Date: Thu, 27 Mar 97 19:34:03 EST From: "Phil Attey" Subject: Chrysler Reconsiders Advertising on "Ellen" - Take Action! ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: communications@hrcusa.org WWW: http://www.hrcusa.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 28, 1997 CHRYSLER RECONSIDERS ADVERTISING ON "ELLEN" IN "POLARIZED AND EMOTIONAL ENVIRONMENT" Urge Automakers To Rethink and Continue Sponsorship of Pioneering TV Show Chrysler Corp. has said it might not buy any more advertising time during ABC's "Ellen" show until the "media and public hype" surrounding the April 30 coming out episode subsides. Chrysler spokeswoman Megan Giles told USA Today, "We're not making a social statement" about sexual orientation. "But it's not sound business for us to be involved with an episode that's in such a highly polarized and emotional environment." Giles also told the newspaper that Chrysler's continued sponsorship of "Ellen" will depend on "whether the media and public hype recedes." HRC questions the sincerity of these statements. Since the point of television advertising is to reach the largest audience possible, it makes no sense for a company like Chrysler to withhold advertising from a program until it is less popular. One of the other major "Ellen" advertisers is General Motors. A GM spokesman, Dean Rotondo, told USA Today that his company would evaluate advertising on future episodes based on their "fairness and family values." The Rev. Jerry Falwell and the extremist American Family Association have announced a public pressure campaign against Chrysler, GM and Johnson & Johnson, which they identified as the three corporations that have been the biggest sponsors of "Ellen." ACT NOW Contact Chrysler and let the company know you appreciate its past sponsorship of "Ellen." Politely ask the company to reconsider its plan to withhold advertising until the all the media attention dies. Encourage Chrysler not to succumb to the anti-gay tactics of Falwell and the AFA. Contact GM and let it know gay men and lesbians also comprise families, and that we also deserve to be treated and portrayed fairly in the media. Encourage GM not to succumb to the anti-gay tactics of Falwell and the AFA. * Chrysler Corp., Chairman Robert J. Eaton, 1000 Chrysler Dr., Auburn Hills, MI 48326, Phone 810-576-5741, Toll Free 1-800-992-1997. * General Motors Corp., Chairman John F. Smith, 3044 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202, Phone 313-556-5000, FAX 313-556-1988. - 30-