Geico Could Save Money By Stopping its Sponsorship of Awkwafina is Nora from Queens

Written by PTC | Published March 13, 2020

Advertiser Accountability

LOS ANGELES (March 13, 2020) – The Parents Television Council is calling on Geico to remove its advertisements from a TV show that markets profanity, illegal drug use, sex toys, and other explicit content to kids. Geico ads have appeared 50 times on Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, a new Comedy Central show that also airs on Nickelodeon and MTV2, and is rated as appropriate for young teenaged children.

“Geico could save hundreds of dollars if the company would cease sponsorship of Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, a show that markets adult content to kids, and instead sponsor family friendly fare,” said PTC President Tim Winter.

The Association of National Advertisers’ Alliance for Family Entertainment found that the context of the programming has a significant impact on viewers’ perceptions of advertising. In fact, an additional 10.7% of the audience improved their opinion about purchasing the brand when the ad was placed in a “family friendly” program vs. a program with "adult-themed" content.

Awkwafina hides its explicit content in a happy-go-lucky, upbeat sitcom. In addition to explicit language like “d*ck.” “p*ssy,” “sh*t,” (33 times in just 7 episodes! All unbleeped!), and “f*ck” (also 33 times in just 7 episodes – and unbleeped during some airings!); episodes have contained pixelated nudity, depictions of drug use, depictions of sex toys, references to anal bleaching, masturbation, and “eating *ss.” Original episodes aired on Comedy Central have been rated TV-14, but the content suggests that a TV-MA rating would be more appropriate.

“Either this type of graphic content, rated by the network as appropriate for children to watch, is consistent with Geico’s corporate brand or it is inconsistent with Geico’s corporate brand. We believe Geico should put this show its ‘Do Not Buy’ list for the remainder of the season and for any re-aired episodes,” Winter added.

The PTC has also called on frequent advertisers T-Mobile and PepsiCo to cease sponsorship of Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.

Read the PTC’s review of Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.

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