Re: NonCom Advertising Grants
> > > > Why has there never been a broadcaster backlash
> against
> > > > so-called " non-commercial" stations that make money
> > from
> > > > "advertising grants"? WMPR clearly competes for ad
> > > dollars,
> > > > but everybody seems to look the other way. Why is
> > Charles
> > > > Evers allowed to utilize his political connections to
> > have
> > >
> > > > an unfair competitive advantage over commercial
> > stations?
> > > > Just wondering.
> > >
> > > A couple of reasons. "Advertising grants" have become
> > quite
> > > common among noncommercial broadcasters as they are
> having
> >
> > > to seek out more sources of funding, especially with
> > NPR/PBS
> > > affiliates who have seen their state and federal support
>
> > > slashed in recent years...and expect more of the same.
> > >
> > > It's actually good for all concerned, as commercial
> owners
> >
> > > realize that such grants support programming they would
> > > never air in today's market. And, since the amount is
> > > rather small compared with the amount many businesses
> > spend
> > > on outright advertising, it's acceptable. One more plus
>
> > for
> > > the businesses: Especially with NPR affiliates, they
> know
> >
> > > that their listeners will generally be higher average
> > income
> > > and education than if they simply stuck with regular
> > > advertising, so they are still getting their message to
> > that
> > > audience.
> >
> > Very informed answer, Charles, except that you're talking
> > about a different animal. WMPR goes to car dealerships,
> > furniture stores,retail shops,etc.,and and "sells"
> > advertising under the guise of grants. We're not talking
> > NPR, that's on Mississippi public radio, which I believe
> > you're thinking about. We're talking about a station that
> > competes with commercial stations directly. WMPR ain't
> > classical music, neither.
> > >
> >
> You're right, Landecker, and I too have wondered how (and
> WHY) they're allowed to get away with this. It's as if they
> think it's OK as long as they tag their commercial spot with
> "An underwriter of WMPR!".
>
I must interject right now that I'm overwhelmed by having two people actually agree with me on something. Not sure if this ever happened before,so I'm printing this page to show my wife!