Today as I'm sure everyone knows is the
Superbowl XLV (!) between the Green Bay Packers, and the Steelers. It's a super hyped up event, as last year over 106 million people tuned in to watch. I'm sure many of the people are tuning in to actually watch the game, but a good percent of the people are only watching for the commercials. Since the beginning of the Superbowl in 1966, it has become increasingly media based, rather than based on the actual game. The program is advertised by the quality commercials shown in between plays, and the over the top, entertaining half time show, this year featuring the
Black Eyed Peas. It has become so focused on commercials that many cable channels have begun broadcasting programs featuring the "Best Superbowl Commercials of All Time". The question is, why has the Superbowl become so focused on the media, rather than the actual game? The most obvious answer is money. Since hundreds of millions of people are watching, companies spend millions of dollars creating the best advertisement possible. But is this really necessary? Will people really wish to spend their money more on a company that featured Justin Bieber in their commercial, versus a company that didn't? While watching the game, it will be interesting to think about whether or not the over the top commercials actually attract costumers, and whether or not they are worth it.
Today as I'm sure everyone knows is the Superbowl XLV (!) between the Green Bay Packers, and the Steelers. It's a super hyped up event, as last year over 106 million people tuned in to watch. I'm sure many of the people are tuning in to actually watch the game, but a good percent of the people are only watching for the commercials. Since the beginning of the Superbowl in 1966, it has become increasingly media based, rather than based on the actual game. The program is advertised by the quality commercials shown in between plays, and the over the top, entertaining half time show, this year featuring the Black Eyed Peas. It has become so focused on commercials that many cable channels have begun broadcasting programs featuring the "Best Superbowl Commercials of All Time". The question is, why has the Superbowl become so focused on the media, rather than the actual game? The most obvious answer is money. Since hundreds of millions of people are watching, companies spend millions of dollars creating the best advertisement possible. But is this really necessary? Will people really wish to spend their money more on a company that featured Justin Bieber in their commercial, versus a company that didn't? While watching the game, it will be interesting to think about whether or not the over the top commercials actually attract costumers, and whether or not they are worth it.
I too think the marketing behind the commercials is very interesting. I was with someone who worked in marketing (or claimed to be) and they said that if coke did not have a commercial they actually would lose money, and was pretty confident that it was true. To me it doesn't make sense, but major companies do spend tons of money putting an advertisement during the Superbowl and I bet they have done plenty of research to find out if it is necessary to do so.
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