There are plenty of statistics on demographics and spending habits, and they are closely parsed by advertisers.  News skews old; watch the types of products that are featured on network newscasts.  Geritol, Cialis, other patent and prescription meds are heavy in the mix.

Of course, traditionally 50+ people don't take out mortgages, but that has changed recently.

However, the under 50 crowd tends to buy more advertised products, and always has.  Advertisers pay a premium to reach this demographic.  Note the ads on "American Idol", etc.  Few are angled towards the 50+ crowd.

As a counterpoint, the baby boomers are outlyers and are solidly in the 50+ crowd.  I am just about in the middle of the pack, and I am 54 later this month.

John Willkie

-----Original Message-----
From: dan.grimes@xxxxxxxx
Sent: Jul 2, 2008 9:06 AM
To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [opendtv] Re: The graying of the TV Networks...


I disagree that the >50 demographic spends less than the 18-49.  I think they actually spend more.  

And more on technology.  I can't back this up by statistics but as far as the people I know, it is the retired that have the huge flat panel HD TVs and HD satellite or cable.  It is retired people that have the bigger Zune or iTunes and other electronic gadgets.  They may be on a fixed income, but they can really spend the money on technology!  They have all this spare time to play with electronic toys and know more than I do about them.

In my experience, the 18-49 demographic is spending more money on raising kids and outdoor toys (quads, jet-skis, boats, etc.)

But then, Las Vegas isn't the average city either.  So my experience is probably out of the norm compared to the rest of the country.

Dan

Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx> Sent by: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 07/02/2008 08:44 AM Please respond to opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

To opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx cc Subject [opendtv] Re: The graying of the TV Networks...

At 11:49 AM -0400 7/1/08, Manfredi, Albert E wrote:
>  > Problem is that the >50 years old demographics don't spend
>>  their money like the 18-49's, and are thus far less valuable
>>  to advertisers.
>
>I wonder how this will change, as life expectancy keeps going up.


It could get worse as seniors worry whether their retirement nest egg
will last as long as they do.

And then there is the pending melt down of Social Security when the
IOU's start coming due...

Regards
Craig


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