Obligation, Inc.
Obligation, Inc. is a child advocacy group founded in 1995 by Jim Metrock, largely to oppose advertising aimed at children, such as through "Channel One" programming in classrooms.
Metrock founded the organization to target local advertisers who helped sponsor "raunchy" afternoon talk shows aired when kids were likely to be home without supervision. In 1996 the group changed its focus after becoming aware of Pat Ellis' successful campaign to have Channel One removed from Jasper Schools.
Obligation uses its website to document the spread and content of Channel One, including advertising for what it views as unsavory products, such as junk food and sexually-charged entertainment. They also documented a questionable practice in which Channel One was offering to pay teachers for successful referrals to neighboring schools. The offer was publicized in The Wall Street Journal and subsequently discontinued.
References
- Golden, Daniel (August 28, 2001) "Channel One aims to Involve Teachers in Marketing Push." The Wall Street Journal. p. B7