Top Story USA

1 February 2007

Marketing Ploy sends Boston into a tizzy

Police in Boston are investigating Turner Broadcasting System for causing a security alert, setting off fears of closing and shutting down major roadways and subway lines. Bomb disposal squads were sent in before authorities declared the devices were harmless.
The American media major placed several electronic illuminated across the city as part of a marketing blitz for a Cartoon Network television show.
Turner Broadcasting System has apologized for the scare that led to city’s biggest security alert since the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Two men who planted the devices have been arrested by the police. Peter Berdovsky, 27, and Sean Stevens, 28, were each charged with placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct, according to Attorney General Martha Coakley. They can face up to five years in prison.
The small battery-powered electronic signboards were placed near roads and under bridges over the Charles River, creating panic among the commuters.
In a statement, the Turner Broadcasting System said the campaign had already been in place in 10 US cities, including Boston, for several weeks.
"We regret that they were mistakenly thought to pose any danger," the company said.