When, in 1938, Orson Wells scared millions of Americans into believing Earth had been invaded by Martians, at least it was a genuine theatrical performance aired on the radio as a Halloween special.

The same, however, can't be said of Turner Broadcasting's efforts to promote Aqua Teen Hunger Force, an "adult-oriented" cartoon TV show slated for broadcast on AdultSwim.com, dedicated to, "edgy animated comedy and action series".

It was a tacky advertising stunt which has led to a hasty, panicky apology on the the AdultSwim site.

On it, Turner says it's a "responsible company" which is "putting all necessary resources toward understanding the facts surrounding it".

According to Associated Press, the facts are:

Officials found a slew of blinking electronic signs adorning bridges and other high-profile spots across the city Wednesday, prompting the closing of a highway and the deployment of bomb squads.

The 38 signs were part of a promotion for Cartoon Network TV show 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force,' a surreal series about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball.

The devices had been sited for two to three weeks in Boston; New York; Los Angeles; Chicago; Atlanta; Seattle; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; San Francisco; and Philadelphia and, "As soon as the company realized the Boston problem, it said, law enforcement officials were told of their locations in all 10 cities," says the story.

"Explosives experts removed the device at Sullivan Square. Northbound Route I-93 and Storrow Drive were briefly closed," says The New York Times.

"A Coast Guard cutter blocked off a section of the Charles River for several hours. Officials from the F.B.I. and the Homeland Security Department were called in, as well as bomb squads, and extra police officers were deployed around the city."

The story also has governor Deval L. Patrick saying, “This stunt has caused considerable disruption and anxiety in our community. I understand that Turner Broadcasting has purported to apologize for this. I intend nonetheless to consult with the attorney general and other advisers about what recourse we may have."

Peter Berdovsky, 27, of Arlington, and Sean Stevens, 28, of Cambridge, were arrested and charged with placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct, says the NYT.

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Also See:
Associated Press - Boston Officials Livid Over Ad Stunt, February 1, 2007
The New York Times - 2 Arrested in Boston Ad Campaign Turned Bomb Scare, February 1, 2007