The Reversed Effects of Advertising of Socially Controversial Products on Endorsers

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of advertising of socially controversial products on its endorsers and products, and the role of media in moderating the results. Using the source credibility model with 174 survey samples, advertising of controversial products as a form of product placement (PPL) was found to have negative impact on consumers’ attitude toward the endorsers. The results also confirmed that the moderating effect of media credibility on consumers when developing perceptions toward the endorsers. The results suggest marketing managers to use endorsers with careful consideration in designing advertising messages for socially controversial products, especially when delivered as a product placement on television.

Keywords

• socially controversial food advertisement
• product placement advertisement
• balance-logic theory
• source credibility model