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Clear Channel Caves To Pressure; Yanks Billboard

A controversial billboard ad in the Chicago suburbs for cosmetic procedures that showed a scantily clad woman is coming down. The move comes after some local residents complained, saying the ad sent the wrong message about beauty. They had circulated a petition asking the salon and spa to replace the ad, but the owners refused. They then took their complaints to Clear Channel Outdoor, owner of the billboard, which quickly caved and ordered the removal of the ad.

Paul Meyer, president of Phoenix-based Clear Channel Outdoor, says the company retains the right to reject any ad. "It's just a matter of getting one of our crews out there to [take it down]," he says. "And that happens pretty quickly." Regina Thibeau, one of the prime movers against the ad, is pleased with the decision. "We applaud Clear Channel as a responsible corporate citizen."

The ad has a model lying on a beach with lines pointing to "problem" areas on her body, including lines and wrinkles, along with "solutions." Salon owner Pascal Ibgui defends the and his business partner, plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Bloch, says they are trying to prevent its removal because it's paid for through July.

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