U.S. television networks disappoint sponsor

Press, 2 August 1985, Page 6

U.S. television networks disappoint sponsor

NZPA-AP New York The three main American television networks have either rejected or resisted broadcasting a 30-second public service announcement that promotes contraception, said the group sponsoring the advertisement. The immediate past-presi-dent of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Luella Klein, said she was disappointed at the response from the networks, which could contribute so much to an attitude of sexual responsibility. The announcements are part of a SUSIOO,OOO ($190,005) campaign to counter undue concern about the safety of contraception, she said. “It’s much safer to prevent unintended pregnancy than it is to use nothing and have an unintended pregnancy,” she said. More than 3.3 million pregnancies each year in the United States were unwanted or earlier than planned, she said. “C.B.S. rejected the spot because its theme is too controversial”, said the vice-president of communications for the group, George Schweitzer. “Birth control is covered in news and public affairs programs, where both sides of the issue are discussed,” he said. An A.B.C. spokesman said the spot conflicted with its guidelines for public service announcements because it came from a trade organisation, rather than a nonprofit, philanthropic group, and because it discusses a controversial issue. An N.B.C. spokesman, Curt Block, said a decision was expected next week. The advertisement remained under review because the network had not had a chance to review it adequately, he said.