The Nation - News from May 27, 1988

Leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee introduced a bill to provide $75 million annually for a three-year radio and television advertising campaign aimed at reducing demand for illegal drugs. The media blitz would have the “intensity of a presidential advertising campaign,” said Sen. John C. Danforth of Missouri, ranking Republican on the panel, who introduced the bill with Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.), panel chairman. Under the measure, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in the Commerce Department would oversee production of the ads and buy air time on commercial radio and TV stations. Broadcasters would be required to provide reasonable access to all time periods to air the spots and to charge their lowest rates. The National Assn. of Broadcasters said the bill is unconstitutional because it mandates government access to broadcast facilities.