CBS issues statement re: Moveon ad

[cybildisobedience]

It's not exactly contrite -- in fact, I would use the words "smarmy" and "arrogant," but at least the evil network felt enough pressure to at least poorly explain their decision. Here's a blurb:

Given the misleading and inaccurate statements offered to the media and the public in recent days, it is understandable why there is confusion over the CBS Television Network's longstanding policy against advocacy advertising.
The policy is decades old. It is designed to prevent those with means to produce and purchase network advertising from having undue influence on "controversial issues of public importance." From the Network's perspective, we believe our viewers are better served by the balance and perspective such issues can be afforded within our news programming.
This policy applies only to Network advertising, not to the local time of individual stations affiliated with the Network. As such, it is therefore also intended to promote and protect localism. Local stations we own, as well as CBS affiliates owned by others, are free to accept or reject such advocacy advertising for their own air based on how they believe such decisions serve the public interest in their communities.

[stevedeshazer]

1. Link?

Help?

[cybildisobedience]

3. sorry -- here it is -

link for CBS statement:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040128/nyw155_1.html

[jean]

4. thanks for the link

[Nite Owl]

2. So does that mean that local affiliates

can air the ad? I would think that moveon would be telling us to write to our locals then? Of course the localities that need to hear it most would be the ones that wouldn't get it.

[travisleit01]

5. But

MoveOn.org said that the cost of running it on local affiliates would be many times just going through CBS corporate, and I don't think they have that $$ in the Voter Fund.

[Eric J in MN]

7. one of the emails from MoveOn said that they are negotiating

One of the emails from MoveOn said that they are negotiating with local affiliates.

MoveOn may figure that if the affiliates were deluged with demands, it would be counter-productive.

[Sterling]

6. So CBS has never aired political or issue ads?

That is the only way what they are saying makes sense.

[Eric J in MN]

10. Only the White House is allowed to by ads for its politcal views. And

Only the White House is allowed to by ads for its politcal views. And Halliburton can run a p.r. ad saying it's doing a wonderful job in Iraq.

But non-profits aren't allowed to say anything.

Of course, for organizations who criticize the consumption of alcohol or meat (MADD, PETA), the Budweiser and McDonald's ads are political.

[Just Me]

8. Wellll,...why don't you try exercising some CONSISTENCY!!!

Pull all other "advocacy" stuff, including those advocating PRODUCTS instead of IDEAS or INFORMATION!!!!

After all, your viewers are not merely CONSUMERS, we are also HUMAN BEINGS and we are AMERICANS who deserve to receive at least peeks at the TRUTH!!!! We deserve to be treated as more than merely objects towards your BOTTOM LINE,...M-O-N-E-Y!!!!

Why don't you try on being dutiful to the public and honorable in serving the broader public good and interest??? Or is that like, way too a demanding standard on you? If so, perhaps it would be best if we start a campaign to SHUT YOU DOWN!!!! Because, after all, you fail to provide quality service then you deserve to fail.

I have no respect for the whorin' media,...as you can probably guess *LOL* :D

[Don Claybrook]

9. How admirable

If CBS wants to prevent those with means to produce and purchase network advertising from having undue incfluence on "controversial issues of public importance", then why in the hell are they running the Halliburton ad during the Superbowl, and why are the running the ONDCP spot during the Superbowl?

Those spots will both be representing "controversial issues of public importance" and they'll both run during the Superbowl. Does CBS think EVERYONE is that stupid?

[beevul]

25. ONDCP

Office of National Drug Crucifying Policy and the partnership for a "independent thought" free Amerika.


"Does CBS think EVERYONE is that stupid?"


Yes.

[Postman]

11. Liars. Budget deficits are "controversial"?

They act like they're protecting somethinf called "localism".

And how expensive and time consuming would it be to have to track down all the local stations and cut deals to air the ad?

No strategy there to shut-up MoveOn.org, yeah right.

This is how fascism is creeping on us folks. Get as many people you know registered to voye in November.

[Sterling]

13. The fix is in.

Don't get your hopes up for 2004. It's a done deal.

[savistocate]

15. Senator Durbin brought more fire

to the issue this week speaking in session. I just happened upon it.--c-span. On the weak CBS claim of controversial issues
they believe must be avoided. Pointed out male sexual enhancement drug is broadcast..it's not controversial..orinappropriate subject matter to audience which includes young children? But deficits childdren will pay for cannot be spoken of. Other sound persuasive arguements..plus airwaves owned by the public. Gave address & tel# very slowly enunciating to contact cbs.

[joeunderdog]

17. I emailed CBS and said I would patronize competitors of the

sponsors whose ads they ran during the Superbowl. I figured since I couln't promise to Boycott the game, I can make watching a disadvantage to them.

I watch zero network tv other than sports, so I essentially already boycott. That's why parts of my brain still work.

[wroberts189]

12. Betrayal

Bastards.

They make billions and rather then help America they then betray the very people that make it all possible.

I hope the next Democratic President does something about big media.

[Sterling]

14. The last Dem President gave us the big media.

Now are you starting to get it?

[Occulus]

21. I got it a long, long time ago

and it's bigger tha any one President.

The reason this happened can be summed up ion two words: corporate personhood.

I can't say it enought. Corporate personhood pops up as a core issue so often- ridiculously often- and no one pays it any attention.

Corporate personhood is the single biggest reason for corporate abuses. NO ONE understands this, seemling except me.

Does anyone ELSE get that, or am I shouting into the wind here?

[Zhade]

27. Sadly, it's very hard to hang a corporation for stealing the horse.

"Fascism should rightly be called Corporatism as it is a merger of state and corporate power."

-Benito Mussolini

[nolabels]

26. Thanks Sterling

Sometimes rattling cages gets lonely, but we would all be lost with out it.

[proud patriot]

16. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

:mad:

[kath]

18. "our viewers are better served by the balance and perspective such issues

can be afforded within our news programming."

YEAH.

RIGHT.

[Barkley]

19. TV Military Recruiment Ads Aren't Balanced and

some are very misleading. The viewers would "be better served by the balance and perspective on such issues that "serve the public interests".

[truthisfreedom]

20. DON'T WATCH THE SUPERBOWL. it's that simple.

[Wapsie B]

22. CBS is already

staring a ratings bloodbath in the face. With all due respect to NE and Carolina fans, these teams don't have the same fan base as say the Packers or Cowboys. I think CBS will eat their crow come Monday morning. They need all the viewers they can get to watch their little game.

[KeepItReal]

24. Carolina vs. New England!? Not watching it has already been decided.

<EOM>

[Dover]

23. " It is designed to prevent those with means to produce and purchase

network advertising from having undue influence on 'controversial issues of public importance.'"

What exactly do they call the effects of media consolidation by a few multi-national corporations?

"Undue influence".......HYPOCRITS!!!!

[dbt]

28. Sound like the Peanuts TV cartoons to me! (As seen on CBS)

You know, whenever a grownup would speak, it would be the sound of a trombone.

BlaBlaBlaBlaaaBla etc

:evilgrin:
dbt