This year, it finally happened. An article ran today in the New York Times that clearly qualifies as reporting on the reporting about Super Bowl commercials. Not after, mind you, but before the big game even begins.

Which is why I couldn’t help but add to the dizzying layers of irony here by filing a story about the story about the story.

Now, I’ve lamented, and yes, unabashedly contributed, to the cacophony of comment on Super Bowl advertising. I’ll be doing it again next week [insert shameless self-promotion here] so check back if you’re interested.

Most of the chatter about the upcoming commercials seems to be swirling around an anti-abortion ad presented by Focus On The Family, featuring college football star Tim Tebow.

Admittedly, this is kind of a critical precedence; serious advocacy advertising on the worlds biggest broadcast stage. And [again with the pitch] I’ll be following it closely.

Unfortunately, most of what’s being bantered about are both side’s entrenched and intractable positions.

I’d love to see a spirited debate about advocacy advertising in general, because it plays right into the marketing industry’s role in shaping contemporary culture.

It’s interesting that within a few weeks of the airwaves being opened up to unregulated corporate expenditures on political advertising we’re about to get a prime time example of what happens when opinions are pitched to us like products, with P&G-style media budgets.

Okay, I’ll save the rest of the commentary for after the game. Enjoy the commercials and may the biggest idea win.