LANSING (Sept. 1, 2020) — Political ad spending on Michigan television is on track to well exceed $150 million by the day of the election, according to data from Advertising Analytics analyzed by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.
Since the presidential primary in March, about $76 million has been spent advertising in races for Congress and the presidency. Between now and the election that total is projected to nearly double, according to Advertising Analytics data, which has recorded more than $69 million in reserved airtime.
Outside groups are outspending campaigns. Since the March primary, PACs and nonprofits have spent about $43.1 million, while campaigns spent $31.9 million in the same time period. These organizations can’t directly advocate for the election of a candidate, but come as close as possible by lauding their records and attacking their opponents. Their donors are rarely disclosed.
Reporting with Bridge Magazine, MCFN chronicles the footprint of Acronym, one of the largest political advertisers on Facebook in Michigan. The news site they founded, Courier, produces content that often mirrors the talking points released by the Democratic candidates their political wings support.
It's an increasingly popular approach for political organizations who readily capitalize on polarization and distrust of traditional media sources. Read the full story here.
Friend,
This pandemic has meant more people spending more time at home in front of screens. Amid an election season it's a ripe opportunity for dark money organizations using digital advertising to spread their message. As the amount of content booms, MCFN relies on your support to continue this work. Please consider a donation today to support our efforts.
Simon D. Schuster
Executive Director
