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Isakson Demands Details on Massive Census Advertising Campaign Paid for by Taxpayers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator and Senate candidate Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Director of the Census Bureau Robert Groves requesting detailed information about the multimillion-dollar television advertising campaign currently under way to promote the 2010 Census.

Isakson, who serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, is concerned with the amount of taxpayer dollars that have been spent during a time of economic difficulty. The Census Bureau’s ad campaign includes a television commercial that will air during Sunday’s Super Bowl, which is known each year for having the most expensive 30-second spots of any program on television.

The text of Isakson’s letter is below:

Dear Secretary Locke and Director Groves:

I am writing in regards to the television advertising campaign undertaken by the Census Bureau. As you know the Census Bureau is running high profile commercials with well known celebrities to encourage the American public to participate in the 2010 Census. These commercials are appearing in “prime time” and during the Super Bowl.

Reports have indicated that the Super Bowl commercial alone costs an estimated $2.5 million for one 30 second airing. Given the difficult economic times our nation is facing, I am very concerned with the amount of money spent by the Census Bureau for the production and airing of these commercials. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee I ask that you please share with me the details surrounding the production and airing of these commercials including breakdowns in its cost, which media consultant and advertising agency advised the Bureau and produced the commercials, and how the contracts were awarded to these consultants and agencies. I also ask that you provide, for comparison, the advertising budget for the 2000 census as well as data showing what percentage of Americans participated in that census.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response. Should you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Michael Quiello and Caroline McLean on my staff.

Sincerely,

Johnny Isakson