CBS TV
Even though I'm a Republican, I liked Moveon.org's political ad -- it's fair, it's relevant, and it's a responsible take on national politics.
So I thought it was a bit stale for CBS to refuse it on "policy" grounds. It seemed to me like this ad is a bit of entertainment in and of itself, given its provenance, and it deserves a place in advertising history. (Not that I'd expect the same courtesy from our friends across the aisle, but, hey, I call 'em like I see 'em.)
So it was with some surprise that I found CBS's reply: CBS Statement on Advocacy Advertising to be persuasive and actually, kind-of funny.
In recent years, a cottage industry has arisen among groups that submit advocacy ads that they know will be rejected. They then resort to press releases and Internet diatribes about the rejection to reap considerable free media attention and financial contributions to support their cause. Editors and potential contributors beware.
Good job by CBS in writing a PR piece in strong, stern, even stentorian, tones.
