13 December 2005
The BBC has been forced to drop its advertising campaign for digital television, amid claims from viewers that it was too disturbing.
The BBC's Faces trailer, which featured a giant animated head made up of smaller heads, attracted heavy criticism, as some viewers described it as "horrific" and "psychotically disturbing".
It has now dropped the campaign after receiving around 1,300 complaints, although it steadfastly defends the advert, and claims that it "achieved its goal".
The BBC explained in a statement: "The digital faces trail was one of a very long series designed to capture the attention of viewers and stimulate interest in the BBC's digital services.
"The latest, which was first transmitted on November 5th, has been very successful in this respect and early indications are that it has achieved its goal."
It also admitted that it was aware some of its viewers were upset by the campaign's content, but it stressed that it had not been its intention to offend, according to BBC News.
BBC is now going to use the airtime it devoted to the digital campaign to promote its Christmas programming schedule.
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