Controversial Advertising: Super Bowl

Controversial television advertising has always caused a moral dilemma. Television commercials during the Super Bowl, one of the most watched television programs, walk a fine line between appropriate and inappropriate. However, there are quite a few varying opinions regarding the controversial advertisements. Controversial television advertisements that air during the Super Bowl generate millions of dollars, entertain the viewers, and stir up many a conversation. The viewers that seek to censor controversial advertising during the Super Bowl should consider censoring their own televisions. Reported by NFL.com (2007), there were 93.2 million viewers that tuned in to watch one single television program on February 4, 2007. Super Bowl XLI has taken the honor of now being ranked the third most watched television program in the United States of America. This now follows Super Bowl XXX and the series finale of M.A.S.H. Because of the high volume of viewers, advertising during one of these events has now become prime real estate with a prime price tag to match. This, however, does not scare away the top advertisers. Networks demand top dollar for advertisements during the Super Bowl. Commercials during this year 's Super Bowl reached the pinnacle of 2.6 million dollars per 30-second spot (LaMonica, 2007). This surpassed last year 's 2.5 million dollars. This has been a steadily growing trend. The Super Bowl XXX in 1996 was reported to bring in one million dollars per 30-second ad. The fact that Super Bowl ads have doubled in price in 10 years highlights the fact that the advertisers are willing to do anything to put their product in the public eye, regardless of the high controversy. The 1st Amendment of the Constitution guarantees free speech. However, there are quite a few people who believe television advertising during the Super Bowl should be censored. Parents, teachers, and self-appointed watchdog groups are often the instigators when it comes to

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