CBS can't avoid controversy
Here's a letter I sent to the NY times, regarding CBS's refusal to run MoveOn's superbowl ad:
If you can't even buy "free" speech for $1.6M, then how much does it cost?
Go to MoveOn to see the ad.
If you can't even buy "free" speech for $1.6M, then how much does it cost?
CBS won't run the MoveOn-sponsored issue ad, which criticizes the Bush administration's $1 trillion budget deficit, because it's "too controversial". But even Bill O'Reilly of Fox, not exactly known for being an enemy of the Bush administration, said that "It's not offensive, (it) makes a legitimate point politically."
If CBS seeks to avoid controversy, they better stop broadcasting. We are a sharply divided nation, and despite the proliferation of media sources, television is still an extremely influential outlet. Both sides will strive to make their voices heard on television, as is their right.
Go to MoveOn to see the ad.