A reader writes

A reader writes January 30, 2009

Through some internet detective work I dug up some useful contact information for the folks over at NBC Televsision. I emailed John Miller, NBC’s Chief Marketing Officer and Jeff Zucker, the CEO regarding the decision to pull the CatholicVote.org pro-life ad. John was kind enough to email back and suggest that I contact Sales or Broadcast Standards as they are the divisions that make calls on commercials. Unfortunately he didn’t provide me with any names, but I have turned up the following list. I suggest we unleash the power of St. Blog’s to make sure the NBC execs know how we really feel.

Jeff.Zucker@nbcuni.com
President and CEO, NBC Universal

Jeff.Gaspin@nbcuni.com
President and COO, Universal Television Group

Kenneth.Schanzer@nbcuni.com
President, NBC Sports

Derek.Bond@nbcuni.com
Executive VP Studios & Broadcast Operations

Bo.Argentino@nbcuni.com
Senior VP Advertising & Media Sales, NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution

Scot.Chastain@nbcuni.com
VP Affiliate Advertising and Promotion Services, NBC Entertainment

Dick.Ebersol@nbcuni.com
Chairman, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics

Mike.McCarley@nbcuni.com
VP Communications and Marketing, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics

Jacky.Olitsky@nbcuni.com
Director of Program Standards

alan.wurtzel@nbcuni.com
Broadcast Standards

Below is the letter I sent:

I am a longtime fan of your network and am continually impressed by the quality of shows you have produced. Brilliant comedies like The Office, engaging shows like Heroes and timely, factual news reporting continually impress me. But I am deeply disappointed that a network which so readily aired campaign coverage of President Obama’s campaign and inauguration would refuse to continue to support him with this ad. I have seen the entirety of the ad submitted by CatholicVote.org and was pleased to see such a positive affirmation of support for our new president. If you have not personally seen the ad, I encourage you to view it at the catholicvote.org website. You can view it on the main page. NBC claimed the decision was made because you do not allow political or issue advocacy advertisements. However, the ad does nothing to condemn those who believe in pro-choice, nor does it raise any political issue about President Obama. It is a heartfelt show of support for Obama and all those who rise from difficult circumstances to achieve great things. I feel that the refusal to run the ad amounts to nothing other than blatant discrimination based on who submitted the ad, rather than its content. Whether you agree with me, I ask you to take this letter seriously, as I am one of many who are disappointed by this decision.

Thank you for your time.

Worth a shot.


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