PTC Calls on Wrigley to Evaluate Recent Advertising Practices

Supporting Shows like "Family Guy" Contradicts Corporate Values

CHICAGO (March 14, 2007) �At the annual Wrigley shareholders meeting in Chicago today, the Parents Television Council� called on the company to carefully evaluate its advertising practices. Although the Wrigley brand used to be associated with high advertising standards, the PTC asked the company to decide whether supporting shows like The Family Guy and The O.C. on Fox align with its values and corporate philosophy. The following excerpts are taken from a statement made by Glen Erickson, manager of advertising programs for the Parents Television Council, at the meeting today:

"I am here representing the Parents Television Council, a non-profit, non-partisan group committed to protecting children from sex, violence, and profanity in entertainment. The reason I'm here today is to remind Chairman Wrigley and the board of the importance of advertising responsibly.

"Over the course of last year we have seen the Wrigley brand, the standard of quality and excellence drift into programming that has been less than equal to the Wrigley legacy. These programs include the The Family Guy and The O.C. on Fox. On behalf of our 1.1 million members, we are concerned and would like to help Wrigley once again be a leader as a corporate citizen.

"As my fellow shareholders know, the Wrigley Company has a Code of Business Conduct and it is a model for other corporations to emulate in every aspect. In the chapter that delves into �Shared Values' the very first principle states: �We treat each other with trust, dignity and respect.' The Parents Television Council agrees with these select words and encourages the Wrigley Company to keep these words in mind when making media plans.

"In the 2005 � 2006 television season, Wrigley has appeared in episodes of The Family Guy. This animated show is intended to be a satire of the American family, and it depends heavily on oblique sexual innuendo and sexual themes. An example of one of the Wrigley-supported episodes included: a barbershop quartet singing to the Peter character how a vasectomy is done with the lyrics �You never have to wear a condom, when you do it with your wife, or anyone else you do it with, we promise not to tell�'

"Wrigley ads also appeared in the Fox series The O.C. This program focuses on a group of teenagers coming of age with themes that are often centered on sex and violent storylines. An example of a Wrigley sponsored episode included this dialogue from the Marissa character: �Then I grew up and found myself doing coke and sleeping with a guy who I'd never had a real conversation with.'

"I am to pleading with you to stop sponsoring this programming sleaze and return to your advertising guidelines that will keep Wrigley off of shows that contain foul language, gratuitous sex, and graphic violence.

"You used to be a responsible advertiser but you've gotten off course lately. We offer our resources to you and look forward to working with Wrigley to get back on the right track and once again support family friendly programs that truly reflect your corporate philosophy."

To schedule an interview with a PTC representative, please contact Kelly Oliver (ext. 140) or Megan Franko (ext. 148) at (703) 683-5004.

The Parents Television Council™ (www.parentstv.org®) is a non-partisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment. It was founded in 1995 to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media. This national grassroots organization has more than 1.3 million members across the United States, and works with television producers, broadcasters, networks and sponsors in an effort to stem the flow of harmful and negative messages targeted to children. The PTC also works with elected and appointed government officials to enforce broadcast decency standards. Most importantly, the PTC produces critical research and publications documenting the dramatic increase in sex, violence and profanity in entertainment. This information is provided free of charge so parents can make informed viewing choices for their own families.