The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / What's With All The Google & YouTube Radio Ads?

**Posted by RadioActive** February 23, 2025 5:35 pm

You wouldn't think a company the size of Google and its YouTube subsidiary would need to advertise anywhere, let alone on the radio. After all, Google is practically now a verb ("I'll have to Google it") and YouTube is arguably the most watched video source in the world.

So what's with the sudden blitz of advertising I've been hearing these past few weeks, touting its safety features for kids using YouTube and Google search results? Was there some controversy and bad PR I missed that would cause this giant to suddenly start shovelling out money to blanket the radio airwaves? (The government's now in-limbo Online Harms Act may never see the light of day here, so that can't be it.)

Anyone know what prompted this sudden "we'll keep your kids safe" ad campaign in Canada? I just find the timing a bit odd.

**Posted by newsguy1** February 23, 2025 7:49 pm

Perhaps they are anticipating an attack by Trump/Musk who could be terrified Google and YouTube will be able to publicize truth and reality to combat X and Truth Social.
That's one possibility, anyway.

**Posted by RadioActive** February 23, 2025 11:46 pm

Well maybe. But then why advertise on Canadian stations in Toronto?

Also, weren't all the tech bros kowtowing to Trump during his inaugaration? Google was the one that foolishly changed The Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on its maps, so as not to contradict the President.

I doubt they'd go after the company when it's following him hook, line and sinker.