Yet it is well documented that newspapers and other media are censored by advertisers. For example, a beer producer may pressure a magazine in which it buys ad space not to print articles on the dangers of drinking. Corporate sponsorship of civic, environmental, or other non-profit groups may influence those groups. For example, tobacco industry contributions may discourage an organization from joining anti-smoking campaigns. Commercialism has influenced our political process.
Many politicians try to attract votes with an image created by advertising and media coverage.
In the past, candidates tried to attract votes by their stand on the issues. The public's perception of a company's activities and priorities can be distorted by image advertising. For example, ads can portray major polluters as environmentally conscious companies that give to worthy causes. Advertising costs us money. Businesses pass many of their advertising costs on to us.