[JPI] NBC/CBS refuse to air UCC ad

[Cecelia Hawkins]

Friends:

See item below about the networks refusing this ad and note particularly the 
UCC President's comment. . .it's right on!
*************************
The CBS and NBC television networks are refusing to run the UCC's 30-second
television ad because its all-inclusive welcome has been deemed "too
controversial."  The ad, part of the denomination's new broad identity 
campaign,
began airing nationwide Dec. 1 and includes the message that - like Jesus - 
the
United Church of Christ seeks to welcome all people, regardless of ability, 
age,
race, economic circumstance or sexual orientation.  According to a written
explanation from CBS, the UCC is being denied network access because its ad
implies acceptance of gay and lesbian couples - among other minority
constituencies - and is, therefore, "too controversial."

"Because this commercial touches on the exclusion of gay couples and other
minority groups by individuals and organizations," reads the explanation 
from
CBS, "and the fact that the Executive Branch has recently proposed a
constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a
woman, this spot is unacceptable to broadcast on the [CBS and UPN] 
networks."
Similarly, a rejection by NBC declared the spot "too controversial."  The ad 
has
been accepted and will air on a number of networks, including ABC Family, 
AMC,
BET, Discovery, Fox, Hallmark, History, Nick at Nite, TBS, TNT, Travel and 
TV
Land, among others.

The Rev. John Thomas, UCC general minister and president, remarked, "It is
ironic that after a political season awash in commercials based on fear and
deception by both parties seen on all major networks, an ad with a message 
of
welcome and inclusion would be deemed too controversial.  We find it 
disturbing
that the networks in questions seem to have no problem exploiting gay 
persons
through mindless comedies or titillating dramas, but when it comes to the
church's loving welcome of committed gay couples, that's where they draw the
line."

To send a fax to the NBC and CBS executives, click
http://www.ucctakeaction.org/ctt.asp?u=4855&l=69333

Also, check your local phone listings to contact the station managers of 
your
local CBS and NBC affiliates and express your disappointment about the 
decision
not to air the UCC ad.  UCC members and congregations are also encouraged to
conduct local press conferences to draw attention to the networks' refusal 
to
air the advertisement.

To view the UCC press release on the CBS and NBC decision, click
http://www.ucctakeaction.org/ctt.asp?u=4855&l=69334