Advertising differs from news coverage and public relations activities because the advertising message is created, produced, and paid for by the advertiser, and the source of the information is clearly identified. Advertising usually tries to sell products, such as soda, and services, such as real estate sales, but some ads try to promote ideas. They all share the common goal of trying to influence people in some way. Many ads serve a basic media social function of coordinating economic activities. This happens through economic news and information, but to a greater degree, it happens because of advertising.
Advertising allows sellers to tell buyers what products and services are available at what prices.
Without this exchange of information, consumers would waste time and money. However, advertising has real and social costs. Some argue that it raises the price of goods, and others fear that it alters social norms, affects the attitudes of children and adults, and undermines the influence of family, church and schools. Commercialization through advertising, they argue, directs the society away from serious issues and raises the art of acquisition to a new level. Early newspaper ads were simple paragraphs of type, promoting real estate, services, and goods for sale to retailers and consumers.