statement from CBS on move-on ad

[ringmastery]

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

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.

Conflicts over the policy are also decades old. The Network has rejected hundreds of advocacy ads over the years ranging from Mobil Oil and W.R. Grace Company submissions to ads on all sides of issues from gun control to abortion to the North American Free Trade Agreement, to name just a few. We have found that people tend to agree with the policy when they disagree with the thrust of the ad, and vice versa.

Suggestions have also been made that we are violating our own policy by allowing the airing of messages that aim to curb drug abuse and smoking by minors. CBS is unaware of responsible groups that advocate drug abuse and smoking by minors, so it is hard to understand how these laudable efforts would constitute "controversial issues."

[SlavesandBulldozers]

1. HAHAHAH

"Suggestions have also been made that we are violating our own policy by allowing the airing of messages that aim to curb drug abuse and smoking by minors. CBS is unaware of responsible groups that advocate drug abuse and smoking by minors"

This message brought to you by Anheuser Busch. Now prepare to watch 300 really witty beer ads! We don't advocate you drink or anything, though.

[HootieMcBoob]

3. What responsible groups

advocate enormous deficits that will have to be paid for by our children? That's what I'd like to know. How in God's name is the MoveOn.org ad controversial? Answer: it's not. They're censorship of it is because they don't want to embarrass Bush* who just gave them the 30% gift in the omnibus bill. It's political censorship. Nothing else.

[eyesroll]

2. But those ads don't necessarily aim to curb drug abuse

They aim to curb drug USE. (The teen smoking stuff, OK.)
"Marijuana makes you forget to show up to your swim meet." The ads are aimed at teens, sure, but it's not 100% a teen message.

There are responsible groups that advocate drug use -- at least for medicinal purposes, or advocate drug legalization for adult freedom of choice.