Could Targeted Ads Be Coming To A TV Near You?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Grab your remote control and get ready, television commercials are about to change! Don't be surprised when TV ads start targeting your interests.
Many of us are used to seeing targeted ads online as we surf websites, but as 3 On Your Side consumer reporter Jim Donovan tells us, eventually you'll notice them on your TV set too.
When it comes to TV, Marisa Langford prefers certain commercials.
"I would rather watch something that's made for me and my family," said Langford.
In the future she will see more targeted TV ads.
"The ability for the advertisers to reach the right audience, the right viewer, at the right time on the right program on the right network," said advertising expert, Mark Lieberman.
How will they do that?
Ninety million U.S. households have digital set top boxes.
Experts say many cable or satellite providers track what shows air on the TVs in your home.
By crunching that information and combining it with data about your household, advertisers can calculate which commercials you aren't likely to fast forward through.
In fact in the future, two homes next to one another could be watching the same show, at the same time but see two different commercials.
"Advertising is all about reducing the waste by not advertising to people that are never going to be interested in buying your product. By putting the relevant ads in front of the people that actually will end up buying your product so you turn them into actual either buyers or loyal buyers," said Lieberman.
Marisa hopes revealing a little info about her family is a trade off.
"I watch a couple commercials, I learn about some new deals and specials that happen to be going on, then so be it. And if it pertains to me all the better," said Langford.
What data does your television provider collect? And do they send you targeted ads? Check your company's privacy policy for full details and information about opting out if you're uncomfortable.
