Final answer:
False, advertising agencies target a variety of audiences, not just mainstream. With diverse markets, they reach out to niche groups as well, and digital media has broadened the scope of targeted advertising.
Step-by-step explanation:
False: Advertising agencies do not only ever target mainstream audiences. In an increasingly diverse market, advertisers are constantly looking for new and creative ways to reach a variety of consumer groups, including niche and non-mainstream audiences. The reliance of most of the mass media on advertising revenue can discourage the promotion of challenging social and political issues; however, this is mostly because advertisers typically prefer positive, uncontroversial contexts for their messages, not because they are only targeting mainstream audiences.
Product advertising and the attention economy are evolving. In her 1999 text, No Logo, Naomi Klein discussed the destructive impact of corporate branding and the changing dynamics of advertising. Synergistic advertising practices are now common, with the same promotional message spread across multiple platforms to maintain consistency and familiarity.
Beyond just the methods, the targets of advertising have diversified. The rise of digital platforms has provided more channels through which advertisers can reach specific demographics, which may include subcultures or minority groups. Additionally, while some media may spread the messages of dominant societal voices, other outlets offer alternative or counter-narratives to mainstream ideologies.