This might be a little too deep for a Friday, but file this one under “any PR is good PR” philosophy of the radical wing of marketing. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) recently tried to further their own cause by piggybacking on the story about the abortion doctor in Wichita who was shot last week by a pro-life supporter. The wise folks at PETA thought it would be a good idea to take out two billboards in Wichita:
Now, I’m not going to get into the politics of the story, but associating yourself with a bad news story is just not smart marketing. Are people talking about this story across the country? Probably more than if someone else was buying a billboard or two in Wichita, Kansas. Does it further their agenda to convince people to stop eating meat? Based on statistics from the USDA, I’d say not. Since PETA was established in 1980, the average American’s meat consumption has actually increased from 195 pounds to 201 pounds – that’s 24 Quarter Pounders a year!
Based on this article from the Wichita Eagle, I do have to give credit to a couple media companies – Clear Channel and George Lay Signs in Wichita – both of who rejected the outdoor ads. Kudos to thinking more about the community than bringing in a few extra advertising dollars.
Congratulations PETA, you are our Worst of the Week.
Author: Tom Flynn III
