Comparing Lifetime and ESPN advertisements; two well known stereotypical demographic channels, was as intriguing as watching a mouse in a snakes cage at feeding time. One would hope that things work out differently, but in the end, the outcome was already thought of. In completing the assignment, I chose to watch The Lifetime Network, one of the most well known channels for targeting women, for one hour and compare it to a hour of ESPN, a well known sports channel.
Since the launch of Lifetime, the network has definitely received its share of publicity. With a
slogan that reads "Television for Women", one could only be surprised to see any ads that deal target anything else. With mostly syndication shows; such as 
Golden Girls and Designing Women, Lifetime advertisements are mostly about cleaning products or Insurance of any type; life, health, or auto. It raises the thought that what do each of the ads mean for a woman and what type of woman. A strong assumption would be that the ads shown on Lifetime are for the woman that is responsible for her household. In particular, the woman that handles all the purchases in the household. There are other advertisements shown on the channel, however those shown most frequently were those about insurance and other household products.
slogan that reads "Television for Women", one could only be surprised to see any ads that deal target anything else. With mostly syndication shows; such as 
Golden Girls and Designing Women, Lifetime advertisements are mostly about cleaning products or Insurance of any type; life, health, or auto. It raises the thought that what do each of the ads mean for a woman and what type of woman. A strong assumption would be that the ads shown on Lifetime are for the woman that is responsible for her household. In particular, the woman that handles all the purchases in the household. There are other advertisements shown on the channel, however those shown most frequently were those about insurance and other household products. Although, ESPN does not directly claim to be for men, it is known to be male supported network. With ESPN, the shows were comparatively different, being that ESPN shows were based from sports. Advertisements shown on ESPN were for products like Axe deodorant and Comcast subscription services. Unlike the advertisements that appear on Lifetime, these advertisements don't appear to be targeting a household decision maker, but rather a male who has somewhat disposable funds. Almost as if they were trying to convey that, instead of buying your normal brand, go for the "better" brand. 
Comparing stereotypical ads lead to the confirmation of a lot of expectations. Watching TV, especially targeted tv networks, it's amazing to see advertisements that totally contradict society standards but are accepted on TV. It is said to be true that in every stereotype there is a hint of truth. In life, one would never want to think of the woman being the sole responsibility for life insurance or the man being the only one interested in the cable subscription. Yet, the truth of the matter is women are always concerned with the security of their family and all men want is the "Simple Life" whether it be on reality TV or in life's reality.
Comparing stereotypical ads lead to the confirmation of a lot of expectations. Watching TV, especially targeted tv networks, it's amazing to see advertisements that totally contradict society standards but are accepted on TV. It is said to be true that in every stereotype there is a hint of truth. In life, one would never want to think of the woman being the sole responsibility for life insurance or the man being the only one interested in the cable subscription. Yet, the truth of the matter is women are always concerned with the security of their family and all men want is the "Simple Life" whether it be on reality TV or in life's reality.
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