Microsoft Pulls Plug On "Family Guy's" Sponsorship - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 10-28-2009, 12:00 AM

Microsoft Not Amused by Family Guy, Pulls Plug on Sponsorship
by Gina Serpe

An infant's unwavering devotion to matricide—good. Jokes about incest and deaf people—now that, according to Microsoft, is crossing the line.

Doing absolutely nothing to fight its uncool reputation, the software giant has pulled out of sponsoring Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show, what would have been an otherwise ad-free variety special from Stewie mastermind Seth MacFarlane.

In exchange for the corporate backing, the show would have seamlessly woven promotions for Windows 7, Microsoft's latest operating system, into the program. But after some Microsoft bigwigs attended the live taping of the special on Oct. 16—and heard jokes about deaf people, the Holocaust, incest and feminine hygiene—the company bailed.

As the jokes themselves were completely in keeping with the MacFarlane brand of envelope-pushing comedy, the abrupt pullout certainly gives off the impression that no one from Team Gates had bothered to check out an episode of the show prior to signing up for the deal.

Either that or the Microsoft crew has particularly delicate sensibilities.

"We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of Family Guy, but after reviewing an early version of the variety show, it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand," Microsoft said in a statement.

"We continue to have a good partnership with Fox, Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein and are working with them in other areas. We continue to believe in the value of brand integrations and partnerships between brands, media companies and talent."

Believe it or not, that's not only lip service: While Microsoft is no longer associating with the Fox special, the company is moving forward with a 12-week youth-targeting college tour, promoting its new OS, which will feature, among other interactive extras, Family Guy-themed movie nights.

The show, meanwhile, will still go on Nov. 8—possibly with the last-minute addition of a few extra software-centric jokes—with an unnamed new sponsor.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b150...imdb_tv-movies

catlover79 · 10-28-2009, 12:08 AM

Interesting!!

Marvo301 · 10-28-2009, 12:14 AM

So Bill Gates got cold feet Huh? I'm sure Stewie will come up with an elaborate scheme to get him back for that!

10-28-2009, 12:00 AM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,121	Microsoft Pulls Plug On "Family Guy's" Sponsorship *Microsoft Not Amused by Family Guy, Pulls Plug on Sponsorship* by Gina Serpe An infant's unwavering devotion to matricide—good. Jokes about incest and deaf people—now that, according to Microsoft, is crossing the line. Doing absolutely nothing to fight its uncool reputation, the software giant has pulled out of sponsoring Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show, what would have been an otherwise ad-free variety special from Stewie mastermind Seth MacFarlane. In exchange for the corporate backing, the show would have seamlessly woven promotions for Windows 7, Microsoft's latest operating system, into the program. But after some Microsoft bigwigs attended the live taping of the special on Oct. 16—and heard jokes about deaf people, the Holocaust, incest and feminine hygiene—the company bailed. As the jokes themselves were completely in keeping with the MacFarlane brand of envelope-pushing comedy, the abrupt pullout certainly gives off the impression that no one from Team Gates had bothered to check out an episode of the show prior to signing up for the deal. Either that or the Microsoft crew has particularly delicate sensibilities. "We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of Family Guy, but after reviewing an early version of the variety show, it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand," Microsoft said in a statement. "We continue to have a good partnership with Fox, Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein and are working with them in other areas. We continue to believe in the value of brand integrations and partnerships between brands, media companies and talent." Believe it or not, that's not only lip service: While Microsoft is no longer associating with the Fox special, the company is moving forward with a 12-week youth-targeting college tour, promoting its new OS, which will feature, among other interactive extras, Family Guy-themed movie nights. The show, meanwhile, will still go on Nov. 8—possibly with the last-minute addition of a few extra software-centric jokes—with an unnamed new sponsor. http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b150...imdb_tv-movies

10-28-2009, 12:08 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Interesting!!
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10-28-2009, 12:14 AM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	So Bill Gates got cold feet Huh? I'm sure Stewie will come up with an elaborate scheme to get him back for that!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin