Accuracy in Media
Curvy Graphic

    
AIM Columns
The Big Fix: Obama’s Rigged Census (Part One of Two)
July 3, 2009
Socialism, Debt, Confusion and Uncertainty - General Motors After One Month
July 2, 2009
Chinese Economic Warfare
July 1, 2009
Pursuing Failure
June 30, 2009
An Endangered America
June 29, 2009

Views expressed in guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views of Accuracy in Media.

Visit the complete Guest Column archives.

Ask the NFL To Prohibit Indecent Commercials During Games


Guest Column  |  By AIM web site admin  |  December 3, 2007


One thing I’m fairly confident of: A lack of inappropriate advertising certainly wouldn’t hurt the NFL’s key demographics. So why not pursue the family-friendly standard?

A few months ago, I wrote an open letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, asking him to please help "raise the standard and do what [he] can to eliminate the indecent content aired during NFL games." 
 
As you may remember, my original letter pointed to the sad fact that a number of advertisements and network promotional spots that are aired during NFL game breaks are completely inappropriate -- especially for the younger members of the viewing audience. The fact is, far too many of these ads are indecent and/or sexually suggestive. 
 
With more than half the season behind us now, I am again openly appealing to Commissioner Goodell: please consider your entire fan base when licensing your programs to television networks. 
 
Here are just a few examples of indecent commercials that have aired on the FOX and CBS networks during NFL game broadcasts:

•  Most recently, on November 25th, during the New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings game, FOX aired a promotional spot for its adult cartoon, "Family Guy." This promo showed an overweight adult male animated character doing a strip tease, subjecting viewers to a virtually naked cartoon character. Ironically, the voiceover announcement at the end of this promo warns that "viewer discretion is advised."  
 
It is also interesting to note that "Family Guy" is rated TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) for intense violence, intense sexual situations, strong coarse language, or intensely suggestive dialogue.

I have to hope that Commissioner Goodell agrees that the NFL brand is too important to allow it to be continually associated with this type of pornographic and trashy material. There is no reason for the NFL to allow this type of sleaze to be marketed to its audience -- an audience that includes fathers, mothers, and children.  
 
Many parents to whom I've spoken agree; in order to protect their children from indecent commercial content, it is absolutely necessary to keep the remote control in hand while watching the game. Unfortunately, parents need to remain vigilant -- standing ready to switch stations during game breaks in an effort to avoid the tasteless and irresponsible commercials that are inevitably broadcast during many NFL games. 
 
While the demographics of NFL games are certainly highest among young and middle-aged males, it would be foolish to discount the fact that many men would rather not be subjected to these types of adolescent commercials that feature sexual situations and soft porn.  
 
It is understandable that beer and cars are the two most frequently advertised products during NFL games, yet the vast majority of these commercials do not cross the indecency line. Half of the ads seem to be tied in some way to football, showing images of people watching games, or satires of referees.  
 
Moreover, many NFL fans are fathers who enjoy watching games with their children. These children are the NFL's potential future fan base. Ensuring that NFL broadcasts are devoid of indecent commercial content would likely enhance the number of younger fans in the audience, and it may even foster a new following among moms and dads. 
 
One thing I'm fairly confident of: A lack of inappropriate advertising certainly wouldn't hurt the NFL's key demographics. So why not pursue the family-friendly standard?  
 
The appeal is simple: Commissioner Goodell and the NFL should require television networks that broadcast NFL games to choose responsible sponsors and promotional spots that will not alienate families with young children in the audience. By doing this, the NFL can assure mothers and fathers all across the country that they will be able to enjoy NFL games with their children without having to worry about when the next visual assault will be broadcast. 
 
TAKE ACTION: Click HERE to view and sign the petition encouraging Commissioner Goodell and the NFL to restrict indecent commercials during football games.

MORE ACTION: Please Click HERE to forward this alert to your like-minded friends and neighbors!


Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views of Accuracy in Media or its staff.


Comments 12 Comments  |  Post a Comment


Football Player
June 6  at  5:59 am  |  #1  |  Link

The thing is that with todays standards indecency is not so uncommon that it makes anyone except the older generation raise an eyebrow.

Download Games
June 27  at  4:41 am  |  #2  |  Link

A very good point indeed. If you fell insecure allowing your son to watch a NFL clash, then you know that there is something previously wrong with the system.

John
July 14  at  3:27 am  |  #3  |  Link

Even I agree with your point prohibiting commerials during games. But not sure how this is going to be.
http://www.atlanticcity.com

Tudor Electric Ftooball
July 15  at  7:24 am  |  #4  |  Link

Nice add.. Sports is something meant for the entire family..!

vegas nightclubs
August 1  at  8:11 am  |  #5  |  Link

The raunchy rock fest and interactive experience known as Miss Kitty’s crawls its way into nightlife every Friday night at Dragonfly of West Hollywood.

Jigsaw Games
August 30  at  9:11 am  |  #6  |  Link

Nice point. Games are meant for family entertainment and not for this.!

NFL Tickets
October 23  at  7:52 pm  |  #7  |  Link

I agree with this now, when I was single with no kids it’s a different story. Now that I’m a dad I notice these types of commercials and how it would influence my kids.

research paper
October 27  at  4:40 am  |  #8  |  Link

This is one of the best articles I have read on this topic! looking forward to see your future posts.
Cheers,
research papers

Anthony Yamamoto
October 30  at  11:41 pm  |  #9  |  Link

The content of commercials in America is nowhere near as lewd as it is in nearly every other first world nation.  In the end it’s not going to hurt anyone.  If it concerns you that much, all you have to do is have a talk with your child about it.  There are much more important things to worry about than the content of advertisements.

exhibit rentals
October 31  at  12:43 pm  |  #10  |  Link

If you fell insecure allowing your son to watch a NFL clash, then you know that there is something previously wrong with the system.
Cheers,
exhibit rentals

Water Damage
November 22  at  12:33 pm  |  #11  |  Link

I do believe that many commercials border on the indecent. Not only during games, but at other times too. I am not for censorship, but taste and decency should be taken into consideration. Just because something is appropriate for adults to see, does not mean that kids miss it especially when certain commercials are broadcast during the day. For those who do not have kids to worry about, it is not an issue, but for those of us who do, it is important that we also can turn on the television during the day and not have to shoo the kids from the room because of a commercial that is being shown during a ballgame meant for an entire family to be able to view.

ige
December 28  at  1:04 am  |  #12  |  Link

I’m sort of a libertarian on this issue. If you don’t like the ads; then vote with your ad dollars and don’t watch the game. Or get Tivo like me and turn a three hour game in 30 minutes smile

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Support AIM
Join AIM

Red Line
Email Signup
*  Email:
    Zip:

*  Code shown:
(without spaces)