Ethics and Advertising Answers to the question of whether advertising media are operating ethically must be sought within the context of what advertising intends to do and the role it plays in the American media system. Advertiser’s main purpose is to make consumers aware of new products and services and to persuade them to buy. Granted advertising does differ from the news and entertainment media, but that doesn’t mean it should not have to follow similar ethical standards. Advertising, too, should be held to the truth, as many people take it at face value and gullibly believe all or most of what is said. Although it is true that we should learn how to inter