01/22/2009
L.A.'s KABC Refuses to Air Ad About Gay Family During Inauguration
Los Angeles Affiliate KABC refused to air an ad from GetToKnowUsFirst.org during Obama's inauguration. The ad, which was produced as a result of the passage of Proposition 8 and not tied to any upcoming election, featured Xavier and Michael, a Los Angeles-area couple who are raising five children ages 6 through 25.
GetToKnowUsFirst.org reports: "The media buy was attempted by the organization's ad agency, New and Improved Media. Its CEO, Keith Fisher, was surprised that KABC rejected the group's money. Fisher said, "We usually only see this with risque content, as in a trailer for a movie." He added, 'If KABC thinks they have to protect the public from this family, something's obviously very wrong over there.' Chris Yokogawa, the ad agency's media buyer, worked with the station, attempting to ease any concerns they might have. He said, 'We went back and forth a couple of times. I explained that this family is far from controversial. They were firm in their rejection. They said it was too controversial to air during the Inauguration, since 'many families will be watching.'' The ad aired across California on Tuesday -- before, during and after the Presidential Inauguration on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Despierta America (Univision) and Levantate (Telemundo) broadcasts, as well as on a wide range of regional news stations, CNN and FoxNews during evening coverage of the day's events. Project Coordinator John Ireland expressed astonishment at KABC's rejection. He said, 'This ad is about families. I challenge anyone to watch the commercials at www.GetToKnowUsFirst.org and articulate what is inappropriate about airing it at any time of day.' One week prior, at attorney Gloria Allred's urging, Rev. Rick Warren indicated he would be willing to show the ads to his congregation at Saddleback Church in Orange County. Days before the Presidential Inauguration, he changed his mind, dropping the offer."
The group aired the spot in 42 of California's 58 counties (everywhere Prop 8 passed by more than 50%) during Tuesday's coverage
Watch the ad, AFTER THE JUMP...
Posted 9:16 AM EST by Andy Towle in California, Censorship, Gay Adoption, Gay Marriage, Gay Parents, Inauguration, Los Angeles, News | Permalink
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Ok, gimme some addresses and e-mails so I can start writing.
Posted by: shane | Jan 22, 2009 9:40:39 AM
OMG, there are black gay people?! And they live in California??!! That's so controversial.
Posted by: crispy | Jan 22, 2009 9:46:06 AM
LOL crispy
Kudos to all those involved with it and screw KBAC
Posted by: jimmyboyo | Jan 22, 2009 10:02:58 AM
Arnold J. Kleiner
President & General Manager
KABC-TV
500 Circle Seven Dr.
Glendale, CA 91201-2331
telephone: 818-863-7707
email: arnie.kleiner@abc.com
KABC-TV general telephone: (818) 863-7777
KABC-TV general fax: (818) 863-7654
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/index
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/feature?section=resources/inside_station/station_info&id=5783674
MAIN ABC NETWORK ADDRESS:
Susan Lyne, President
ABC Entertainment
500 S. Buena Vista St
Burbank, CA 91521-4551
telephone: (818) 560-1000
(NY-Corporate): (212) 456-7777
Posted by: JohnInManhattan | Jan 22, 2009 10:07:08 AM
These are great ads! Would that they could have been aired PRIOR to Prop 8's passage. Oh well, we keep trying.
I just have so much respect for LGBT people following their hearts and taking on the arduous lifelong commitment of raising children.
Get to know us first.
Posted by: tooboot | Jan 22, 2009 11:37:21 AM
JOHNINMANHATTAN,
I don't know about Arnie Klein at the local station, but Susan Lyne has not been at the ABC Network for years. Try Anne Sweeney and Steve McPherson.
Posted by: rich | Jan 22, 2009 12:40:11 PM
"many families will be watching".....reflect on that one for a minute.
This is precisely why we need to be AGGRESSIVELY OUT in all of those places we "don't belong". I've walked arm in arm with my husband in public parks, family beaches, and around school yards - places where I KNOW [some] heterosexuals HAVE A FIT seeing gays, esp. gay MEN...(more ick factor). Yes, [some] people look absolutely shocked, disgusted, and scared. Some Dads look very angry, which is why I also carry a weapon. THEY WILL JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH US OR GET THERAPY. You may be able to vote away rights in this SICK society (PROP 8), but I'll be DAMNED if you can vote away my right to exist alongside you in public.
Posted by: John Bisceglia | Jan 22, 2009 1:35:17 PM
Did they still have to pay, or was it a public service announcement?
Posted by: anon | Jan 22, 2009 3:32:04 PM
When even Fox airs an ad and you don't because it's 'too controversial', then you know you are so out of touch you really should just close up your station and head out into oblivion. What douchebags! I hope they actually do feel like the fools that they are!
Posted by: CK | Jan 23, 2009 8:26:43 AM