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Posted: Wednesday, 30 April 2008 6:14AM

SEPTA Defends "Grand Theft Auto IV" Bus Ads


by KYW's Mike Dunn

Facing critics in those cities, Chicago and Miami transit agencies have yanked ads for the latest version of the controversial videogame, "Grand Theft Auto IV." 

SEPTA, though, is standing firm in its decision run the ads on hundreds of its buses.

"Grand Theft Auto IV" hit stores on Tuesday, and ads for the game that critics call a "murder simulator" are already plastered on Septa buses.

The transit authorities in Chicago and Miami have pulled the same ads from their buses. 

SEPTA officials would not be interviewed, but they issued a statement saying while some might consider the game offensive, "the advertisement is not."

The ad campaign is slated to run for six weeks, with 350 posters on buses and other locations, generating $83,000 in revenue for SEPTA.

SEPTA last year was criticized for accepting ads for the movie "Hitman," ads featuring images of guns. The transit agency withdrew those ads.

The "Grand Theft Auto IV" ads show only the faces of three characters in the game and "Grand Theft Auto" logo. 

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(Photo from SEPTA)
 
  


 
 
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  Old Man Gamer - Grand Theft Auto IV
KYW's Mike Dunn and John Ostapkovich put on full body armor to discuss Grand Theft Auto IV. (11:04)
 
 
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