"Building & Protecting Brands Through Entertainment Marketing"

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Junk Food Product Placement: Are Brands Still Advertising To Kids On TV Shows?

Many of America's largest brands have pledged not to advertise unhealthy food and beverages to kids. But what about also those product placements on television productions, do they count as advertising?!

Coca-Cola Cups On America Idol

I would say yes, some studies would tell you these placements are not as impactful as a traditional :30sec spot so it shouldn't be cause for concern. I strongly disagree!!! For the most part I would agree that most product placements and brand integrations are not designed to put products front and center as commercials do; However, the implied celebrity endorsement that is transferred to consumers is invaluable, making it just as much of an advertisement. When kids see the American Idol judges sipping from their Coke cups during the show, should it be classified as as an advertisement for the brand? Absolutely!

So if brands truly want to stop marketing their unhealthy consumables products to America's youth, entertainment marketing should be taken off the table as well. 

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