The newest twist in the ABC special uproar comes from Rick Scott, chairman of Conservatives for Patients Rights. Scott says his group tried to buy a 60-second ad before the “Prescription for America” to offer a different point of view, and was denied. “It is unfortunate — and unusual — that ABC is refusing to accept paid advertising that would present an alternative viewpoint for the White House health care event,” he says in a statement. “We were surprised to hear that paid advertisements would not be accepted when we inquired and we would certainly be open to purchasing time if ABC would reconsider.”
While he may think it is unfortunate, it isn’t unusual — an ABC spokesperson tells TVNewser the network has a “long-standing policy” of not accepting “advocacy advertising.”
Of course, not all ABC affiliates have the policy, so Scott’s organization could take the ad to local stations.