Find Out
Which Companies are Sponsoring Sleaze and Which are Promoting Family-Friendly
Programming
THE ISSUE
"The first step is to understand that
TV is just a delivery system for ads. The only programming that really matters
to those in power is the commercials (except on pay cable channels like HBO,
where nothing matters except how many people subscribe). The success of a show
is not measured by how good it is, or who says they loved it, or even how many
people watch. A show is a success if the people who watched it go and buy the
products that were advertised during the commercials. It is all about what is
being sold and (just as important) who is doing the buying. That is why shows
like 7th Heaven - which was the highest rated show on the WB network for
years - was never considered as much of a success as Buffy the Vampire Slayer
or Dawson's Creek, two lower-rated shows on the same network. The
perception was that the audience for the latter two shows had more money to
spend, so advertising rates were higher, and therefore the shows were more
profitable. It might not seem fair, but viewers need to understand that the
most-watched shows aren't always considered the most financially successful."
- Dean Batali, lead writer for That '70s Show and former writer for
Buffy the Vampire Slayer [Behind the Screen, a book about Christians in
Hollywood]
We are continuing to hold corporate sponsors accountable for the content of the
programs they support with their advertising dollars. PTC representatives
attended national corporate shareholder meetings for Target, Capital One,
Circuit City, Yum! Brands, and Viacom (5 of the top 10 worst advertisers) to ask
them to discontinue their sponsorship of some of the most offensive content on
television. We also attended the Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney and J.M. Smuckers
Company shareholder meetings to applaud them for making responsible sponsorship
decisions.
TAKE ACTION
Below
is a list of advertisers who need to hear from you. The companies listed in the
left hand column have been actively striving to maintain a family friendly
advertising policy. The companies listed in the right hand column need a little
bit of encouragement to incorporate better standards into their policy. Please
click on the link to our most recent press release or correspondence regarding
each company for more information. Then, please take a few moments to write to
them about their sponsorship decisions. You can find contact information for
these advertisers and talking points to help you write your letter
Basking
Ridge, NJ: In a letter dated
11/27/2007, spokesperson Laurie DePrete for Verizon claims that Verizon
never ran an ad in American Dad
on November 4. The letter states; “Verizon is conscious of content and has
guidelines with regard to the placement of its advertising messages.” The
PTC will provide evidence of the Verizon spot which appeared in the second
commercial pod.
Chrysler Denies
Sponsoring Rescue Me
Auburn
Hills, MI: In a letter dated 12/10/07
to the PTC from Jason Vines, VP of Communications for Chrysler, Mr. Vines
denies any Chrysler brands were supporting FX’s Rescue Me program. Mr. Vines
writes; “It took us time, but we verified that there has been no national
advertising of the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands on the television show
you referenced.” The PTC has proof that the Dodge brand did indeed appear
in this first run episode of Rescue Me
on September 12. The PTC will continue to investigate how is it that
advertisers frequently appear in programming they apparently did not buy.
As in years past, the
event featured profiles of the top models, musical performances, and a flesh
parade featuring Victoria’s Secret’s latest buttock-and cleavage-baring
ensembles. Although the special aired at 10:00 p.m. on the east and west
coasts, families living in the central and mountain time zones had to
scramble to find their remote to keep their children from accidentally
stumbling across this televised peep-show during the 9:00 hour. If you
agree that this kind of programming is inappropriate for broadcast
television, take action by writing to the program’s sponsors:
Today at
the annual Burger King shareholder meeting, the
Parents Television Council
called on the company to reconsider using a sexually
charged and sometimes violent advertising campaign
to sell its product.
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more
The Parents Television Council
congratulated the Campbell Soup Company because the
company “consistently avoids advertising on programming
that contains graphic violence, excessive sexual content
and foul language,” said PTC Director of Advertiser
Programs Glen Erickson at the company’s annual
shareholders meeting today.
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more
Clorox Increases Ads on Family-Friendly
TV Programs
The Parents Television Council praised Clorox
for its commitment to advertising on more family-friendly
programs. At the Clorox shareholders meeting today,
PTC Silicon Valley Chapter Director Chris Minor gave the
following statement:
“You may recall that the PTC attended the
2006 shareholder meeting to alert Clorox that it had strayed
from its commitment to support family-friendly programming.
I am pleased to report that since last year’s meeting,
Clorox has consistently avoided advertising on programming
that contains graphic violence, excessive sexual content and
foul language, and we want to congratulate your
organization.
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more
Wal-Mart Mistakenly Supported Nip/Tuck
Bentonville, AR: In a
hand written note dated 11/29/07, Stephen Quinn, CMO for
Wal-Mart confirmed PTC suspicions that the retail giant
unintentionally sponsored a recent episode of Nip/Tuck.
Mr. Quinn writes: “I
apologize for the error – We are reviewing this
situation and our procedures”. The PTC
applauds Wal-Mart for their responsible action.
BMW Pulls Ads From Nip/Tuck
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey:
BMW of North America has announced in a letter dated
11/19/2007 to the PTC;”…we did not intend, nor do we plan in
the future, to advertise on this program (Nip/Tuck).”
Jack Pitney, VP of Marketing writing on behalf of Chairman
Purves continued, “My advertising team has taken deliberate
action to instruct the network on future placement of BMW
bonus spots. As to the current situation, I hope you and
members of the Council will accept my profound regrets.”
The PTC applauds BMW for their responsible action.
Carrier Seeks Aid of PTC
The
Carrier Corporation (heating/cooling) is asking the PTC to
help determine how one of their spots appeared on Nip/Tuck. Chuck
Clark contacted the PTC concerned over their ad airing on
the FX network when they have strict media guidelines with a
no FX policy. Mr. Clark has requested the PTC to identify
their spot and provide what details we can regarding its
positioning and content message so as to determine its
origin; local vs. national. The PTC is currently addressing
the Carrier request.
Epson To Review Media Buy
Jefferey
Marks, Director, Marketing & Communications for Epson and
speaking on behalf of John Lang, President of Epson America,
Inc, replied to the PTC regarding their sponsorship of Nip/Tuck; “As a
socially responsible company that prides itself on being a
good corporate citizen, we are guided by principles of
corporate behavior that are deeply rooted in the management
philosophy of our company.” “Your letter has prompted us to
go back and review the profile and content of each show that
will be carrying our television commercials.” The PTC
applauds Epson for this recent action and encourages Epson
to act as a responsible corporate citizen.
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