| T will no longer display
advertisements for violent video games Associated
Press, 12/12/06
BOSTON -- The MBTA will no longer display advertisements
for video games that are meant for adults after a citizens
group complained about posters for a game that encourages
players to steal, murder and have sex with prostitutes, a
top official said Tuesday.
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood had demanded
advertisements for "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories"
be pulled off the subways.
In a letter dated Monday, the Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority's General Manager Daniel
Grabaukas told the group that the MBTA's board had
approved a ban on ads for games rated suitable only for
persons 17 or older.
"We are thrilled that the MBTA has been so responsive to
community concerns," said Susan Linn, co-founder of the
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. "The children of
Boston can now ride the MBTA without being targets for
advertising that glorifies violence.
Linn added that the decision "sends a strong message to
the videogame industry that public property cannot be used
to promote violence to children. We hope that other cities
will follow suit."
A media watchdog group, The National Institute on Media
and the Family, has listed "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Stories" among 10 games parents shouldn't buy for their
kids this holiday season, citing its violent content.
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