Researchers at Michigan State University have found that 90 percent of TV commercials contain some type of music and yet the use of jingles is declining.

David Allan analyzed more than 3,400 ads from one week of programming on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. Allan, whose work appeared in the Journal of Advertising Research, said he believes the increased use of music is due to music-file sharing on the Internet. He noted music companies are realizing that their stars’ music in ads is a type of product placement and advertisers are realizing the star power of some performers.

Of course, not every musical selection is a good idea. Toyota has been taking some heat for its use of a cover of a 1983 song by the rock group “The Fixx.” Anyone who has watched an NFL or college football game this fall has been tormented by the “Saved by Zero” ad. According to this Associated Press article, I’m not the only one reaching for a brick to throw at the screen every time I hear those opening bars.

C’mon Toyota – there’s plenty of star power available out there to sing some tunes for you. Pony up and use something that doesn’t make us want to kick your tires out from under you.

Article Tags: advertising | File sharing | jingles | Toyota

Filed under: Media artists, Music, News article, Self promo, TV, advertising