Issues@Hand
AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs
April 2004 – As Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to wrestle with what can be done about indecency on TV, AFA has decided to target the advertisers who sponsor one of the most offensive networks on television – MTV.
AFA launched BoycottMTV.net shortly after the Super Bowl halftime show angered millions of Americans with its debauchery. Pop singer Janet Jackson’s breast was revealed to stunned viewers, following a performance with singer Justin Timberlake in which the two groped each other. Other lowlights of the show included rapper Nelly repeatedly fondling his crotch, striptease cheerleaders, gyrating transvestites, simulated lesbian sex, and a “performer” who wore the American Flag as a poncho.
The halftime activities were produced by MTV. Ironically, while millions of Americans were shocked by what they saw during the Super Bowl, it was mild compared to what often airs on the sexually-explicit, teen-oriented cable TV network.
“MTV is blatantly targeting our children with shows that constantly encourage a message of sexual promiscuity, dishonesty, drunkenness, rudeness, rebellion, and profane language,” said Don Wildmon, AFA chairman. “But that network would not be able to do this without the financial support of companies such as McDonald’s and Procter & Gamble.”
The new Web site has quickly struck a chord. Wildmon said more than 129,000 people have already signed on to begin boycotting MTV sponsors. “As more people find out about this boycott, it will pick up momentum,” he said.
AFA has already contacted the major advertisers which sponsor MTV programming, asking them to discontinue their advertising support. Those companies are: Burger King, Colgate, Dominos, H&R Block, Hershey, KFC, L’Oreal, McDonald’s, Proctor & Gamble, Progressive Insurance, Taco Bell and Wrigley.
“If these companies decide that MTV is a network worth supporting, I imagine that many infuriated parents will consider shopping elsewhere,” Wildmon said. 
(See related stories in this issue: It's MTV. What did we expect? and Janet or Jesus: which will America honor?.
