Triggering the Millionaire Clause
There's alot of conversation on a number of blogs about the impact of Bob Corker's decision to trigger the so-called millionaire clause.
Corker's campaign announcing today that he is lending himself 2 million dollars. And that allows Harold Ford Junior supporters - already legally maxed out on their donations - to give more money.
But will Ford have enough time to gather his money and make media buys to counter Corker's spending?
A check of the WATE sales department suggests that Ford may have been anticipating Corker's move today. The sales folks say Ford made additional buys just today. Corker also has inventory on our air over the next several days as we wind down to November 7.
I imagine if you check with the other stations here in Knoxville and in the other media markets in the state, similar purchases by the Ford campaign were also made.
Competitive races like the Corker/Ford senate race mean big bucks for TV stations. We and all the other stations charge premium prices for airtime. That's the good news for us.
The other side of the equation though -- to make room and give all candidates equal airtime often means dropping local advertiser spots. Local advertisers don't like it when we drop their ads, so alot of fence mending takes place after the election season.
As for the campaigns, we'll continue to take political buys up until 5 PM on Tuesday, election day. After that, it's back to car ads and furniture sales.
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I think everyone knew Big
I think everyone knew Big Oil Bob was going to do this a week before. Ford saw it coming and I am sure he had his invoices ready to go. Over 25 million dollars combined! God bless the third parties.
[...] Local news anchor Gene
[...] Local news anchor Gene Patterson says: A check of the WATE sales department suggests that Ford may have been anticipating Corker’s move today. The sales folks say Ford made additional buys just today. Corker also has inventory on our air over the next several days as we wind down to November 7. [...]
I have had it with these
I have had it with these candidates and how much money they are spending!! Is it only me who thinks 35 million is ridiculous to spend on ads on tv and in newspapers????
When I think of all of the children who need food, the people who need basic healthcare, and even those who cannot afford to go to college, it makes me sick to think Corker and Ford (and the dem and repub parties) are wasting money talking about the very issues they could be helping with this money!!!!
Unfortunately, the $35
Unfortunately, the $35 million was needed to use local media to "Get in your face." It's easy to understand how Corker can get his money for campaign ads, since his party stands for corporate wealth; but I commend Harold Ford on being able to raise any money at all, seeing that his side represents the Social Program side of the fence, which is (at this time) financially unpopular.
You are correct. The political advertising should be free, but until Social and Political reform surface, it seems we're stuck in this $'s/minute mode.