Purchased spots - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Purchased spots," is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-based clue that frequently appears in crossword puzzles. It relies on a common colloquialism from the world of media and marketing. For seasoned solvers, this is likely an instant fill, but for newcomers, it's a great example of how puzzles use everyday language.

Clue Analysis

The clue consists of two words: "Purchased" and "spots."

• "Purchased": This is the key action word. It tells us we're looking for something that is bought and sold.
• "spots": This word has multiple meanings. It could refer to physical locations, stains, or positions. However, when combined with "purchased," the meaning narrows significantly.

In the context of media, a "spot" is a specific segment of time (on TV or radio) or space (in a newspaper or magazine) allocated for a promotion. Therefore, "purchased spots" are commercial slots that have been bought by a company. The answer is the common three-letter abbreviation for these promotions.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Definition: The most effective approach here is to think about the phrase as a whole. What kind of "spots" do people or companies buy? The first thing that comes to mind for most is advertising.
2. Contextual Association: Think about where you might hear this phrase. A marketing executive might say, "We purchased several prime-time spots for our new campaign." This immediately points to the world of advertising.
3. Consider the Answer Length: If you know the answer is short (e.g., three letters from the grid), you can quickly narrow down the possibilities. "Advertisements" is too long, but its common abbreviation fits perfectly.
4. Leverage Crossings: For a short, common entry like this, getting even one crossing letter can be a huge help. If you have the 'A' or the 'S', the answer often becomes immediately obvious.

Background Context

The term "spot" in advertising dates back to the early days of broadcast media. Radio and later television programming was divided into segments, and the breaks between them were sold as commercial "spots." This model became the financial backbone of commercial broadcasting. Today, the term has expanded to include digital "spots" on websites, streaming services, and podcasts. The concept is so ingrained in our culture that the clue "Purchased spots" requires no specialized knowledge, just a basic familiarity with how media works.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of an "easy" entry that helps build momentum for the solver. It's a fair and direct clue that relies on a common understanding of a term from the business and media worlds. By quickly solving clues like this, you can establish anchor points in the grid to tackle the more challenging entries around them.

Hints

1. Hint 1: These are often seen during commercial breaks.
2. Hint 2: They are a form of promotion for a product or service.
3. Hint 3: It's a primary source of revenue for many media companies.
4. Hint 4: The answer is a three-letter abbreviation for "advertisements."

The answer is ADS.