When Advertising Goes Too Far: What a Holiday Radio Station Taught Me About Ethical Marketing
This morning, while driving my son to school, I tuned into KOST103.5, Southern California’s beloved holiday station. It’s a November and December staple — festive, nostalgic, and for many families, part of the season’s routine.
But during our 35–40 minute drive, something felt… off.
I counted six minutes of music.
…The rest? Advertising.
Commercial after commercial, back-to-back, saturating nearly the entire drive. Not one longer ad break — but constant interruptions. And it hit me:
Just because you can sell more ad space… doesn’t mean you should.
The Holiday Station Problem: When Demand Drives Excess
KOST103.5 is the only dedicated holiday-music station in Southern California. That exclusivity turns December into a high-demand, high-dollar month for advertisers. Everyone wants in — and the station knows it.
The result?
An oversold, overcrowded ad experience that disrupts the very thing listeners tuned in for: holiday music.
This isn’t an issue of “a few too many ads.”
It’s an issue of misaligned priorities.
When revenue potential outweighs user experience, even the most beloved brands risk losing trust and attention.
The Ethical Marketing Lesson
This drive wasn’t just disappointing — it was a masterclass in what happens when monetization overpowers mission.
Because ethical marketing isn’t about avoiding ads.
It’s about respecting the audience.
Ethical marketing means asking:
- Does this serve the user?
- Are we improving the experience or interrupting it?
- Is there transparency, balance, and intent behind our strategy?
- Are we choosing long-term trust over short-term revenue?
Overselling ad inventory might boost one quarter’s numbers, but it chips away at brand loyalty — and in a world with endless alternatives, loyalty is everything.
How Redesign Meets the Intersection of Effective & Ethical Marketing
At Redesign, we hold ourselves to a different standard.
We don’t believe in marketing that manipulates, overwhelms, or prioritizes profit over people. Instead, we focus on smart, balanced strategies that lift businesses without compromising the consumer experience.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
1. Transparent Budgets & Honest Expectations
We don’t inflate budgets or overpromise results. Every dollar has a purpose, and we explain exactly how it works.
2. Sustainable Strategies
We avoid quick wins that burn out fast. We build campaigns that grow with your business and your audience.
3. No Gimmicks, No Grey Areas
If a tactic feels misleading, intrusive, or purely opportunistic, we don’t use it. Period.
4. Respect for the End User
Because every click, call, and conversion starts with a human being — and humans deserve respect.
5. Real Partnerships, Not Transactions
We work with our clients, not just for them. Long-term trust always beats short-term revenue spikes.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
Consumers today are more aware, more discerning, and less tolerant of exploitation disguised as “marketing.”
When brands push too far — like cramming 30 minutes of ads into a 40-minute holiday drive — people notice.
And they don’t forget.
Ethical marketing isn’t just morally right…
It’s strategically smart.
Because when businesses respect their audience, the audience responds with loyalty, trust, and engagement — the things money can’t buy.
A Loving Nudge to Local Radio
To be clear, KOST103.5 and the Ellen K Morning Show are SoCal icons. Their annual holiday programming is part of the region’s seasonal magic.
But even the best brands need reminders:
Over-monetization erodes the experience people come for.
A little more music, a little less clutter — and the magic returns.
Final Thought
Marketing is powerful.
It influences behavior, shapes perception, and moves markets.
But with that power comes responsibility — and the companies that honor that responsibility will always stand out.