Networks Refuse to Air Ad

[Longhorn]

New York - In an email to supporters last evening, Operation Truth (www.optruth.org) announced that attempts to purchase advertising time on five cable channels were rebuffed, not on legal grounds, but because of the group's advocacy for the troops. Operation Truth is a national, non-partisan organization bringing the American people the first-hand stories from those who served on the ground in Iraq, and holding public officials accountable for their decisions affecting our nation's troops.

At one of those stations, the History Channel, top executives made the decision to refuse to air the ad, saying that when they aired ads by Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, it "generated several angry emails and phone calls," according to a representative from the History Channel.

"It is unfortunate that Vietnam Veterans get their say to talk about who may or may not have been in Cambodia 30-plus years ago, but a Veteran of the current war cannot appear on the same airwaves to talk about the war going on right now, and his experience," said Executive Director, Paul Rieckhoff. "Even FOX News Channel, which often gets criticized for slanted coverage, allowed our group to purchase time to speak the truth. Is the ad hard-hitting and graphic? Absolutely. But so is war. That's just the truth, and these stations have a duty to allow their viewers to see the human cost of war, especially if a group is willing to pay for the air time."

The other stations refusing to allow airtime for the ad are Comedy Central, TBS, VH-1 (via MTV Networks), and ESPN. The ad, titled "Not There," features Robert Acosta, a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, who lost part of his arm and use of his leg as a result of a grenade explosion in the war. The commercial clearly shows his injury. It can be viewed at the group's website: www.optruth.org.

http://www.optruth.org/main.cfm?actionId=blogShowExcerpts&blogId=14&year=2004&month=10&day=29&Action=ShowCalendar&lnav=7

If you haven't seen the ad, it's pretty powerful!

[aquart]

1. Saw the ad. And it is.

[JohnnyCougar]

2. Those fucking bastards

I gave to this ad campaign, and now it won't ba aired?!?!? History channel, huh. They're gonna get a pleasant e-mail.

[flpoljunkie]

5. Ad is still running on CNN, as of yesterday.

[babylonsister]

8. I've also seen it on CNN many times. eom

[Robbie67]

3. I know this is a lot to ask, but...

I sure as hell hope Kerry brings some ideas for media reform to his presidency.

[flpoljunkie]

4. I have seen the ad and have donated to help with its airing. Ad Link below

http://www.optruth.org/main.cfm

Robert Acosta and the founder of Operation Truth were on CNN this week. They made their case for this ad earnestly, professionally and eloquently.

I salute them for their courage in speaking out for the interests of our troops.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

6. John Kerry's FCC will REMEMBER them come January!

[riverwalker]

7. War Channel won't show real veterans?

Unbelieveable, especially since all they show all day is war documentaries. OpTruth is non-partison, and they can't compare them with the swiftliers.

Link to History Channel feedback form:
http://www.aetv.com/global/feedback/index.jsp?NetwCode=AEN

History Channel, Comedy Central, TBS, VH-1 (via MTV Networks), and ESPN. If anyone has the other emails, please post them.

[riverwalker]

9. more direct email for the History Channel:

[e-mail]