The 1980s saw the birth of large ad agencies with branches all over the world. Generally known as an age of affluence with major improvements both in transportation and communication, the 1980s saw major advertisers, like Coca Cola, extending their advertisements all over the world. The VCR, cable television, and the remote control had a direct effect on the advertising industry as well. Viewers could turn into cable channels with no commercials, turn the channel during commercials, or use their VCR to fast forward during a commercial. This forced agencies to shift from 30 to 15 second spots in the mid 1980s with hopes of grabbing viewers' attention and allowing to add more advertisements to the TV airwaves.
The 1980s saw the rise of commercial stars such as: Clara from Wendy's, Herb from Burger King, and the Energizer Bunny. With the popularity of commercials, networks started to demand higher prices for ad spots. In 1986, The Cosby Show demanded a record $400,000 for a 30 second spot.
The 1980s saw the rise of commercial stars such as: Clara from Wendy's, Herb from Burger King, and the Energizer Bunny. With the popularity of commercials, networks started to demand higher prices for ad spots. In 1986, The Cosby Show demanded a record $400,000 for a 30 second spot.