So a group approach an advertising company with $16,000 in hand to advertise their cause. No problem says the advertising company, we’ll have to run the campaign by our hierarchy first. Three weeks later, after much pestering by the group, the company declines their business.
The group is the Atheist Foundation and the advertising company is APN Outdoor who specialise in transport and roadside advertisements on buses, trams, and billboards, etc.
And the wording of the advertisement? “Atheism. Celebrate Reason”.
Hardcore.
As Catherine Deveny in The Age highlights, “Aren’t we a multicultural, multifaith country that prides itself on diversity and tolerance? So APN, what gives?”
One of two things. The APN CEO is a man of faith or APN has a client with opposing views on their books.
Can I suggest a good sermon never gets in the way of the almighty dollar?
Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.