Definition

Noun: A commercial message is a short advertisement or promotional announcement that is broadcast on radio or television. It is sponsored and paid for by a business to sell a product, service, or idea to the public.

Usage

A "commercial message" is inserted into the programming of a radio or television broadcast. It is a formal term often used in industry, regulatory, or academic contexts to refer to what is commonly called a "commercial" or "ad."

Examples

• The television network must limit the number of commercial messages per hour of children's programming.
• The radio station aired a commercial message for the new car dealership during the morning news.
• Regulations require a clear separation between the program content and the commercial message.

Advanced Usage

• "Paid commercial message": This phrase emphasizes that the airtime was purchased, distinguishing it from public service announcements or promotional segments.
  • The show was interrupted by a series of paid commercial messages.
• In media studies, the term is used to analyze the structure, persuasion techniques, and societal impact of advertising within broadcast media.

Variants and Related Words

• Commercial (n): The common, shorter synonym for "commercial message."
  • We'll be back after these commercials.
• Advert / Advertisement (n): General terms for any promotional announcement, including those in print or online.
• Spot (n): Informal industry term for a short advertisement, especially on radio or TV.
  • We bought a 30-second spot during the prime-time show.
• Infomercial (n): A very long commercial message, often formatted as a talk show or documentary, providing detailed information about a product.

Synonyms

• Advertisement
• Ad
• Commercial
• TV spot / Radio spot
• Promo (short for "promotional announcement")

Related Phrases

• Commercial break: The scheduled interruption in a program for broadcasting commercial messages.
  • The movie will resume after this commercial break.
• Sponsor message: A commercial message that identifies the program's sponsor.
  • The show began with a brief sponsor message from the presenting company.

Noun

1. a commercially sponsored ad on radio or television