Protest Over Delay in Airing Condom Ads

Angry youth leaders, counselors and educators gathered at the Los Angeles Free Clinic to rail against the CBS, NBC and Fox television networks for not airing a new series of government-sponsored commercials promoting the use of latex condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS.

Federal health officials unveiled the controversial campaign Jan. 4, and all four broadcast networks agreed to air the blunt public-service announcements, which were developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, so far, only ABC has done so.

“L.A. youth demand that the networks show and air these PSAs (public-service announcements), which are really important to save lives,” said Marcus Kuiland-Nazario, research assistant at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Michael Landsman, 26, who has the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS, cited ignorance as the primary reason the three networks have not aired the condom commercials yet.

“It’s really a sad testimony that these kids are the only ones who realize what’s happening,” he said, referring to about 25 young people at the news conference Friday. “If you’re 19, you don’t remember a time before HIV. These kids have grown up in a world full of AIDS, but they’re not the ones who make the laws and the rules. Adults are hoping that it will go away, or they’re sure that it’s someone else’s problem, so they just don’t show it on television.”

CBS, NBC and Fox maintain that the condom spots have been approved and will begin airing when time is available. That means “within a week or two” for CBS, and “within the next couple months,” for NBC, network officials said Friday. Networks run such unpaid commercials at their discretion as a service to the community, and these are among many waiting for air time.

“Fox made a promise to schedule these PSAs (public-service announcements), and we will absolutely honor that commitment,” said Preston Padden, executive vice president for Fox, the first network to air a condom manufacturer’s ad two years ago. “Over the past several months, our public-service efforts have focused on another important social concern: violence. And we have been running a powerful series of PSAs addressing that very issue.”

Responsibility was the general theme among the young people who spoke Friday.

“When I turn on the television, I see people engaging in irresponsible sexual behavior,” said Ailleth Tom, 19, a UCLA student and peer educator on AIDS. “But I’ve yet to watch a show or a commercial that encourages us to use condoms, to protect our lives. Contrary to many beliefs, airing these public-service announcements will not promote sexual activity in youth, but showing sexually suggestive material will.”