Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Fox, CBS Block Condom Ad

Trojan pushes responsibility, but networks opt to pull out

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 19, 2007 7:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – Trojan says it's conceived of a new ad to promote condom use—but has hit a big rubber wall at two of the four major networks. Fox and CBS turned away the "Evolve" spot, set to premiere tonight, in which anthropomorphic pigs fail to tempt the interest of a female barfly, until one buys a rubber and becomes a prince. Tagline: "Evolve. Use a condom every time."

Trojan says the creative is meant to "promote condoms as a symbol of respect." But Fox, home of Temptation Island, shot down "Evolve" for ethical reasons—contraceptives should stress the dangers of STDs, not pregnancy, it says. And CBS told the family planners it just doesn't find the ad "appropriate," even for late-night TV.

[Images (7)]

[Videos (1)]

Trojan "Evolve" ad (multivu (YouTube))

Pedestrians walk past condoms displayed on a desk set up by activists. (Getty Images)

Gays Mens Health supporter drawing attention to AIDS issue. (PAR94034) (Magnum Photos)

Condom aisle ((c) djuggler)

Trojan condoms ((c) Maulleigh)

Condom aisle ((c) Dan4th)

Condoms ((c) trec_lit)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Trojan's new "Evolve" ad. (multivu (YouTube))

View larger videos >>

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Durex Targets Heat-Seeking 'Pleasurati' in Condom Ads

Company paints itself as the pick of mature pleasure seekers

(NEWSER) - Second-place condom maker Durex has rolled out a juiced up identity in its latest ad campaign, Advertising Age reports. Advertising execs—who say their research shows that market leader Trojan is seen as the "boy scout" condom and No. 3 brand Lifestyle as the choice of swingers—are aiming to sell Durex as the condom for the experienced pleasure seeker, or the "pleasurati." More»

In Push to Sell Ads, CBS Sells Itself in New Campaign

In anticipation of 'upfront week,' CBS reminds advertisers of its worth

(NEWSER) - As a run-up to television’s upfront week—in which broadcasters sell as much advertising as possible for the year—CBS is taking the offensive, launching a massive ad campaign selling CBS itself. The initiative is aimed at curbing the perception that broadcast is declining and cable is the future of TV. Though CBS ad revenue is stagnant, ratings have been improving, Broadcasting & Cable reports. More»

NBC Ditching Fall Debuts

Peacock plans to stagger show introductions throughout the year

(NEWSER) - NBC appears to have followed through on pledges to use the writers' strike as a springboard to changing the television industry, ditching traditional fall debuts of new shows for staggered introductions throughout the year. The move is designed so the network can keep things fresh, and work more closely with advertisers, the New York Times reports. More»

Sponsors Run From Penn State

Six sponsors out of today's game, others reviewing plans

(NEWSER) - More tangible fallout from the Penn State scandal: About six sponsors, including Cars.com, have pulled out of today's noon game on ESPN, and other marketers are asking the station not to air their ads anywhere near discussion of the matter. "I have multiple advertisers pulling ads from the ESPN broadcast," one ad buyer tells the Wall Street Journal . More»

Burger King to Depose the King

Fast food chain to jump on the fresh-and-healthy bandwagon

(NEWSER) - Burger King is planning a radical change in its advertising strategy that will end the surprisingly long reign of its creepy King mascot. The fast food chain is jumping on the trend of touting how fresh its food is—its latest campaign, launching this weekend, advertises its new guacamole-topped “California Whopper” with wordless images of vegetables being washed and chopped, USA Today reports. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Fox, CBS Block Condom Ad