What is one effect of political advertising on ad spots?

Political advertising can lead to the preemption of regular ad spots because political campaigns often secure advertising slots that take precedence over regular commercial ads. This happens particularly during election seasons when candidates aim to maximize their reach and influence viewers on critical issues. Advertisers seeking to showcase their products or services may find their planned advertisements disrupted or replaced by political ads, especially if those political messages are deemed urgent or important by broadcasters.

Such preemption occurs because broadcasters prioritize the political content in order to accommodate the candidates' needs and comply with regulations regarding campaign advertising. This can lead to significant scheduling shifts, meaning that brands that already bought airtime might have their spots moved or eliminated altogether. Therefore, the dynamic nature of political ad placements can considerably affect the advertising landscape during election periods.