They say there's no such thing as bad publicity. Turner Broadcasting got way more attention for Aqua Teen Hunger Force by causing a bomb scare in Boston than they would have received if their Mooninites had only been seen and recognized by regular viewers of the program who already knew what they were.But now it looks like Turner and marketing firm Interence Inc. will pay Massachusetts and federal agencies $2 million in compensation for the resources spent during last week's scare. That's about a million dollars to cover costs, and another million that will go to fund other homeland security functions.
While Mooninites signs were put up in 10 cities, only Boston took extreme actions to deal with them, resulting in the rather large bill for law enforcement activities.
In other Mooninite news, G4's Attack of the Show weighed in on the controversy last week. We have video of host Kevin Pereira's analysis of the incident after the jump.
So there you go. The major media news networks need to learn to check Google every now and again. And as for Turner Broadcasting? Yeah, they're shelling out $2 million, but Aqua Teen Hunger Force's ratings jumped 20% the day after the bomb scare. It's anyone's guess whether viewer curiosity will translate into long term ratings gains.
The TV Squad Podcast: Linda Purl talks about The Office, we talk spoilers, and more
Ask TV Squad: Ghost Whisperer and more!
The TV Squad Podcast: Bill Scheft of The Late Show, Cake Boss, Mad Men and more
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-05-2007 @ 7:19PM
Gene Cowan said...
Well, I suppose that's one way for cities to get homeland security funds while they're waiting for the feds to come through with the cash.
Reply
2-05-2007 @ 7:37PM
David said...
I think Boston should pay everone else for completely freaking out. And 2 million is still a lot better than a 30 second Super Bowl ad.
Reply
2-05-2007 @ 8:19PM
Sam G. said...
TBS couldn't have bought this much pub for $10 million!
Reply
2-06-2007 @ 7:31AM
ManekiNeko said...
This is the first time I've ever agreed with Kevin Periera about anything unrelated to the Sega Dreamcast. He's right, you know... we're acting like hysterical wimps, afraid of our own shadows. It's time to get over 9/11 and get on with our lives.
JR
Reply
2-06-2007 @ 9:50PM
RuDee said...
ManekiNeko-
Are you serious? "Get over 9/11 and get on with our lives"? What self-centered island are you living on? Do us all a favor and think before you post. You might not sound like such an idiot.
Reply
2-08-2007 @ 3:24PM
Dan-The Extra Point said...
Guerilla marketing gone HORRIBLY wrong...which reminded me of Crystal Pepsi's attack on Denver (among other test market cities) in the early 90's. I blogged about it: http://theextrapoint.com/archives/2007/02/08/crystal-pepsiand-other-failed-nasty-drinks/
Reply