Google CEO In-Car Radio Ad Vision Fading
I broke the news in June of 2006 that Eric Schmidt, Google CEO, believes when he is listening to the radio in his car, radio ads should personally address him about his needs.
For example, while driving past a clothing store, a radio ad should remind Eric that he needs a pair of pants and instruct him to turn left at the upcoming clothing store. Schmidt shared his vision for GPS location-based delivery of highly targeted and personalized advertising via in-car radios at a luncheon with a group of publishing executives in New York City.
While Schmidt predicted a realization of his vision by June of 2008, he did not share his vision for how the Google owned dMarc Broadcasting, a “digital solutions provider for the radio broadcast industry,” would enable such digital ad delivery via car radios. Google acquired dMarc two years ago to bring “radio advertising to Google AdWords advertisers.”
Eighteen months later, I asked the Google Audio Ads New York sales rep, Joe Anastasi: 1) Where does Google Audio Ads stand in the realization of Eric Schmidt’s desired product development roadmap? and 2) Did Eric find his pants?
My query at last evening’s Advertising Club of New York’s “All Google” night, hosted by the NYC Googleplex, garnered the sole laugh of the night.
Eric Schmidt may NOT be laughing in Mountain View, however: There is NO such in-car radio ad product anywhere in apparent Google Audio Ads sight, despite the Googler in Chief’s hopeful boasting.
Mr. Anastasi nevertheless assured his boss is always handsomely attired: NO apparent need for personalized radio ad reminders!
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