Kristin pointed out that Jeff Jarvis is falling squarely on the side of the folks who mistake the media for the government with his take on the issue of CBS refusing to run the MoveOn ad during the Super Bowl.
What, they can accept an ad about, oh, literacy and that’s not an issue?
This would seem to imply that there are people opposed to literacy. C’mon… this is a non-starter.
They accept ads against smoking and that’s not an issue?
Again… where are those folks that think everyone should start smoking?
But an ad about the presidential election and the deficit is somehow corrupting?
I don’t think anyone has said it was “corrupting” — but it’s an ad likely to turn-off or offend half the country.
Listen, I’m no fan of the MoveOn ads, as I’ve said. And I’m no fan of interference with the airwaves and media.
“…But allow me to jump squarely on the side of both!”
But I have to say that this offends my senses of democracy, free speech, responsible media behavior, and just good business.
Democracy: this is a perfect example of free market capitalism, one fine function of democracy.
Free speech: These things are published on the ‘net… nobody’s restricting their speech. Nobody has been granted a “right” to have a super-bowl ad.
Responsible Media Behavior: If so, CBS can take a number. There are lots in line in front of them.
Good Business: Riiiight. Pissing off half of your viewership is REMARKALBLY good business.
It’s dumb on CBS’ part: insulting to the audience and irresponsible to democracy.
Frankly, I don’t see either of these. They have no “responsibility” to run political ads during the Super Bowl. I’m not sure how choosing not to run an ad that damn near anyone can see on the internet is insulting to the audience, either. Say it with me, Jeff: Free. Market. Capitalism. Very good!
It is, on the other hand, great news for MoveOn: They’ll get tons of publicity and I would be surprised if, oh, Fox calls and volunteers to run the ad.
In the end it comes down to this, and Kristin hit it right on the head… this is a privately held company. They don’t have an “obligation” to run political ads. Nobody is stepping on MoveOn’s rights. CBS made a wise business decision.
Jeff & Co. are over trying feverishly to find other CBS ads that are “issue based” but haven’t found any real contenders yet. The best they’ve found are anti-drug ads. Because encouraging people to follow the laws of the country is a hotly debated issue. Allow me to roll my eyes and hope to god they can do better than that.
I tend to agree with Jarvis when I’m pointed over there… but, good lord, this is just stupid.
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