AFSCME TV Ad

The Wisconsin AFSCME chapter ran TV ads during tonight’s UW-Illinois Men’s Basketball game (The Badgers lost in Champaign).
Rather than spending money on TV (expensive and fewer viewers every day), why don’t they tell their story online via weblog(s), email lists and search engine placements?
UPDATE: Toyota announced an exclusive auto sponsorship deal with Ebay. There are many marketing/pr and community opportunities on the internet.