TV & VIDEO - Jan. 7, 1991

Campaign Ad Rebates Demanded: Five 1990 Georgia gubernatorial candidates sued an Atlanta TV station for allegedly overcharging them for campaign advertising, a move that could foreshadow a widespread campaign for rebates. Gov.-elect Zell Miller and the four other highest-spending candidates filed the breach-of-contract lawsuit Thursday against WXIA, seeking an unspecified amount for reimbursement, attorneys fees and damages. Federal law requires television stations to sell campaign ad time at the lowest rate, but an FCC national audit indicated widespread overcharging--though none in Georgia. In addition to Miller, the gubernatorial candidates suing are Isakson, the Republican nominee, and Democrats Andrew Young, Roy Barnes and Lauren McDonald. Station manager Harvey Mars said Friday he could not comment because he had not yet seen the suit.