I just did a test. The in game text states that tv ads change the candidates position in state and nationally. This does occur when the ad is placed and appears to work as documented. It also states the candidate will get a +3 national awareness change. I got a +2 change. I also got a weekly awareness change in the state and surrounding states, but this isn't mentioned anywhere. It is kind of difficult to make sense of the game when it doesn't work how the game states it does.

The tutorial states the voters issue score changes too and it doesn't.

From what I can observe, the tv ad gives a national awareness boost when created, and then gives a weekly awareness boost to the state and surrounding states. The candidates position is affected nationally the first week, then in state on a weekly basis. It doesn't appear to have any effect on the voter issue scores in any case even though the help text states it does.