‘Scandalous’ TV shows lose ads

Sex sells, but some advertisers aren’t buying.

Jollibee, Coke, Greenwich and advertising firm McCann-Ericsson have withdrawn their advertisements from "scandalous television programs" such as "The Buzz" of ABS-CBN and "S-Files" of GMA 7, Pampanga Rep. Francis Nepomuceno said yesterday.

Nepomuceno, who chairs the House committee on civil service and professional regulation, said corporate giants should lead the way and withdraw their advertising support from "indecent programs that are rammed down the throats of impressionable children."

He said besides "The Buzz" and "S-Files," programs such as "Star Talk," "Ek Channel," "Showbiz No. 1," "Going Bulilit," "ASAP," "SOP," "Eat Bulaga," and "Extra Challenge" are destructive to public morality.

"It is high time that prestigious business institutions turn their backs on TV programs that immensely destroy the moral fiber of the country and which have a negative impact on children," he added.

He stressed that the "heroic acts" of McCann-Ericsson, Jollibee, Coke and Greenwich should be emulated by other companies.

"With the proliferation of highly irresponsible TV people, advertisers should not focus mainly on ratings. Advertisers should also review the content of the programs they are supporting," Nepomuceno pointed out.

He castigated the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board for failing to protect the public from indecent TV programs.

He urged viewers to do their share by not watching these shows.

He noted that television is a powerful medium to disseminate information.

"Unfortunately, television is suffocating its audience with gossip, rumors, extra-marital affairs, sex videos, indecent attire, lesbianism, homosexuality, dirty jokes and other antics not fit for public consumption," he said. — Jess Diaz