Colorado shooting: 'Dark Knight Rises' ads pulled from television

By Joe Flint, Ben Fritz and Meg James

July 20, 2012 12 AM PT

Broadcast and cable channels across the country, including NBC, CBS and ESPN, scrambled Friday to remove advertising for “The Dark Knight Rises” following the tragic shooting at a late-night screening of the film in Colorado.

The advertisements were being pulled from national and local programs on broadcast and cable stations, according to people familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak publicly.

PHOTOS: Colorado movie theater shooting

Due to the sensitivity of the situation as the story dominated news coverage Friday morning, some networks were yanking advertisements for the film on their own accord, the sources said. In addition, representatives of “Dark Knight Rises” studio Warner Bros. contacted at least one network and asked it to take the step.

TV ads for “The Dark Knight Rises” feature numerous violent scenes from the movie, including Batman aiming an enormous gun almost directly at the camera.

In another ad, a character not seen on screen states, “These are violent criminals that terrorize Gotham.”

PHOTOS: Celebrity reactions

Warner Bros. is one of the biggest advertisers in Hollywood, spending $738.9 million to promote its movies last year, according to Kantar Media.

A spokeswoman for Warner Bros. did not respond to requests for comment.

ALSO:

“Dark Knight Rises” collects $30.6 million from midnight screenings

12 dead, 50 hurt in rampage

Witnesses tell of horrific death scene

MPAA, Cinemark theater chain respond to shooting

Shooting leaves theaters scrambling to address security concerns

Overall success of “Dark Knight Rises” depends on foreign markets