SMI: Auto Advertising’s Bumpy Ride

The love affair between media and automotive companies may still be going strong, particularly with television. It counts auto manufacturers, dealers and related companies as its No. 1 advertising sector, year after year. But a look at Standard Media Index data between 2013 and the first months of 2016 shows constantly changing spending patterns. It’s as if buyers have been “driving while intoxicated” -- but their inebriation has to do with digital opportunities and live sports events rather than an occasional margarita.