LOS ANGELES (July 16, 2009) - The Parents Television Council™ chastised Target for its planned sponsorship of the season premiere and product placement on CW’s “Gossip Girl.” The retailer will be using the show to promote its brand and its new Anna Sui clothing line inspired by “Gossip Girl” characters.
“Target has affirmatively decided to underwrite sexual themes on a show that is marketed directly, overtly and wantonly to children. There is no mistaking that ‘Gossip Girl’ contains content that’s only appropriate for adults, and Target obviously understands the graphic nature of this show’s content with its sponsorship. Target is showing its complete and utter disregard for families by contributing to a media culture that sexualizes teenagers and glorifies drug use and explicit language,” said PTC President Tim Winter.
“Target has chosen to be a second rate retailer to Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer and most trustworthy retail voice when it comes to protecting children and families. Target can expect to hear from the PTC and its members, and we urge the company to withhold its sponsorship dollars and halt plans to link its new clothing line directly to the explicit content on ‘Gossip Girl’ until the content of the show improves.”
