Economic downturn ups the ante for major Super Bowl advertisers General Motor, AB InBev, Netflix

The Super Bowl is always high stakes for advertisers — but this year expect more hair-raising, goosebump-inducing and heart-churning than ever before from senior marketers. 

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Discussion Questions:

1. What is advertising?
2. What are the different forms of advertising?
3. Why do you think businesses and brands spend money on advertising?
4. What makes TV advertising appealing?
5. Can you think of any disadvantages to TV advertising?
6. Why are Super Bowl ads so expensive?
7. How does the economy impact the sports and entertainment industry?
8. How do you think current economic conditions have impacted the NFL and its teams?
9. How do you think it has impacted advertisers?
10. Why is the Super Bowl a “high stakes” investment for advertisers?
11. State Farm is sitting on the sidelines this year instead of advertising during the Super Bowl. What are they doing instead?
12. Why do you think some brands are choosing to invest marketing dollars in places other than Super Bowl ads this year?