Final answer:
Targeting is a true strategy for individualizing messages based on marketing techniques, utilized in political campaigns to focus on salient issues for different population segments and presented through advertising campaigns across various media.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, targeting is indeed a strategy borrowed from commercial marketing to individualize messaging for different segments of the population. In the realm of political campaigns, this involves using tools such as polls and focus groups to ascertain the most salient issues for potential supporters. Relevant campaign messages are then tailor-made and condensed into easily digestible 30-second sound bites for media coverage.
Moreover, the attention economy in product advertising underscores the importance of this strategy, as seen in Naomi Klein's critique of corporate branding and advertising practices. Companies persistently send out synergistic advertising messages across multiple platforms to ensure maximum consumer attention and brand recall. For instance, with the prominent presence of Miller beer in various advertising spaces, a consistent message is spread, leading to the same brand being top-of-mind for consumers.
However, it should be noted that marketing means also include the manipulation of consumer beliefs through advertisements. This can sometimes lead to the spread of false narratives that might normalize hatred or desensitize violence, suggesting a darker aspect of targeted marketing.