UCC Church Commercial deemed "too controversial" to be aired on TV?

[mzmolly]

The CBS and NBC television networks are refusing to run the UCC's
30-second television ad because its all-inclusive welcome has been deemed
"too controversial." The ad, part of the denomination's new broad
identity campaign, began airing nationwide Dec. 1 and includes the message
that - like Jesus - the United Church of Christ seeks to welcome all
people, regardless of ability, age, race, economic circumstance or sexual
orientation. According to a written explanation from CBS, the UCC is
being denied network access because its ad implies acceptance of gay and
lesbian couples - among other minority constituencies - and is,
therefore, "too controversial."

"Because this commercial touches on the exclusion of gay couples and
other minority groups by individuals and organizations," reads the
explanation from CBS, "and the fact that the Executive Branch has recently
proposed a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union
between a man and a woman, this spot is unacceptable to broadcast on the
networks." Similarly, a rejection by NBC declared the spot
"too controversial." The ad has been accepted and will air on a number
of networks, including ABC Family, AMC, BET, Discovery, Fox, Hallmark,
History, Nick at Nite, TBS, TNT, Travel and TV Land, among others.

The Rev. John Thomas, UCC general minister and president, remarked, "It
is ironic that after a political season awash in commercials based on
fear and deception by both parties seen on all major networks, an ad
with a message of welcome and inclusion would be deemed too controversial.
We find it disturbing that the networks in questions seem to have no
problem exploiting gay persons through mindless comedies or titillating
dramas, but when it comes to the church's loving welcome of committed
gay couples, that's where they draw the line."

To send a fax to the NBC and CBS executives, click here:
http://www.ucctakeaction.org/ctt.asp?u=2416001&l=69333

Also, check your local phone listings to contact the station managers
of your local CBS and NBC affiliates and express your disappointment
about the decision not to air the UCC ad. UCC members and congregations
are also encouraged to conduct local press conferences to draw attention
to the networks' refusal to air the advertisement.

To view the UCC press release on the CBS and NBC decision, click here:

http://www.ucctakeaction.org/ctt.asp?u=2416001&l=69334

Waddda buncha crap!

Take action if you will by clicking on the fax link above.

[Maat]

1. No kidding.

I took action. Thanks for the link. I think that it was posted previously, but this is a very important issue.