Trojan sends out serious message in primetime US ad slot

NEW YORK – The Trojan condom brand has moved away from its controversial orgasmic image for a more serious ad campaign in the first condom advertising to be broadcast during primetime television in the US.

The ad broke last night during 'Smallville' on the WB network, but avoided the humour that has been used to promote the brand in the UK and went for a strictly educational approach.

The 30-second spot, created by New York agency Kaplan Thaler Group, features a couple cuddling as they listen to music. Text appears superimposed on a black background stating: "40% of people who are HIV positive don't tell their partners".

It then goes on to say "Other than abstinence, the only way to protect yourself is to use a condom every time".

"Our drive really is not necessarily to get on primetime, but to get an important public health message out," Jim Daniels, vice-president of marketing at Trojan, said.

"Our statistics show that 15m Americans each year contract STDs. We believe that the way we've communicated that is respectful and tasteful."

Trojan took a far more controversial approach in its first UK condom advertising, which appeared last year. The ad, created by Media Therapy, showed a woman who appeared to be having sex with an unseen partner, eventually having an orgasm.

It attracted 209 complaints from viewers who thought it was to explicit and inappropriate, although it was cleared by the advertising watchdog.

Some of the viewers felt that although they could accept condom advertising in the context of a safe-sex message, they thought it was irresponsible to connect the product with enjoyment of sex.

Trojan has recently launched its Twisted Pleasure and Warms Sensation range. However the company says it is looking to send out serious messages to people who are not wearing a condom when they should be.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Market Reports.

Find out more

Enjoying ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s content?

 Get unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.

Upgrade access

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an alert now

Partner content