CBS pulls Medicare ad

[Kanary]

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0214-07.htm

"WASHINGTON — CBS said on Friday that it had stopped running a television advertisement for the new Medicare prescription drug law while Congress investigates its accuracy.

The 30-second advertisement, prepared by the Bush administration, assures Medicare beneficiaries that the program is not changing in any way except to provide "more benefits." Democratic members of Congress and some liberal advocacy groups say the advertisement amounts to a taxpayer-subsidized political commercial for the administration."

~~snip~~

"The government is spending $9.5 million to run the advertisement on national network and cable programs in the next six weeks."

~~snip~~

""It's unfortunate that CBS has chosen to undermine our efforts to educate seniors about the law," Mr. Keane said."

Uh huh.... they're going to "educate seniors" in 30 seconds.

Must be nice to be able to get campaign ads on the airways so easily. :eyes:

Kanary

[countmyvote4real]

1. CBS/Viacom corrupt. Not because of Janet's boob, but because

of their rejection of the moveon.org ad during the Super Bowl because it was issue based or something.

They can't have it both ways.

Take them down and revoke their license. They really suck.

To be fair, there is very little truth in any of our broadcast/cable media, but it is kind of refreshing to see a Network being so blatantly hypocritical.

[Kanary]

2. hypocritical?

I guess I'm missing your point.

The medicare ad is a blatant commercial for Bushwa. So, they rejected an ad from the left and an ad from the right. For the same reason.

I certainly harbor no great respect for CBS, but..... in this case, they are the only ones refusing this campaign ad disguised as "information."

Kanary

[ldf]

3. strange

i've certainly seen the ad since they supposedly stopped airing it.

in the nyc market.

[revcarol]

4. We ought to compliment them for this. Especially seniors.

(Honey vs. vinegar)

In the Senior Citizens Center the other day, the official state senior citizens paper had a big article by our Congressman(R) about how wunnerful the "new Medicare" is.

I took one look at that article, threw it down on the table, and said, "WHY ARE THEY SERVING US THIS PROPAGANDA?"

I guess I was sorta loud because several people started clapping. The rest immediately went and got the paper, and soon we were dissecting the "new Medicare" which is going to mean higher deductibles and co-pays in our area. Local pharmacies already give at least 10 % senior discounts on ALL drugs, including generics.And we COULD go 40 miles down to Mexico for drugs.

I say, "Congrats to CBS for not running the Republican campaign ads."

[Kanary]

5. And, congrats to you for your educational efforts!

What I see around me is that people who work with Seniors in whatever capacity are so careful to not be "partisan" that they aren't really saying what this bill actually is. The truth isn't coming out, and everyone here will learn the hard way. So, it's really good that you talked about what it really is, and let people know what is actually happening.

I just posted this article because I thought it was interesting. I was taken aback by that first response, so I think you are right.... it would be a *good* idea to let CBS know we are glad they made the decision to pull the ad. ONe less piece of propaganda going out.

Kanary

[Bozita]

6. CNN ran this ad during the closing minutes of Capitol Gang ...

... just before "Outrage for the Week."

Novak's outrage?

You guessed it. It was CBS refusing to run the Medicare ad.

[Kanary]

7. So, CNN giving free airplay, eh?

Why am I not surprised.....

Outrage is right.

The bill stinks. The ad stinks.

Kanary