Which term describes the paid, non-personal communication of a product, service, or idea from an acknowledged sponsor?

• A. PR/Publicity
• B. Advertising
• C. Personal Selling
• D. Sales Promotion

Answer: (B)

Advertising is the paid, non-personal communication of a product, service, or idea from an acknowledged sponsor. This means the sponsor pays for space or time and the message is designed to reach a broad audience with a message that the sponsor controls. That distinguishes it from PR or publicity, which rely on media coverage and are not paid or fully under the sponsor’s control; it also differs from personal selling, which involves direct, one-on-one interaction, and from sales promotions, which aim to spur short-term purchases through incentives. For example, a televised commercial or online banner from a brand is advertising: paid, non-personal, and clearly tied to that sponsor.