"Phil the Sore" rejected by L.A. television

The Los Angeles County public health agency created a public service announcement concerning the spread of syphilis, but television stations have rejected the cartoon, claiming that it is inappropriate for broadcast. The cartoon, aimed at adults, should be aired.

The public service announcement targets gay men as the most at risk for contracting the sexually transmitted disease. Los Angeles currently has a high number of syphilis cases, according to The Los Angeles Times. The commercial is not any worse than what is aired on night-time television, yet stations are fearful of airing the 30 second cartoon, which features "Phil the Sore" and his family, including "brain damage" and "rash." Phil follows two men home, while the dialogue implies that the men had sex. He then invites his family, various symptoms of syphilis, to join him. Television stations shouldn't shy away from airing important announcements such as this because the public needs to hear this information, even if the information isn't pretty.

The stations argue that with the Federal Communications Commission cracking down on explicit material, they don't want to air anything that may get them in trouble with the FCC. Viacom is still fighting against the $550,000 fine incurred after the Super Bowl incident. Phil, the cartoon, is not unlike those found in allergy commercials and anti-bacterial ads. The cartoon is rather forward with its information, but the truth about the disease is not attractive in a made-for-TV manner.

People see much more vulgar things on television. Several cable stations accepted the commercial because the FCC does not regulate their content, and so they have more freedom with their content. The commercial contains a cartoon, after all, and is definitely more appropriate than the body parts shown on television. The cartoon advertisement may actually help prevent syphilis. According to a survey from 2003, men who had seen the ads were three times likelier to be tested for the disease.

The stations went so far as to claim that the ad promotes casual sex and makes light of the seriousness of syphilis. In past years, L.A. stations have run ads about STD sores.

They promoted a campaign to "Stop the Sores," which was a toned-down version of San Francisco's "Healthy Penis" campaign. The healthcare foundation has also advertised their crusade to prevent syphilis with billboards and public appearances of "Phil the Sore."

Los Angeles is thought to be one of the most liberal cities in America. It is ridiculous that in such a town, television stations would be afraid to air an ad targeting gay men and sexual health awareness.