NCJW Critical of CBS Decision to Run Super Bowl Ad for Focus on the Family
January 28, 2010, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today released a letter to Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of the CBS Corporation, criticizing his company’s decision to air an anti-abortion ad during the Super Bowl for the group, Focus on the Family. Below is the text of NCJW President Nancy Ratzan's letter.
"I am writing on behalf of the 90,000 members of the National Council of Jewish Women, who take strong exception to your decision to air an anti-choice advertisement by Focus on the Family during the upcoming Super Bowl. This regrettable decision is inconsistent with your longstanding policy to reject advocacy ads, which you have invoked in the past to deny time to the United Church of Christ, Moveon.org, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and perhaps others.
"We believe that it is your responsibility to ensure that the public debate on your network is not skewed in favor of only one particular viewpoint. Airing this advocacy ad to the exclusion of others gives the strong impression of a network bias.
"Your corporate website states your commitment to:
'fostering an environment that celebrates and encourages differences in people, their ideas, beliefs and cultural backgrounds, which, in turn, positively influences business conduct, the productions, shows, products and services we deliver, as well as, our responsibilities to the communities we serve and society as a whole.'
"In the spirit of this commitment, we urge CBS to return to its policy of neutrality and honor its obligation to fairness, and to refrain from airing the message of Focus on the Family."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org