While I agree with the premise (I used to be in radio and my ex was in both radio and TV advertising) I have to disagree about your premise of Thompson not spending money on adverts. I'm in Virginia and the majority of ads I've seen from the campaigns (not newscasts replaying them) have been Thompson ads.
He is spending on ads. Just not to the tune the MSM thinks he should since he didn’t jump on the campaign train when the MSM said “start”.
The other candidates have already rifled through millions of dollars. Fred is conservative and won’t bet the house convincing people how badly he needs the job.
Only career politicians NEED a job.