Condom maker seeks prime-time TV ads

The manufacturer of Trojan condoms is seeking to advertise the prophylactics during prime-time network TV broadcasts, saying promoting condom use on television can help prevent the spread of HIV, the New York Post reports. Condom maker Church and Dwight says the ad is appropriate for prime-time viewing hours and the company is in talks with ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox to air the spot. Officials at ABC, CBS, and NBC say they review requests to air condom ads on a case-by-case basis; Fox says it is reviewing the ad but has made no decision on the advertising request. Network television stations currently air condom ads only late at night, when children are unlikely to be watching television, and only if the ads address the health benefits of condom use. There are no official rules banning condom ads during prime-time viewing hours, although no network has ever aired such ads during those hours. Church and Dwight's CEO says the ad campaign is meant to gain the attention of Americans who may be at risk for HIV but aren't taking precautions to protect themselves against the virus. "We're trying to shock them and shake their confidence," he told the Post.