Speaker: Prof Travis Ridout, Washington State University
Title: The Past, Present and Future of Political Advertising in the United States—and Implications for Australia
Date: Thu, 1st Jun 2023
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Venue: Allan Barton Forum, Level 2, CBE Building 26C
Dr. Andrew Hughes is the host of this visit
ABSTRACT
In this research, I present data on the vast changes in the political advertising landscape in the United States over the past twenty years, including dramatic increases in spending, changes in content, and the growth of digital advertising. I also provide more in-depth analysis of how digital advertising is used, including its allocation across platforms, timing, and the purposes for which it is used. I then consider recent innovations in the use of political advertising, focusing on lessons from the 2022 midterm elections and what we can expect to see in the 2024 presidential campaign. Finally, I speculate about what these changes in the U.S. mean for political advertising campaigns in Australia.
BIO
Travis N. Ridout is Thomas S. Foley Distinguished Professor of Government and Public Policy and Director of the School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs at Washington State University. He is one of the country’s leading authorities and political advertising, and serves as co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, which tracks and studies political advertising. His research on political campaigns, political advertising and campaign finance has appeared in dozens of journal articles and book chapters. Ridout’s most recent book, Political Advertising in the United States, 2nd edition, was published in 2021.