Unfair, unbalanced approach to advertising

December 4, 2007

The Center for Constitutional Rights created a tough, hard-hitting ad, accusing the Bush administration of “destroying the Constitution” through its use of renditions, torture, and other scandalous foreign policy tactics. The CCR is mounting a “Rescue the Constitution” campaign, of which the ad is the centerpiece.

Fox News, taking the most literal interpretation imaginable, has decided to reject the ad from its airwaves. Here’s the spot…

…and here’s the Republican network’s response.

Hi Owen —

We cannot approve the spot with it being Danny Glover’s opinion that the Bush Administration is destroying the Constitution. If you have documentation that it is indeed being destroyed, we can look at that.

Sorry about that,

Erin

The response came from an email sent by Fox News account executive Erin Kelly, to the CCR’s e-communications manager, Owen Henkel.

Needless to say, the Republican network’s response doesn’t make a lot of sense.

The Center for Constitutional Rights needs “documentation” to show that the Constitution is “indeed being destroyed” before Fox News would even consider the ad? The network doesn’t like Danny Glover’s “opinion,” and therefore, the ad is unfit for the airwaves?

I’m imaging the response from Fox News to a movie studio publicizing a new blockbuster:

Hi Mike —

We cannot approve the spot with it being Roger Ebert’s opinion that “Enchanted” is the best family picture of the year a “heart-winning musical comedy that skips lightly and sprightly from the lily pads of hope to the manhole covers of actuality.” If you have documentation that the film is indeed the best family movie of the year, and can in fact slip lightly between fantasy and reality, we can look at that.

Sorry about that,

Erin

Don’t most ads feature opinions? Some of which are subjective? Indeed, CCR’s ad doesn’t just make wild suppositions about the Constitution — the group cites specific examples to bolster its concerns.

But Fox News wants additional proof that the Constitution is being destroyed. Please.

On Fox news the Constitution is not being destroyed so I can see their confusion. Outside of their bubble it seems self evident.

  • I’d say being rejected by Fox is a badge of honor. And since that network is only heavily viewed by morons, they’re probably not going to lose many people who might actually have the brains to consider the points raised in the ad.

    And I’m sure Fox will make sure everything Bill O’Lielly is literally true from now on.

    cough.

  • Dear Erin,

    I’d be happy to provide documentation to you, but as said Administration is illegally wiretapping my phone and eavesdropping on my electronic communication, I’m too fearful of my opinion causing me to be labeled an enemy of the state and being arrested, detained and sent to Syria for rendition and enhanced interrogation and afterward vanishing in a CIA black site oubliette — all in violation of the First, Fourth, Sixth and Eighth Amendments to said Constitution — that I think we should just forget the whole thing.

    Sorry about that,
    Owen

  • Someone should send Foecks News a copy of the Constitution. I think that is the “documentation” that they are confused about.

  • In my list on an earlier thread of reasons this country would still be bitterly divided even without Clintons and Bushes, I made a glaring omission. No list of people ruing our discourse would be complete without Roger Ailes.

  • Expecting Republicans to make sense is like expecting my cats to stop eating the indoor plants. It’s “the nature of the beast.”

  • It’s interesting to see how Fox scrutinizes advertising to ensure its accuracy and therefore not confound the American public with crazy ideas.

    See: Jenny Craig weight loss ads
    Mc Donalds healthy options
    Cars and trucks helping the environment
    Kay Jewelers

    I’m glad someone is looking out for me and ensuring I don’t fall prey to false advertising. Thanks Erin!

  • I always like to ask the opposite question.

    Would Fox News allow an ad which said that George Bush is saving the Constitution?

    I can’t believe they wouldn’t accept that ad.

    Would Fox News allow an ad that said that bill and hillary clinton are destroying the CONSTITUTION?

    I can’t believe they wouldn’t accept that ad.

  • CB, it will make sense if you think like a college kid being cute.

    Has Fux ever run an ad claiming that allowing gays and lesbians to marry would destroy marriage?

    ‘Cos I’m sure they demanded documentation to back that up.

    I think RacerX is spot on. And hey, if they want to turn down advertising $$, that’s their choice.

  • Oh, they meant are they literally destroying the Constitution. In a physical sense. Silly me, I should have known…

    If you have documentation, well then we’ll look at that.

    [/snark]

  • T Paine–

    Thank you for your input. Your IP has been logged, your ISP contacted to verify your identity, and agents will be there shortly to interview you! (Oh, and BTW, you could have gotten that CD you bought last week at Target for $2 cheaper at Wal-Mart).

    Big Brother

  • Just sent this to erin.kelly[at]foxnews.com. Got an autoreply saying she’s out for jury duty. Here’s what I sent:

    Fox News,

    In light of your reluctance to air an ad without documentation proving its primary premise [see quoted e-mail below], I assume that all advertisements submitted to Fox News must be accompanied by documentation to prove all claims therein.

    As an advertising director working in Virginia, I’d like to request a copy of your policy regarding such documentation requirements so that I may help my clients avoid any similar difficulties when purchasing advertising time on Fox News.

    The e-mail I reference above states: [Erin’s e-mail]

    I look forward to your timely response. Thank you and Happy Holidays,

    I’ll let you know if I hear anything back.

  • Caster Troy-

    Watch your step. Yes, we’ve cataloged all of that information from T Paine, and more. Now that you’ve seen fit to tamper with the beast, we’re watching you, too.

    (BTW, the movie that you illegally downloaded last night has a trojan the likes of which would scare the crap out of Virgil himself. Say bye-bye to your hard drive).

  • Big Brother–

    S**t. Not Again…

    Castor Troy

    (Laughed my a** off over your response, though!)

  • T.Paine, Castor Troy, and Big Brother cracked me up. Hope you’ll be here all week. We’ll try the veal. We’ll remember to tip our waitstaff and bartenders.

    Seriously, you guys should take it on the road. LOL

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