Streets Ahead Billboard Banned
Los Angeles–based accessories manufacturer Streets Ahead found itself embroiled in a decency debate when the company launched its latest billboard campaign.
Los Angeles Councilmember Jack Weiss complained about the ad’s imagery to the billboard owner, Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising, prompting Clear Channel to take down the ad.
The ad, titled in house as “Streets Ahead. It Isn’t Fashion Without Us,” features three models—one man and two women—whose pants have fallen down, with the implication being that without Streets Ahead belts, their pants can’t stay up.
The billboard was up for two months around Los Angeles before Weiss complained, according to the company, which said the councilmember objected after Clear Channel put up the ad on a digital billboard near the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Bundy Drive in Weiss’ West Los Angeles district.
An alternate version of the ad—with the models removed entirely—has been created for Streets Ahead by Curtis Birch Inc., creators of the original ad. The alternate ad has been submitted to Clear Channel for review.
To see the original ad, visit www.streetsaheadinc.com.—Alison A. Nieder
