Consumer Watchdog Groups Urge PBS to Stop Chick-fil-A Promotions

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), Public Citizen and
Corporate Accountability International are reportedly urging the PBS network
to “end a four-year marketing agreement between the popular children’s
show ‘Martha Speaks’ and the fast food chain Chick-fil-A.” The marketing
agreement includes 15-second ads for the restaurant before and after the
show and in-store giveaways at more than 1,600 Chick-fil-A locations.

According to the watchdog groups, “an astounding 56 million Chick-fil-A Kids’ Meals—which contain as much as 670 calories and 29 grams of fat—were distributed in Martha Speaks co-branded bags” in 2011. The groups also called for PBS member station WGBH, which produces “Martha Speaks,” to withdraw the ads from nomination for a children’s marketing award. “PBS deserves lots of awards, but using a beloved character to lure kids to a fast food restaurant is nothing to celebrate,” said CCFC’s Susan Linn. See CCFC Press Release, May 23, 2012.