Q: Can Hybrid Ads revive ad revenues on life support?

A: Maybe, maybe not. But media outlets are sure going to make them try.

Last week as I was watching Law & Order: SVU on the USA Network, I had an idea for a blog post that never got past a thought (sorry guys :o ) During commercial breaks there was a "series within a series," otherwise known in 'real talk' as an advertorial - not editorial - production, sponsored by Pontiac. Normally, I would cringe as this sort of content (despite that since I decided to go into media sales and marketing I've found ideas of this sort financially genius!). I mean, what average consumer consciously likes advertising? Ads are often gimmicky; they stand between you and what you really want to see (never mind the fact that they probably pay for it). The simple truth is most people don't want to see pitches for products and services when they're trying to read their favorite blog, watch primetime TV or tune in to the big game (ok, the last case isn't true. I watch the Super Bowl for the ads...and so do you.)

But this time around, I actually enjoyed the not-so-subtle auto endorsement. There was a story line, similar to that of the real show (minus the hotness that is Det. Elliot Stabler ;o ) and great cliff hangers that made me want to see each one - no channeling flipping that hour!

So, what's the take away from this? HYBRID ADS are the (not quite new, but oft overlooked until the economy went into the crapper) NEW SCHITZNICK!

Just read this post over at Jossip, which talks about these numbers over at NielsenWire. Which both lead me to think that advertisers would be smart to invest more in integrated marketing campaigns and media company sales divisions should operate more like mini brand consulting firms than in decades past.

So, what are your thoughts on this? Do you think traditional advertising is on its way out? Will every teeny-bop show be sponsored by Cover Girl and every manly broadcast brought to you by Miller Lite? Leave a comment, let us know.

Oh, and just for a fuller grasp of how everything you consume has been paid for by companies looking to woe you to their products, here's samples of previous and current hybrid partnerships GM - owner of Pontiac - has done with USA Network - distributor of Law & Order:SVU:

Trailer for "The Last Ride," an 85 minute film created to showcase the 2004 Pontiac GTO


Screen shot of the website Burn Notice Covert Ops, an interactive web game created to promote the 2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Link to the July press release announcing details of the USA Network - Saab USA partnership