Mississippi ponders bill to block Radio/TV ad buying, by its own agencies

[Groove1670]

Here is one for the Mississippi broadcasters.

From Radio-info:

The Mississippi Senate is considering a bill to prohibit state agencies from buying airtime on radio or TV. Republican state Sen. Merle Flowers tells WLBT television that “millions and millions of taxpayers dollars are going for a whole bunch of bogus programs that are advertised all over the state, and we’re going to put a stop to it.” The Flowers bill would not prohibit state agencies from buying space in newspapers, while there is an exception for PSAs that have to be run because of a commitment involving federal dollars. In addition, the ban wouldn’t apply to colleges and universities. The Flowers bill (S. 2736) has been sent out of the Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Committee to the full Senate. More from WLBT

Why not newspapers?

 

[landtuna]

It might be nice to check the "millions and millions of dollars" claim as well.

 

[Casual_Observer]

Hey all -

Try this link:

http://www.seethespending.org/st/ve...south&p=&pn=*ALL+VENDORS*&d=*ALL*&o=*ALL*&fy=

The state has spent over $6.3M with Telesouth (SuperTalk network) alone. That's about $800k annually for each year for which the detailed records exist - and that doesn't include the current fiscal year or years before 2003.

$545k+ spent with Clear Channel, $83k+ with Cumulus, $60k+ with Backyard Broadcasting, et cetera.

It is my understanding that Lt. Governor Tate Reeves is behind it all, as SuperTalk was not necessarily kind to him during the Republican Primaries last year....

--- Casual Observer

 

[Groove1670]

$545k+ spent with Clear Channel, $83k+ with Cumulus, $60k+ with Backyard Broadcasting, et cetera.

How will this impact small stations?

 

[Casual_Observer]

I would tend to think that this would have very little impact on smaller markets, as it appears as if the larger groups are the ones who benefit from State funds. TeleSouth would have the most to lose in radio dollars, as government money makes up SO much of their budget... but I honestly don't see this bill possibly coming to fruition. The MAB is pushing back hard, and the TV stations have a vested interest as well. We started a policy here at WYAB 103.9 FM in 2009 to not accept paid ads from government agencies, but we will run them as PSAs.

--- Casual Observer

 

[jboyd]

I think it is flawed for it's discriminatory treatment of Radio/TV vs the newspapers, and billboards, etc. It is almost an extension of the "Obamaism" approach...Do our legislators have anything more pressing to do?,,,and they will still accept our freebies, AKA PSA's...Go figure...JBI

 

[landtuna]

I was trying to think of paid ads from gubmint in my state and about the only thing coming to mind would be the Lottery.

Legal Notices are printed in the newspaper but you never see or hear those OTA.

What other kind of advertising would a state do that wouldn't be considered a PSA?

 

[jboyd]

Consider the State offices of Tourism, the Mississippi Egg Board...The Mississippi Beef Producers, etc. There are many more, I am sure...JBI

 

[landtuna]

Consider the State offices of Tourism, the Mississippi Egg Board...The Mississippi Beef Producers, etc. There are many more, I am sure...JBI

Those crossed my mind but wouldn't most advertising for the Tourist Board be out of state?

And are orgs like the Egg Board and Beef Producers industry organizations, not gubmint?

 

[jboyd]

I am not positive, so will not speculate...JBI

 

[lfuss]

In some places, public agencies use radio (and TV) for "public outreach." The Dept. of Transportation, the WIC program, the Dept. of Health Immunization program, tourism authority, etc. In most cases, stations offer a discounted rate to government agencies or run matching spots at no charge. Many stations, mine included, also have a policy that we will not do any PSAs for any organization that spend money elsewhere - whether that be newspaper, billboards, or a competitor. So, if your church is having a bake sale and you want it announced on the radio, we will not do it as a PSA if you bought an ad in the newspaper.

LF

 

[jboyd]

Larry...We have a similar policy..I tell them if you have money to spend, we have to get in on it too! Most understand, some not...better off without them! JBI

 

[jo-nathan]

Consider the State offices of Tourism, the Mississippi Egg Board...The Mississippi Beef Producers, etc. There are many more, I am sure...JBI

First of all, why do we need tax payer dollars being spent on these orgs to begin with? I don't k now about you but I'm well aware of eggs, beef and of the attractions in Mississippi without advertising. It's waste, pure and simple.

Second, my understanding is that the bill would require a bidding process and that the agencies wouldn't be able to just willy-nilly spend money without being held accountable for it. I don't think it would "prohibit" buying advertising so much as it would give more transparency into the process.

 

[jboyd]

I am compelled to reply, but desist...thanks JBI

 

[jboyd]

I have been unofficially notified that this bill died for this year. JBI