Cable TV Advertising Rates

You have likely seen advertisements for local products and services while watching your favorite cable television show.  These commercials typically are shown in “blocks” with other local ads.  How much do these ads cost for local car dealers, restaurants and specialty shops that air them?  Is it worthwhile for a business to advertise on cable?  

Although the Internet is a growing advertising market, there is still a lot of buying power waiting to be harnessed on your television.  More people watch television than read newspapers or listen to the radio.  A carefully produced and well placed TV ad can be very effective in building a brand that attracts first time customers and excites repeat customers to come back again. 

Prime time TV ads are very expensive.  Paying for an ad on network television can cost more than most small and medium sized businesses can afford.  This is why cable TV advertising is so attractive.  There are many more opportunities for businesses to reach their target market during the time when potential customers are watching their favorite shows.  The best way to do this is by advertising on cable.   

Here are some interesting facts about cable television advertising rates:

• Airing an ad on cable TV costs 10-20% of airing the same ad on network TV.


• Prime time network spots that cost $2,000.00-$3,000 usually cost about $175-$200 on cable.


• Networks like CNN and ESPN have 30 second ad rates of about $25 in suburban areas.


• Nickelodeon and TNT have $20 ad rates for 30 second spots in some markets.


• VH1 is known to have spots as cheap as $15.


• Small market cable systems have been known to charge as little as $2 for 30 second ads.

While these rates are attractive, it is important that businesses understand the cost of producing a quality commercial.  You can make a commercial for $100, but those who watch the commercial will recognize that.  Match the quality of your advertisement to the quality of your targeted customer, as a general rule.  A thoughtful, quality, 30 second commercial can cost as much as $100,000 to produce.