THE LINKAGES BETWEEN ADVERTISING AND POLITICS

Abstract

This paper is on the linkages between advertising and politics. The assumption is about the role advertising plays in opinion formation and the decisions by the electorate concerning politics. The treatment is prescriptive, but the analysis focuses on the contributions of advertising to national growth; advertising as a social need; and advertising as a marketing function. Specifically, the paper views politics and political services as "products" thereby highlighting their relationship with advertising. The conclusion is that advertising shapes political conducts and that it works hand-in-hand to improve not just the lot of the citizenry, but to protect citizens from all forms of fraudulent and deceptive communication.