Romanian audiovisual council bans Romtelecom commercial after electrocutions while imitating TV ad

Romania’s audiovisual watchdog banned a commercial showing two people on top of a moving train, after the country’s Domestic Affairs Ministry registered an increasing number of children who were electrocuted after trying to imitate the duo in the commercial. The commercial for telecom operator Romtelecom shows an actor and a singer, Pavel Bartos and Smiley, who walk on top of a moving train, while advertising for the company’s internet speed. The country’s watchdog CNA argues that the commercial inspired children do imitate the two protagonists. The CNA received data on the increasing number of electrocuted children from the Domestic Affairs Ministry’s Emergency Situations Unit, which had to deal with more such situations in the last two – three weeks. The Ministry’s state secretary Raed Arafat says some children died, and others are traumatized for life following the incidents, and adds that one of the hypothesis for what could have triggered the accidents was the Romtelecom commercial. The Ministry plans to broadcast a message explaining the dangers, with the help of the same two stars in the commercial. Romtelecom’s campaign dramatizes scenes from the movie Thor, which is part of the subscription package offered by Romtelecom. The CNA argued that all commercial audiovisual communication must comply with certain rules, including not triggering any behavior damaging health and safety. Romtelecom representatives however say they believe there is no connection between the commercial and the regrettable situation. The company also mentions the previous commercial in which the same protagonists were skydivers, whereas in this one, they are extreme skateboarders on top of a high speed train, in a reenactment of a scene often found in action movies. The company said it valued children safety and has had numerous social responsibility programs in this area. However, Romtelecom has decided to withdraw the clip on Tuesday morning, April 29, from all public spaces where it had control. The final decision on whether to reintroduce or withdraw the commercial all together will be taken once Romtelecom will be officially announced by the authorities in this case, representatives have said. editor@romania-insider.com