Why political ads are going to reach a record in 2016

Political advertising on television is expected to jump 16 percent to a record $4.4 billion in the 2016 presidential cycle compared to four years ago, showing a continued belief by candidates that broadcast and cable TV is still the best way to reach voters, according to a report from Kantar Media research.

Since the Supreme Court's Citizens United v. FEC decision in 2010 opened the way for unlimited spending by corporations and unions, analysts say television airwaves in primary and key battleground states have been seeing sharp growth in revenues from political ads. Already Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has reserved $8 million in TV advertising that could begin as early as November. The desire to reach TV eyeballs may seem like a contradiction given that a growing number of people are cutting the cord on traditional television and network ratings have been on the decline -- some of the ratings of the networks owned by Viacom, such as Comedy Central and MTV, are down double digits over the last year. Television viewing by 18- to 34-year-olds was down 17 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2014, according to Nielsen. But one thing that hasn't changed yet is the fact the most reliable voters tend to be older and are still turning mainly to traditional TV for their news and entertainment, especially shows such as Wheel of Fortune or the local evening newscasts.