Television

AshleyMadison explains cash for 'interview'

My post this morning about adulterer matching service AshleyMadison offering $1,000 to a satisfied customer willing to appear in disguise on Channel 5's Morning News brought an email update from the company's PR representative.

In response to your post today, I wanted to provide you with more details around the email that Ashley Madison president, Noel Biderman sent out to LA members in regards to appearing alongside him in an upcoming KTLA segment.

In most cases when we set up interviews, the news affiliate will agree to meet our members in a private setting at the time of the members choosing. However, KTLA's morning show is live which resulted in them requiring a member to come to the studio at a set time (and in public). In addition, the member would have to take off a day of work, potentially purchase a disguise, and incur transportation costs in getting to the studio. You can see why not too many members would be willing to take such a risk or inconvenience themselves just to talk about their affair...ESPECIALLY those who are still in the midst of their affair.

After sending two unsuccessful email blasts to a random sampling of LA area members looking for volunteers willing to share the story of their affair, we did a third blast offering a monetary compensation to cover their time and expenses for appearing on the show. A few members expressed interest and they were forwarded directly to KTLA for pre-screening. If KTLA chooses to use any of the members we've put forth, they've alerted us that they will air a disclaimer stating that the members were compensated for appearing on the show.

Ashley Madison has never shied away from negative publicity. Noel Biderman and our members have appeared on various media outlets from CNN to Fox News, knowing full well that they might not be portrayed in a positive light. Noel would be more than happy to speak to you directly regarding this matter if you would be open to doing so. Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best regards,

Elissa

Elissa Buchter

Bridge & Tunnel Communications


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