Hard Times Change Super Bowl Ads

An estimated 100 million people watch the Super Bowl each year, many of them to see the ads as much as the game.  

And while the big game still maintains its aura of hype and glitz, the economic crisis continues to impact its traditional advertisers. Major advertisers such as FedEx and General Motors have already opted out for this year and others are expected to follow suit.

The lower demand for Super Bowl advertising has dramatically reduced the rates that NBC has been able to charge, thereby allowing some unlikely advertisers to buy in.

New to this year's Super Bowl advertising roundup are the Mesothelioma Legal Support Institute and the Bedazzler.  NBC has denied reports that Billy Mays is choreographing an interpretive dance based on Mighty Putty for the half-time show.

Many familiar names will also be advertising during this year's Super Bowl, including Coca-Cola, Monster Worldwide, GoDaddy.com and Bridgestone Tires. CareerBuilder had been anticipated to advertise, but a spokesman said that continuing internal restructuring may lead to their withdrawl. 

Sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that CareerBuilder was strongly considering changing its name to BarelyGettingBy. NBC refused to comment.

(c) Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Inspired by