This PG13 movie was advertised not only on Channel One’s web site, but also on the in-classroom TV show Channel One News. Channel One allowed the main actor to open their show with a “shout out” to students.
The company has had a sordid history of advertising movies that promote teen drinking and drug use. In 2000, after getting heavily criticized for airing numerous commercials for a “stoner” comedy called “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Channel One promised to end all movie ads for PG13 movies in middle schools. (High schools would still get the ads for movies containing vulgarity, drinking and drug references, violence, and nudity.)
For the last five years however Channel One News has brought back ads for PG13 movies to its middle school audiences. They are now also urging children to enter contests to win tickets to the advertised movies.
