PTC Asks Pfizer to Reconsider Placing Adult Ads During Family-Oriented TV Shows

Parents Caught Off Guard by Inappropriate Blue Pill Ads

MEMPHIS (April 24, 2008) – At today’s Pfizer Shareholder meeting, the Parents Television Council™ asked the company to reconsider placing its adult product advertisements during family-oriented television shows. PTC Director of Corporate Relations Glen Erickson spoke during the meeting, and the following are excerpts from his statement:

“Mr. Chairman, we are concerned with Pfizer and its Viagra brand placement in broadcast and basic cable television.

“Pfizer has helped countless individuals and families live healthier, happier lives and for that we salute you and look forward to future innovations, but I ask today, on behalf of our 1.2 million members, to please be discreet in scheduling your ‘Viva Viagra’ campaign ads on television.

“I’m sure you’ll agree that parents need to monitor and control what their children are watching but your commercial advertising offers no indication as to where these spots will suddenly appear. Moreover, because of the sheer volume of advertising weight that Pfizer supports this particular brand with, it is virtually impossible for a parent to identify what shows will have kid safe commercials. Recently, your ads have appeared in NCAA basketball, ABC’s World News and during shows on family-targeted networks such as TV Land and Discovery Channel. We understand that you are targeting men with your message but please appreciate that children are watching these programs as well.

“We receive e-mails, letters and phone calls on nearly a daily basis asking the PTC to address their concerns with you. Parents are feeling powerless and find themselves addressing personal parenting issues at a time and place that seem to be dictated by these ED ads.

“Your spots when viewed by children are at least confusing, if not upsetting and embarrassing, to all family members trying to watch TV together.

“We are pleading with you to demonstrate some level of discretion as to where these ads are airing and understand that children are watching.”

After the meeting, Pfizer executives agreed to meet with the PTC in May.

To speak with a representative from the Parents Television Council, 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.