More money pouring in to support Florida political races this year, means no shortage of advertisements coming over the airwaves.
“The governor’s race four years ago set all the records known to mankind in the state of Florida, and this year, once again has broken those records. So it’s defiantly been the most expensive race in Florida history,” says Florida Association of Broadcasters President Pat Roberts.
Or at least Roberts says that’s the case when it comes to major media buys from the candidates, parties and issue supporters. And the gubernatorial race is just one of the contests getting national attention this year, which means more money for advertising purchases.
"You've got a heated congressional race in North Florida, which did not exist two years ago or four years ago. And millions of dollars being spent. I've never seen a congressional race like that before in North Florida. But you also have a heated race in Miami and a heated race in the Palm Beach area up there," Roberts says.
Roberts says it’s understandable that voters might be starting to feel worn out by political ads. Besides rules requiring stations to ensure an equal amount of airtime is available for politicians, many non-political advertisers often hold back during the heaviest parts of the election season, saving their money for a time when their ads are less likely to be downed out. But Roberts says the end is in sight.
“Then the spots will be back and we’ll be hearing about Christmas specials and auto sales. All that stuff will be back on the airwaves,” Roberts says.
