Madonna-Britney Billboard Pulled
October 16, 2003
MARIETTA -- Pressure from local residents outraged by a
96 Rock billboard depicting a much-publicized same-sex kiss has
prompted the radio station to take the sign down.
Scott Baker, director of marketing for Clear Channel
Communications, which owns 96 Rock, said the station will remove a
billboard showing music icon Madonna locking lips with pop princess
Britney Spears.
"We've gotten about 10 to 15 calls regarding the billboard, and
they haven't been very positive," Baker said. "They are
expressing their desire that the billboard be removed, and we
respect that."
The billboard, located in Marietta along Interstate 75,
advertises 96 Rock's Regular Guys -- DJ's Larry Wachs, "Southside"
Steve and Eric Von Haessler, who host the station's morning show --
and contains a sexually suggestive slogan.
Baker said the station's billboards, which are allowed by Clear
Channel, usually remain standing for four to six weeks at a time,
depending on availability.
Baker said the billboard on I-75 was designed to "create some
attention" for the station.
"It created a lot of attention, which is positive for the
station, but there was a negative backlash as well," Baker said.
"It's the way of the world -- no one is going to agree on
everything."
Rusty Roth, manager of Marietta's Planning and Zoning
Department, said that although he received about three calls and
e-mails from Marietta residents complaining about the billboard, it
is up to state officials to determine whether the content of the
billboard violates decency laws.
Baker said 96 Rock has about 50 billboards around metro Atlanta,
including one on Buford Highway which shows the kissing pop stars.
