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January 23, 2004

DEEPER THAN WE THOUGHT

If this is true, we're in deeper shit than we thought: "During this year's Super Bowl, you'll see ads sponsored by beer companies, tobacco companies, and the Bush White House. But you won't see the winning ad in MoveOn.org Voter Fund's Bush in 30 Seconds ad contest. CBS refuses to air it." That message just arrived from moveon.org's Eli Pariser.

Pariser also writes: "This isn't even a progressive-vs.-conservative issue. The airwaves are publicly owned, so we have a fundamental right to hear viewpoints from across the ideological spectrum. That's why we need to let CBS know that this practice of arbitrarily turning down ads that may be 'controversial' -- especially if they're controversial simply because they take on the President -- just isn't right."

Controversial? Have a look at "Child's Pay," the winning 30-second ad, and judge for yourself. I can understand why CBS would not, if it were asked, broadcast something like the hilarious "Bush in 41.2 Seconds," a parody by liberaloasis.com. But "Child's Pay"? C'mon. Moveon.org is asking people to sign a free-speech petition, to be delivered directly to CBS headquarters. If you feel so inclined go here.

Posted by at January 23, 2004 10:54 AM

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