AIG

Originally Posted by DanaC

Advertising is just a method of informing the public of your product and trying to generate desire/demand. No different to shouting from a market stall.

i would suggest the intent of most advertising, from packaging/labeling to tv/print media, is to sell.

The role of government regulation of some advertising is to more fully inform the consumer.

Caveat emptor is fine and dandy, but not always possible.

If I want "all natural" beef, with no antibiotics or chemicals, government labeling (advertising) regulations provide a level of assurance beyond the manufacturer's word.

If I am considering medication, the regulatory requirement to list possible side effects (not only on the product, but in ads) provides additional information that the manufacturer might not otherwise make available.