Pritzker leading in Facebook spending with ads appearing as news – Cities 92.9

(The Center Square) – It’s not fake news, but social media ads funded by Gov. J.B. Pritzker could still fool some users. Illinois gubernatorial candidates are expected to use traditional media like TV and radio to get their message out. But, millions have already been spent on social media outlets such as Facebook, mostly by Pritzker. Since 2018, a Facebook page for “JB Pritzker” has spent more than $3.6 million on ads, $271,000 of which Facebook notes ran without a disclaimer. Reform For Illinois Executive Director Alisa Kaplan said there is additional spending. “Social media, in particular, can be a little deceptive in how ads are presented,” Kaplan said. “Some of the Pritzker ads for example are presented as news pieces.” One such ad from a Facebook page called “Illinois Daily” that ran an ad between Nov. 1 and Nov. 21 links to a Chicago Tribune article from March 26 with a quote pulled saying Pritzker has “been widely praised by political observers, public health experts and leaders in both parties for his efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.” Facebook data shows up to $20,000 was spent on the ad with the disclaimer “Paid for by JB for Governor,” making…
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