URGENT NEWS ADVISORY
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Contact: Steve Hindi 630-640-1889
Comcast Blinks: Cable Giant Agrees to Allow Graphic Pigeon Shoot TV Ad to Air on All Pennsylvania News Networks; Bob Barker-Narrated Spot Running Throughout State
HARRISBURG, PA – Comcast Cable – which pulled the plug earlier this month on a Bob Barker-narrated television commercial that urged an end to cruel pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania – has now agreed to air the spot throughout the entire state, including the Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas, on CNN, FoxNews and MSNBC.
Comcast yanked the ad about two weeks ago after declaring it too "violent." Only MSNBC and FoxNews would air it, and only after 9 p.m. As of today, hundreds of spots on running throughout Pennsylvania on CNN, FoxNews and MSNBC from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight, and after 8 p.m. on Animal Planet.
The commercial can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyYHEIhP6_E
The commercial shows pigeons being gunned down from close range for sport, brutalized, smashed into the ground, stacked like firewood and left for dead and burned alive. Although Comcast originally didn't want any of that footage, all of it remains, said Steve Hindi, President of SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), an international animal protection group which produced the spot.
Hindi said SHARK agreed only to modify one frame where blood gushes from a dying pigeon's beak.
SHARK has suggested that the NRA and other powerful people who support pigeon shoots – including PA sitting judge and pigeon shooter Adolph Joseph Anatanvage – could have influenced Comcast's decision, but that public pressure to allow the spot has now led to a change at Comcast.
"This is the most compelling animal protection issue in Pennsylvania right now. The people have the right to see this commercial, on all networks, and at all times. We are pleased that Comcast has decided to be reasonable and accommodate our efforts, and put Bob Barker back on the air," said Hindi.
The commercial encourages the Pennsylvania legislature to pass HB 1750, which, in part, outlaws the use a dog, cat or other animal – such as a pigeon – as a live target. Violation would be a felony after the first conviction. The legislative session ends soon.
SHARK received a $1 million grant from Bob Barker in 2010 to help continue its campaign to ban pigeon shooting and other cruelty to animals.
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