The News Journal is now carrying the latest ad from “Girls Gone Wild” founder Joe Francis on its website. The ad claims that State Attorney Steve Meadows has lied. In fact “Liar” is printed over Meadow’s head in the ad.
Hmmmmmm, I got in trouble once before for criticizing the Gannett standards for its advertisers. In 2006, their escort ads in the classified section were linked to prostitution – which got editors in Orlando arrested on a similar case. I’ll let you be the judges.
In 2005 when the anti-Ron McNesby website was going strong, our paper did print an ad promoting the site in our classified section – but it didn’t label the sheriff a “liar.” The PNJ refused the ad.
We’ve never accepted escort ads.
Don’t get me wrong. We need advertisers, but there is something about the GGW ad that rubs me wrong.
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BTW: I did interview News Herald reporter David Angier on the case. He believes that Francis may have a good defense against the original 2003 charges because the two minor girls filmed nude and kissing in a shower lied about their age to the GGW crew. However, the judge has refused to dismiss the case. If convicted, there is a good chance Francis will win on appeal.
The charge that is more difficult to fight is the sneaking of prescription drugs into the Bay County jail earlier this year. That one won’t go away easily.
Meanwhile, Spring Break in Panama City continues to decline as the old motels on the beach are replaced with condos.
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They have the right to accept whatever forms of advertising they choose, be it escort service ads, adult bookstore ads, or anything they choose. Too bad if unpopular; It is freedom of speech