CNN Asks 40 Times Usual Rate for GOP Debate Ads

Advertising Age: CNN is asking 40 times its normal rate for commercial time in the next Republican debate. The cable news network is charging as much as $200,000 for a 30-second spot in the prime-time brawl taking place on Sept. 16, according to a media buyer. This is on par with the cost of buying commercial time in some broadcast prime-time series. Typically, an average prime-time spot on CNN costs about $5,000, buyers said.