Undemocratic CBS
: Incredibly — unbelievably, disturbingly, appallingly — CBS has barred MoveOn from airing its commercial on the SuperBowl. AdAge reports:
Viacom’s CBS today rejected a request from liberal group MoveOn to air a 30-second anti-President Bush ad during the Super Bowl, saying the spot violated the network’s policy against running issue advocacy advertising.
A CBS spokesman said the decision against broadcasting the spot had nothing to do with either the Super Bowl or the ad’s specific issue but was because the network has had a long-term policy not to air issue ads anywhere on the network.
That’s a pile of Black Rock bile.
What, they can accept an ad about, oh, literacy and that’s not an issue?
They accept ads against smoking and that’s not an issue?
But an ad about the presidential election and the deficit is somehow corrupting?
Listen, I’m no fan of the MoveOn ads, as I’ve said. And I’m no fan of interference with the airwaves and media. But I have to say that this offends my senses of democracy, free speech, responsible media behavior, and just good business. It’s dumb on CBS’ part: insulting to the audience and irresponsible to democracy. It is, on the other hand, great news for MoveOn: They’ll get tons of publicity and I would be surprised if, oh, Fox calls and volunteers to run the ad.
: Sheila Lennon has lots more. She points out:
CBS will however run anti-smoking ads during the game and, for the third year, an entry from The White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy (remember the “drug use aids terrorists” ads?).
Right. The issue rubicon has been crossed already.
