2 years ago, ABC debuted its hit hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy as a mid-season replacement on Sunday night. The show was an immediate success, and when it was renewed, the network moved it to Thursday nights. The reason? YOU!
Media buyers believed the move would have allowed ABC to pull in more money from advertising. Film studios, department stores and other businesses could by advertising targeted toward the coveted 25-54 demographic. In other words, all of us who watch the weekly antics at Seattle Grace hospital would be subjected to some ad encouraging us to spend money.
But why Thursday? When Bill Cosby premiered the Cosby Show on NBC in the 80s, the success of that show cemented Thursdays as a win-win for advertisers. It was even given a nickname in the 90s “MUST-SEE TV.†To this day, the Thursday night slot remains the most valued by advertisers and network programmers. Wednesday is way too early to advertise for anything and by Friday, you are already hanging out. Who rushes home to watch anything on a FRIDAY? To quote Dr. Yang and Dr. Grey: “SERIOUSLY?â€
Advertisers divide their demographic into separate categories. 18-34, 25-54 and then there are the women’s demographics. And let not forget the TWEENS, those kids from age 8-12. Years before High School Musical, That’s my Raven and other Disney shows became a huge hits on cable, Saved by the bell established a forgotten group of kids who would later prove to have a spending clout that rivaled their peers. Every demographic is targeted by advertisers.. High School Musical 2 debuted to RECORD numbers. The Disney Channel broadcasted it on Friday. Mall and movie attendances in many big cities dropped as a result, even though there were many ads targeted toward tweens that aired during the program. (The next installment of the series is expected to be released in the theatres. What a coincidence.)
Now you are probably thinking, “Why I need to know all that? Simply so that you can cut through the clutter and begin building your road to financial freedom. The advertising executives already built theirs. And you funded it.
Next up... budgeting
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