OTHER NEWS - Oct. 5, 1996

FCC Responds to Complaints About Liquor Ads: Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt called liquor commercials from Joseph E. Seagram & Sons “a troubling new development” and said the FCC plans to deal with concerns about spirits advertising on TV. The Seagram spots for Crown Royal and Chivas Regal whiskey brands are airing despite a 48-year-old voluntary ban on TV advertising. Hundt was responding to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which urged the FCC to probe how children are affected by all alcohol ads, including those for beer. So far, the FCC has indicated a willingness to consider only hard liquor ads. The FCC does not regulate advertising, but has control over what is on TV because it licenses broadcasters. Seagram has said its commercials are responsible and tasteful.