Turner apologizes for creating Boston scare

Time Warner Inc.'s Turner Broadcasting unit tendered its apologies to Boston-area residents for a security fright that led bomb squads to scrutinize electronic signs that were part of a nationwide marketing crusade for its subsidiary Cartoon Network. The company is taking full responsibility for the incident that brought Boston to a standstill.

Full Page ads appeared in Boston newspapers wherein Phil Kent, Turner’s chairman and CEO, apologized for “the confusion and inconvenience” caused.

“We never intended this outcome and certainly did not set out to perpetrate a hoax. What we did is inadvertently cause a great American city to deal with the unintended impact of this marketing campaign. For this, we are deeply sorry,” he said.

A circuit board depicting a middle-finger-waving moon man installed at nine cities around Boston had triggered recurring bomb scares on Wednesday and prompted the closure of bridges and a stretch of the Charles River.

The hoax device turned out to be part of a marketing campaign by Turner Broadcasting to advertise a cartoon television show, “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.”

Peter Berdovsky, 27, of Arlington, a Boston suburb, and Sean Stevens, 28, of the city's Charlestown section, were arrested for charges of placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct. They were later released on $2,500 bail after pleading not guilty.

A dejected Berdovsky said, “I regret that this incident has created such anguish and disruption for the residents and law enforcement officers of this city. I certainly never intended to do anything to frighten this community, which has welcomed and nurtured me for 10 years.

The company spokesperson maintained that the campaign was never intended to create fear or public safety concerns. She claimed that if the company ever perceived this to be something threatening safety, it would never have proceeded with it.

Meanwhile an agitated Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, intends to take legal action against Turner. He said, “An apology is not good enough. I want them to pay.'' The city's costs probably came to $750,000.