FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY PAPER BANNED FROM TV

PHILADELPHIA, December 25, 2003 – The latest TV commercial for Philadelphia City Paper, the alternative arts, entertainment and news weekly published by Metroweek Corp., has been banned from TV altogether. The commercial, part of a larger campaign to promote “Flirt,” the online dating service powered by Spring Street Networks, explores the relationship between a woman and her vibrator. The spot, a campy, retro-styled piece modeled after Love American Style, features the young women and her “friend” in faux-romantic scenarios… they ride a bicycle built for two, they enjoy a picnic on a sun-drenched hillside (complete with fake flowers and taxidermy animals), they even share a romantic dinner for two. But ultimately, the relationship proves unsatisfactory, and the commercial concludes by suggesting that more fulfilling relationships can be formed by logging onto City Paper’s online personals site, www.citypaper.net/flirt.

Despite the commercial’s lighthearted approach, network executives refused to air the spot altogether, citing that it was “too sexually explicit.” It was even declined air time on MTV and Comedy Central, and one network executive was quoted as saying the commercial “would not even be allowed to air during overnights,” a time unofficially noted for looser broadcast standards.

Created by Hammerhead and Whizbang, a Philadelphia-based advertising agency, the commercial taps into the reason online dating and personals sites are growing in popularity: people want more satisfying relationships. However, Hammerhead and Whizbang Creative Director, Rob Linsalata is not surprised. “It’s disappointing, to be sure, but there is definitely a different set of standards for advertisers than for network programming. The fact that the commercials have to be safer than the shows in the era of “Jackass” and “The Man Show” is ludicrous.”

That said, audience will still be able to see the spot, says Linsalata. “It will certainly be available on City Paper’s website and other online vehicles, and the online community is where we want to be.”

"Our readers are smart, interesting, influential people,” agrees Paul Curci, Publisher of City Paper. “This is the kind of thing they would definitely appreciate.”

“Besides," adds City Paper Marketing Director, Rachel Furman, “When your company slogan is ‘JUICY’ you’re no stranger to controversy.” To view the commercial and for more information, visit www.citypaper.net/flirt

SOURCE: Philadelphia City Paper

CONTACT: Rachel Furman, Marketing Director

Phone: 215-735-8444

Email: rachel@citypaper.net

Copyright (C) 2004 Philadelphia City Paper