LOS ANGELES, June 1 (UPI) -- TV ads for The Pill, erectile dysfunction drugs and sanitary products are old hat; now condoms are making their U.S. prime-time debut.
The WB network and NBC have approved commercials for Trojans, the first of which is to run after 9 p.m. on the WB's "Smallville."
There has never been any government or industry policy against airing condom commercials in prime time, but traditionally they have only been seen in the wee hours.
The new Trojan ads focus on sexual health statistics, a departure from the antics of "Trojan Man," the mythical hero who has been cavorting on the late-night ads.
"Our drive really is not necessarily to get on prime time, but to get an important public health message out," Trojan Vice President of Marketing Jim Daniels said.
"Our statistics show that 15 million Americans each year contract STDs. We believe that the way we've communicated that is respectful and tasteful."
