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Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Big Blue No-No: Santa Monica Bans "America's Next Top Model" Bus Ad



When did the prudes take over Santa Monica?

Once one of the most liberal cities in the country, Santa Monica is up in arms over a bus ad for "America's Next Top Model." The ads -- seen above -- feature contestants in bikinis, and is the same image you've seen on billboards and on bus shelter sheets all over town.

There's been no outcry elsewhere. But in Santa Monica, the back of the city's Big Blue Buses are now empty, as citizen uproar has led the public entity to tear down the ads. Joe wrote about the controversy in today's Variety:

"It's a matter of public taste," said Stephanie Negriff, director of transit services for the city. "We try to be sensitive to the community."

Negriff didn't say just how many complaints she got but said it was "enough of a number that it allowed me to make the decision."

Ads show hopefuls from the next season of "Model," along with host-exec producer Tyra Banks, clad in jungle-style bikinis. The same picture is being used in billboards plastered throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including Santa Monica.

At first blush, the complaints would seem to be at odds with Santa Monica's rep as a bastion of liberal thought. But it seems most of the objections weren't from delicate souls offended by the sight of a little skin on the city streets.

Instead, according to Negriff, protests came from people concerned that the city was somehow endorsing a show that may objectify women.

"We wouldn't want to do anything that would disrespect women," Negriff said.

The CW isn't the first entertainment company to run into trouble with the Big Blue Bus. In recent years, the city has also nixed ads hyping "Nip/Tuck" and the feature "Ten Things I Hate About You."

Meanwhile, even though the "Model" ads ran for two weeks before being yanked, the Big Blue Bus decided to refund all the coin the CW paid for the ads.

OK, that sounds more like the Santa Monica we know.

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