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Yes We Can Change (Our Marketing)

Posted by James Poniewozik Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 3:05 pm
3 Comments • Trackback (0)

Every cable news network and TV news division must be wondering how best to stoke viewership now that the election derby is over. A new ad on MSNBC just now sounds a note of Obamopportunism: 

Visuals: The White House... a baby holding an American flag... windmills... a young boy holding a flag... Obama speaking at Grant Park and joined by his family... the MSNBC anchor/host team.

Voiceover [to stirring music]: "Presidents have the power to change lives. To change course. To change America. [Obama speech: "At this defining moment, change has come to America!"] As a new president prepares to lead, watch MSNBC and experience the power of change."

Ew. I think I'll experience the power of changing channels now.

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  • 1

    If MSNBC really wants to compete, it should invest in holograms. CNN used them TWICE -- once to interview a reporter who said she felt like Princess Leia, and another time to interview Will.I.Am.
    .
    The most extraneous use of quote-unquote "technology" award clearly went to CNN.

    Chaddogg
    November 5, 2008
    at 3:32 pm
  • 2

    The CNN technology was definitely interesting. Loved the holograms, they made me smile.

    I like the sound of the MSNBC ad, with the re-linking of progressive change and patriotism. That's needed to happen for a long time, I am pleased to see some in the MSM finally fall into line.

    shara says
    November 5, 2008
    at 4:14 pm
  • 3

    @Shara: It's especially funny if you recall--just five years ago--MSNBC was running Americana ads to persuade people that it was the most pro-America network during the Iraq invasion. (Around when they canned Donahue as too liberal.) Now they've decided their bread is buttered on the left side.

    jponiewozik
    November 5, 2008
    at 4:31 pm

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