Boston ad stunt scare duo charged

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/6322307.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Two men have been charged and released on bail over an advertising campaign that caused a terror alert in Boston.

Sean Stevens, 28, and Peter Berdovsky, 27, pleaded not guilty to placing hoax devices and disorderly conduct.

Authorities are also investigating taking legal action against Turner Broadcasting, which produces the show the two men were promoting.

Boston officials estimate the scare cost the city between $500,000 and $750,000 (£254,000-£381,000).

Boston went on high alert, closing bridges and roads, after 38 battery-powered devices were discovered around the city on Wednesday.

The blinking signs featured a character from the adult-themed late-night show Aqua Teen Hunger Force making an obscene gesture.

The electronic devices were meant to advertise a cartoon

The incident has prompted nationwide discussion about "guerrilla marketing", which seeks to create word-of-mouth buzz about products without resorting to traditional advertising.

Turner Broadcasting System has apologised for the scare.

Turner said that the packages in question were "magnetic lights that pose no danger".

In a statement, the corporation said the campaign had already been in place in 10 US cities, including Boston, for several weeks.

Authorities in Boston say they are considering charges against Turner and an advertising company, and could demand financial compensation for massive disruption.

The two men who have been charged face up to five years in prison.