Support the Free Expression of Diverse Ideas


Last week, CBS turned down an ad for broadcast during the Super Bowl from MoveOn.org as too controversial while accepting ads from the White House’s drug control agency.

While the ACLU recognizes the First Amendment rights of broadcasters, it is a serious issue if, as some allege, that the CBS decision to turn down the MoveOn ad was politically based or is widely perceived to be politically based.

The MoveOn.org ad addresses the issue of the national debt and its impact on the young. It is just as important an issue as marijuana use and should be available for discussion and debate in the national dialogue.

Take Action! Urge CBS to Reconsider and Support Diverse Voices in the Media

Broadcasters should support the open, diverse and free dialogue of ideas.
The issue is not whether CBS agrees with the ad, but whether ads on important issues should be made available to the largest TV audience of the year.

Media consolidation places greater responsibility on corporations.
As control of the nation’s airwaves are vested in a smaller number of companies, broadcasters should strive to allow for as broad a debate as possible to be presented.

Political pressure should not be used to shape commercial free speech.
While CBS certainly does have First Amendment rights to choose what to air, it should be sensitive to allegations that its decision was politically motivated in this case.

Click link below 2 send a free fax, letter, or e-mail 2 the CBS President.
https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/mail/compose/?mailid=4905021&submit.x=16&submit.y=20

signed! I totally agree.

*signed*

I actually don't think CBS's refusal was politically motivated, since they have a history of refusing political ads of any sort, but I dislike the decision, nevertheless and think they should reconsider. In part, because if the media refuses to accept political ads, then the only source most people will have for political information is the media.

In any case, I sent a message, as well .

I'm not certain that the decizion by CBS waz politically motivated, however, I do believe that during an election year & 1 ov the most viewed TV eventz, that it iz good policy 2 offer equal representation 2 the ncumbent & hiz competition... Just thought that I would pass this along 4 ur consideration...

considering Colin Powell's SON RUNS the FCC you can bet your life that there is a pro-bush slant all accross the media.
not suprised about the commercial.

no shit!

Ah, yes. It's political or I'm a piece of rock on a pizza box.