one of these ads for yourself if you can. I think every major cable network is running them.