“A lively history” of how TV advertising became a defining force in American culture between 1946 and 1964(Technology and Culture). The two decades following World War II brought television into homes and, of course, television commercials. Those commercials, in turn, created an image of the postwar American Dream that lingers to this day. This book recounts how advertising became a part of everyday lives and national culture during this midcentury period, not only reflecting consumers’ desires but shaping them, and broadcasting a vivid portrait of comfort, abundance, ease, and happy family life and, of course, keeping up with the Joneses. As the author asserts, it’s nearly impossible to understand our culture without contemplating these visual celebrations of conformity and consumption, and this insightful, entertaining volume of social history helps us do just that.

The research contained in this book contributes to the theoretical and practical knowledge of message strategies and the executional devices used in U.S. television advertising. Using rigorous content analysis, the authors investigated characteristics of commercials from among EFFIE Award winners of 1999 through 2004-advertising originating from "effective" campaigns. This work contributes to advertising research by examining the predictive congruency of the FCB advertising planning grid (see below) with message strategies found in EFFIE commercials; overall EFFIE commercial message strategy and tactic relationships; and content analysis methodology relative to improving objectivity and assessing reliability. This study focuses on producing a benchmark for comparison studies examining differences in message strategies across cultures. The research herein provides a methodological framework for producing comparative studies examining television commercials and other video content (i.e., delivered over the Internet) across cultures.

Concern is growing about the effectiveness of television advertising regulation in the light of technological developments in the media. The current rapid growth of TV platforms in terrestrial, sattelite, and cable formats will soon move into digital transmission. These all offer opportunities for greater commercialization through advertising on media that have not previously been exploited. In democratic societies, there is a tension between freedom of speech rights and the harm that might be done to children through commercial messages. This book explores all of these issues and looks to the future in considering how effective codes of practice and regulation will develop.

Praise for "How to Produce Effective TV Commercials" Hooper White is unique in the world of television production. In addition to being a great creative, he understands the business side of production. He has produced some of the all-time great commercials and has helped us through the intricacies of the cost of television commercials." -- John E. Ruhaak, Vice President Advertising and Promotion, United Airlines Hooper White is indeed a rare avis . . . a commercial producer who is neither an agency salesman/an apologist nor a client cost-cutting crusader. His book is excellent for both the novice and the experienced practitioner." -- Rob Klugman, Vice President Corporate Development, Adolph Coors Brewing Company "For many years Hooper White has enhanced the impact and cost-effectiveness of our TV commercials. The latest edition of his book is very comprehensive, readable, up-to-the-minute, and based on years of hands-on experience. It's simply the best reference of its kind." -- Jay Qualman, General Director of Advertising Buick Motor Division, General Motors Corporation

This book is about linking marketing activities and outcomes to the financial performance of the organization. The theme of the book is that the marketing function must justify its activities and use of resources in terms of its financial contributions to the firm. More specifically, the book focuses on how marketing activities generate cash flow, growth, and other financial benefits for the organization. This perspective provides a framework for long-term investments for purposes of evaluating and ranking the funding of proposed projects.