Media Blitz

"Media Blitz" is the fifth episode of the third season of the American comedy television series Parks and Recreation, and the 35th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on February 17, 2011. In the episode, the parks department tries to draw media attention for the upcoming harvest festival, but the press becomes fixated on Ben's past political mistakes. Meanwhile, Andy Dwyer takes on all of April Ludgate's errands with the hopes of convincing her not to move to Indianapolis.

Written by Harris Wittels and directed by David Rogers, "Media Blitz" revolved largely around Ben's backstory as a child mayor who bankrupted his old town, which was originally a concept considered for series protagonist Leslie Knope. The episode was also what series co-creator Michael Schur called a "key moment" for April and Andy, ending a multi-episode subplot of April being angry with Andy for having been kissed by Ann in the second season finale "Freddy Spaghetti". "Media Blitz" featured guest appearances by comedians Matt Besser and Nick Kroll as morning zoo-style radio hosts "Crazy Ira and The Douche," as well as appearances by frequent Parks and Recreation guest stars Mo Collins, Alison Becker, and Jay Jackson.

According to Nielsen Media Research, "Media Blitz" was seen by 4.33 million household viewers. It marked the lowest rating for the season to date, and constituted a more than eight percent drop from the previous episode, "Ron & Tammy: Part Two". "Media Blitz" received generally positive reviews, with several commentators particularly praising the performance of Adam Scott as Ben. Some reviews, however, found less effective a subplot about the uncertainty surrounding the romantic relationship of Ann and Chris Traeger, a state auditor played by Rob Lowe who is supposed to leave Pawnee for Indianapolis soon.