NBC Sees $1B In Ad Sales As Milestone, But Expects More Business

I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE: MEDIA POST's David Goetzl reports presumptive U.S. presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama each are "spending no more than $250,000 on average for a prime-time Olympic spot, dramatically below what other advertisers are paying." NBC records indicated that McCain "bought $6[M] in Olympic time and 25 prime-time spots," while Obama is "spending $5[M] and has 20 prime-time spots." Their deals with NBC "mean they have locked in unit costs at a significant discount," but the candidates are "not receiving audience guarantees for their spots (as many Olympic advetisers do)." Goetzl notes federal regulations "mandate that candidates are entitled to the lowest unit rate, but that's within 60 days of an election" (MEDIAPOST.com, 8/8).

NOTES: In Chicago, Lewis Lazare reports USOC sponsor United Airlines Friday launches five new spots to coincide with the start of the Games, and he gives the campaign an "A" grade. It does "everything the finest advertising should do," as the campaign is "gloriously subtle, yet unmistakably grand and stunningly artistic." One of the commercials, titled "Heart," features Chinese "superstar pianist" Lang Lang (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/8)....BROADCASTING & CABLE's Marisa Guthrie reports NBC "will sound the next note in its 'Chime In' campaign" during Friday's broadcast of the Opening Ceremony with a 30-second spot at the "top of the 8 p.m. hour featuring a bevy of NBC stars." NBC CMO John Miller said that the idea is to "remind viewers, 'When you hear these notes, you know there will be quality entertainment coming your way'" (BROADCASTINGCABLE.com, 8/8).

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