This is probably the pettiest thing that gets me angry in December and I get angry about it every year.
KTVX, Utah’s Channel 4 ABC affiliate, is running ads for the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. However, when you watch the ads, you’d be lucky if you could tell that the USMC was anything other than a silent, junior partner in the whole affair. I’m talking chiefly about their mass media marketing. Funny enough, the website seems to have the proper balance. Go figure.
Over the last 17 years, I’ve lived in and out of Utah and I’ve watched a lot of television. In Colorado, Washington, Minnesota, Arizona, California, Washington DC and Oregon, when the TV stations decide to sponsor the USMC Toys for Tots program, the leave the ownership of the program where it belongs: with the Marines. Not so at KTVX.
Instead you have Randall Carlisle or Terry Wood up on the screen talking about the Channel 4 Toys for Tots. And who is their partner is all this? Is it the USMC? nope, it’s Albertsons and a bunch of radio stations. The Marines don’t get theirs until a passing mention at the tail end of the spot.
Look, I’m happy, and pleased, that KTVX has been a sponsor of the Utah Toys for Tots for the last 14 of the program’s 60 years (only been in Utah for 30 years, probably because of folks like Rep. Cannon who think that there are no poor peop0le in Utah). Way to go! And Albertsons! Thanks for participating as well. I know you all ran off to Idaho a few years back, but, letting the Marines put their donation barrels at your stores for the last 7 years is pretty cool, too. And to Radio stations 106.5 KOSY, 94.1 KODJ, AM 570 KNRS and MY 99.5, I applaud your participation.
So, do me a little favor, KTVX, rewrite those spots that, whether you’ll admit it of not, marginalize the Marines. It’s their show and they deserve top billing.
Now, here’s the information:
What can people donate? New, unwrapped, age-appropriate toys can be donated.
Where can people donate? All Albertsons stores throughout Utah and Rock Springs, Wyoming.
How many toys are needed this year? The Marines are asking for 100,000 toys
How many children will receive toys this year? Approximately 25,000 children.
How many toys were collected last year? Over 90,000 toys were collected in 2006.
How many children received toys last year? Over 20,000 of Utah’s children in need received toys from the Toys for Tots in 2006.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program celebrates 60 years in 2007! The Utah Toys for Tots program has been in place for 30 years.
Now, get out there and give, maggots!
2 users commented in " KTVX Channel 4 and their annual ignoring of the United States Marine Corps "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackOOH-RAH! This problem puts sand in my … boots … every year. I actually put my Blues on, years ago, to appear in one of their commercials. They cut us out due to “time”, but added a shot of reporters collecting toys. Nice.
The First Sergeant in charge of the area is supposed to crack down on partners who basically take credit for the program without mentioning (or completely marginalizing) the Marine Corps’ program. If only it were that easy. See, if he yanks the program out from under the advertiser (which he has the authority to do), in this case KTVX, he loses the FREE advertising that brings in toys. And then he has to find new partners to get the word out. Generally on his own time. And there is no budget. It’s entirely a volunteer program. Given that Marines focus on the mission (in this case, getting *Toys For Tots*), and not on getting their due credit, you’ll see advertisers take full advantage. News stations are the worst (perhaps due to having no souls).
But thanks Jeff - I think this is an important point to make, because it highlights how KTVX is taking advantage of the US ARMED FORCES during a TIME OF WAR for PERSONAL GAIN.
Remember folks, the USMC is collecting your toys all the way up to December 23rd! And THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
we must not watch the same tv station. the commericals i’ve seen on channel four actually have a marine in them saying a line…just like the tv people. I’ve even seen them do news stories on the marines and the program.
Haven’t heard a marine on the radio station.
Hardly think it’s fair to come down on 4 when the marines involved obviously like the way the partnership works (i’m sure they could take it to any station in town)
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