In June, 2001 I was startled to see a large ad that
proclaimed "ANIMAL ACTIVISTS PUT LIVES IN DANGER" in WESTCHESTER FAMILY, a
local freebie magazine (it is separate from WESTCHESTER PARENT).
There was a photo of a croc with his mouth wide open;
the text implied that if activists weren't checked, crocodiles would kill
everyone in Westchester. WESTCHESTER FAMILY is an upscale monthly full of
ads for private schools, nannies, arts conservatories - you get the picture.
The ad was placed by Safari Club International which,
some of you probably know, is a wealthy and influential hunting club (www.safariclubfoundation.org).
Amazingly, when I called to complain, I found out their
ad was placed as a PSA - they placed it for free! I was told 'someone messed
up' and placed it in the psa file, where it was grabbed when they needed to
fill space.
I told them I want them to make 'reparations' for this
ad; that began a lengthy negotiation that culminated with my AR group
getting a large ad placed in the Dec 2001 issue at no charge to us, and a
promise it wouldn't happen again.
Well, Safari Club International is back in WESTCHESTER
FAMILY, June 2004. The ad is far smaller; text with a photo of a howling
wolf reads "Help Protect our Natural Treasures" with their website and phone
#.
The editorial staff has completely changed at
WESTCHESTER FAMILY; it could be an honest mistake as a result,
whatever...THIS AD HAS NO BUSINESS IN SUCH A PERIODICAL! WESTCHESTER
FAMILY's articles range from "How to be a better dad", "Capture the spirit
of family holidays", etc; their mission: to provide locally relevant,
insightful and useful resources that support and empower parents (in an
upscale, touchy-feely sort of way - K)
Please complain politely but VERY VERY STRONGLY!! We've
been down this road already and promises were made. I have already placed a
call to editor Jean Sheff (914) 381-7474. How in heaven's name are they
giving Safari International 'PSA' status??? Why are they running ads for
hunters? AND WE WANT EQUAL TIME!
Email:
[email protected]
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