SCHAKOWSKY CALLS ON FCC TO REVIEW CBS REFUSAL TO AIR MOVEON.ORG AD DURING SUPER BOWL INSTEAD OF DEVOTING SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATING HALFTIME SHOW THERE WERE NO INAPPROPRIATELY EXPOSED BODY PARTS IN THE MOVEON.ORG AD

February 3, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY CALLS ON FCC TO REVIEW CBS REFUSAL TO AIR MOVEON.ORG AD DURING SUPER BOWL INSTEAD OF DEVOTING SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATING HALFTIME SHOW

"THERE WERE NO INAPPROPRIATELY EXPOSED BODY PARTS IN
THE MOVEON.ORG AD"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review CBS's refusal to air a Moveon.org ad during the Super Bowl instead of devoting substantial resources to investigate the halftime show.

In a letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell, Schakowsky called CBS's decision not to air the issue ad by Moveon.org, which focused on the rising budget deficit, "favoritism toward one political party."

"In the event that you have not had the opportunity to preview Moveon.org's ad," Schakowsky concluded in her letter to Chairman Powell, "you should know that there are no inappropriately exposed body parts in its content."

Below is Schakowsky's letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell:

February 3, 2004

The Honorable Michael K. Powell
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554

Dear Chairman Powell:

I noted with interest your statement in reaction to the half time show of the Super Bowl broadcast on CBS Sunday, February 1. It appears that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will now devote substantial resources to investigate the Super Bowl half time show. I believe there is more pressing work for the FCC to do, and I urge you to instead review CBS's recent refusal to air an ad Moveon.org sought to have broadcast during the Super Bowl.

As you know, hundreds of thousands of Americans, many of whom are my constituents, were appalled by CBS's refusal to air MoveOn.org's ad. CBS claimed the ad was too controversial. However, members of Congress and the public believe CBS's decision amounts to censorship and favoritism toward one political party. Issue ads play an important role in American society. They are not always appreciated by all who view them. However, they are legal and remain a critical part of national discussions on policy matters.

In the event that you have not had the opportunity to preview Moveon.org's ad, you should know that there are no inappropriately exposed body parts in its content. I strongly believe that instead of making a priority of investigating the Super Bowl's half time entertainment, the FCC should immediately take action to remedy what appears to have been a clear violation of the free speech rights Americans are guaranteed under the constitution.

I look forward to your prompt reply, and I appreciate your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

Jan Schakowsky
Member of Congress