Election 2022 - Online ads intensify with blackout

Ashley Regan
By Ashley Regan | 20 May 2022
 
Election blackout begins as online attack ads intensify

Election ads have intensified online as the blackout for traditional radio and television comes in to force.

From 12 am, Thursday 19 May 2022, radio and TV licensees are prohibited by the Broadcasting Services Act from showing election advertisements ahead of the federal election. The blackout lasts until the polls close at 6 pm, Saturday.

However, the advertising blackout does not include online services or print media.

According to the Meta advertising tracker, the ALP has spent $1.6 million in the last 30 days across Facebook and Instagram ads.

Following Labor with Meta ad spend is Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party with just under $550,000 in the last 30 days. Leaving the Liberal Party with just under $290,000 on Meta ad spend.

According to Google’s Ad Transparency report, Labor has spent about $1.5 million on Google and YouTube ads since the beginning of April, again outspending Liberals with $680,000.

Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party wildly outspent both parties on YouTube, splashing almost $7 million since early April.

Liberal’s attack ads have focused on the slogan of “It’s not easy under Albanese”, aimed at targeting “Labor’s poor economic record”.

For Labor, their primary attack ads are images of prime minister Scott Morrison with the slogans of “I don’t hold a hose, mate” and “It’s not my job”.

While the election big spender in yellow, United Australia has attacked both the main parties as “unfit” for leadership, such as the “URGENT: Morrison & Albanese selling out Australia NOW!!!” released on May 18.

TikTok, unlike other media platforms, politicians are restricted from running paid advertisements regarding political content.

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