While many
of them were required to be there for Professor Drewniany’s
class, others came to share in the Super Bowl experience.
More than 60 students, friends and faculty gathered
to view the most anticipated ads of the football season.
While many of them were required to be there for Professor
Drewniany’s class, others came to share in the
Super Bowl experience.
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“We
think that we already have a very strong advertising
program. This class in particular is a creative and
fun way to learn the principles of advertising,” said
Charles Bierbauer, dean of the College of Mass Communications
and Information Studies.
Professor Drewniany, who watches the big game just
for the commercials, says the ads are a time capsule
of our society. “Numerous commercials this year
featured the bad economy, from the Bud Light ad that
showed office workers facing budget cuts to the Cash4Gold.com
ad, which showed MC Hammer selling all his bling. Even
the Conan O’Brien ad mocked the extreme measures
that people take to earn some extra cash.” Drewniany added, "But
the popular TV host didn't sell out. O'Brien donated
his fee to the FreshAir Fund, which sends inner-city
New York children to the country for vacation."
“This year will be especially interesting to
watch what commercials are shown,” said Dr. Carol
Pardun, Director of the School of Journalism and Mass
Communication. “The economy may affect the trends
that advertisers use to reach audiences.”
Senior Kyle Via said, “I think that having a
real time response to ads is the best way to evaluate
them. This poll is something unique to USC and recognized
nationally. I am excited to participate in such an
event.” Mary Margaret Elsey, a freshman advertising major, said
the Ad Bowl experience gave her a chance to apply what
she has learned in class to help appreciate the strategies
advertisers used this year. She was particularly excited
for the ads in 3-D. |
