Animated Frog's Genitals -- Okay for TV?

Reuters, via Yahoo ^ | 2.2.2005

[NYC GOP Chick]

LONDON (Reuters) - Despite complaints from 60 people, Britain's advertising regulators said Wednesday there is nothing inappropriate about the genitals of an animated frog whose high-pitched squeals are sold as a mobile phone ringtone.

Television adverts of the motorcycle-riding Crazy Frog, who is drawn with a broad smile and a tiny penis, run frequently on British television, amusing, baffling and annoying viewers.

"While unusual for an animated model of this type to be shown with genitalia, no sexual or inappropriate references were made about its anatomy," the UK's Advertising Standards Authority said.

Twenty-two people complained they were worried children might see the advertising, which also promotes screen savers and mobile videos. Five parents said they were embarrassed by questions their children had asked.

Other viewers simply found the commercial annoying and thought it was shown too often.

"We appreciate that the frequent broadcast of the same, or similar commercials can be annoying to some viewers," the ASA said. "However, it is for the advertiser and broadcaster to decide how often a particular advertisement is shown."

Because the ads contain a text number to place an order, they are barred from being shown during children's programs, and the ASA said there were no reports of children being concerned by the advert.

The ads were created by Germany's Lorena Medienagentur GmbH for Jamba! AG, trading as Jamster.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Sorry! No photos!

[Senator Pardek]

No pics - please.

[Darkwolf377]

A reality show about Ted Kennedy? Ewwwwwwww!

[xm177e2]

Pictures available HERE (click on the thumbnails to enlarge. warning: even if you enlarge the photos, the frog's penis is very small, and is not capable of arousing even a horny toad)

[DTogo]

Television adverts of the motorcycle-riding Crazy Frog, who is drawn with a broad smile and a tiny penis

Jaques Chirac?

[Capagrl]

Five parents said they were embarrassed by questions their children had asked. Ahem. Okay. So why are these parents unable to say the word "penis" to their kids? Maybe it's because I have 3 boys, but I'd like to think that if I had a daughter, I'd handle body-part education the same way. We start with the proper names and, once they reach school age and start learning the slang, I inform them of the slang information and remind them of the proper terminology. This is not embarassing - kids really can handle it if it's done in a matter-of-fact way (like teaching them about their arms, legs, etc.). Sheesh, folks! What will you do with your kids as teens if you cannot talk to them while they're little???

[finnman69]

[lavrenti]

Be careful. That frog could be a toad.

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

NEIN!

(Unamused Teutonic Smiley.)

-good times, G.J.P.(Jr.)

[NYC GOP Chick]

Very good! :D

[NYC GOP Chick]

Good find!

[Dan from Michigan]

Must be a German frog.....

[NYC GOP Chick]

Lots of them hiding around here.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Nah, a French one!

[Tabi Katz]

LOL! It does sound like Kennedy, with the high pitched squeal, annoying levels of exposure, and hey, frogs do love the water!

[Kirkwood]

But then you will have to explain to the kids why a frog was drawn with a penis when they don't have penises. What would you say if Disney artists gave Donald Duck a penis?

[spinestein]

[Five parents said they were embarrassed by questions their children had asked.]

I hope they get over the trauma of this horrific event. Perhaps we can set up a relief fund or something.

[Billthedrill]

I will have to admit that there is a headline I never expected to see.

[usmcobra]

a Cheech Wizard ripoff.