DirecTV and Google announced an ad sales partnership which allows Google to directly sell TV ads on channels such as Bloomberg, Fox Business, and TV Guide.
The agreement specifically mentions Googles right to sell TV ads during all day parts, including prime time TV hours.
Google made its first, tentative steps with video advertising in 2006 and still maintains a AdWords TV Ads service.
In 2006 Google also bought a radio ad company, making inroads in radio commercials. They exited that market in 2009 and discontinued their Google Audio Ads service.
Google TV Ads follow the AdWords auction model, except instead of bidding on search terms you bid on air time.
The service interface helps advertisers find shows, times, and channels that match their target audience. Keyword search helps to drill down into specific shows.
Using data collected from set top boxes, Google calculates how many people have seen your TV ad how many times. DVR recorded ads arent charged, nor are views of under 5 seconds. Extreme channel skipping during the ad is suggestive of a bad fit for the channel, show or air time.
What This Means To You
Googles reach in TV advertising keeps growing, offering low-budget entry to television marketing. The auction model in general is good for companies. The targeting and reporting are efficient.
Googles deal with DirecTV keeps the TV ad service alive and going but dont look for it to overtake the traditional TV advertising model yet.