The Role of Advertising in America

Advertising occupies a major place in American society. Linked to the bedrock principles that shaped our nation — free speech, competition and individual choice — it has served the public since colonial times as a source of vital information about our open, market-based economy.

Advertising is a positive force in our free society. The three core benefits are:

• Fuels economic growth. To compete and grow in today’s marketplace, companies must efficiently reach consumers, alerting them to new product innovations and competitive price points.
• Fosters a wide array of affordable media choices. Vast, affordable media options enrich our society and underpin a core American value: the democratization of knowledge and information.
• Educate the public. Advertising informs consumers about product choices available in the marketplace.

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