SEATTLE (November
15, 2011) – The
Parents Television Council® attended
the Microsoft shareholder meeting today to urge the company to use
its television advertising dollars more responsibly. Graphic
episodes of Fox’s “Allen Gregory,” CBS’ “Two and a Half Men” and
MTV’s “The Hard Times of RJ Berger,” among others, have all featured
Microsoft advertisements.
Peter Wick III, Seattle grassroots chapter
director for the Parents Television Council, attended the meeting,
but was denied an opportunity to speak. After the meeting, he met
with Bill Koefoed, general manager of investor relations at
Microsoft, who requested his prepared remarks in writing so
Microsoft could follow up. Excerpts from Mr. Wick’s prepared remarks
are below.
“I wish to bring your attention to television
shows Microsoft has supported with its advertising budget, and what
we as shareholders have helped air with our investment dollars.
“Recently, Microsoft sponsored an episode of
the show ‘Allen Gregory,’ where Allen, a seven-year-old cartoon
character, attempts to make a sex tape with his elementary school
principal. Allen is heard describing sex in one scene and fantasizes
about having sex with his principal in another.
“Microsoft has also sponsored an episode of
‘Two and a Half Men,’ where one of the characters receives a penis
pump in the mail, and then gives it to his teenage son because the
teen feels inadequate about his manhood.
“Another show sponsored by Microsoft was an
episode of ‘The Hard Times of RJ Berger.’ The show’s central
character is RJ Berger, a 15-year-old who has an exceptionally large
penis. In this episode, RJ’s father, Rick, and his best friend
encourage RJ to have ‘birthday sex.’ His father even offers to pay
for a motel room for RJ and his girlfriend.
“Microsoft has also sponsored and placed
advertisements on many other television shows that consisted of
explicit sexual humor and profanity, such as ‘The Vampire Diaries,’
‘The Cleveland Show,’ ‘Family Guy,’ ‘Glenn Martin, DDS,’ and
‘American Dad.’
“Exposure to graphic violence, explicit sex and
profanity on television is unhealthy for children in their social
and emotional development. Microsoft may not have produced these
shows, but their advertising dollars support this content, which
makes it possible for these types of programs to air in our homes,
and accessible for children to watch, especially cartoon-based
shows.
“According to a Harris Poll, ‘Twenty-seven
percent of Americans say they did not purchase a certain brand
because they did not like a program or event sponsored by the
brand.’ I say to the Microsoft executives and shareholders, let’s
not give people this reason to avoid purchasing Microsoft products
and services, or investing in this great company.
“I plead with you on behalf of
millions of Americans to bring higher standards to Microsoft’s
advertising practices.”
To speak
with a representative from
the Parents Television
Council, please contact
Megan Franko at (703)
859-5054 or Liz Krieger at
(703) 683-5004 ext. 120.