New & Improved: Advertising in America




BackStory show

Summary: As more than 100 million Americans tune in to watch Seattle and New England duke it out in the Super Bowl, advertisers are vying for the nation's attention -- during all those seemingly endless commercial breaks. The NFL's championship game, after all, is big business. This year, a 30-second spot cost a record-breaking $4.5 million. So on this episode, the Guys tackle the history of advertising in the United States. When did the industry come into being? What makes a great commercial jingle? And how do you sell America on the idea of lunar exploration? We have stories that answer these questions and more. Plus, a special treat -- ads for BackStory in bygone styles, suggested by our faithful listeners.