New Publications
FCC Lacks Authority Over Alcohol Ads

The FCC lacks authority to regulate alcohol advertising on television, according to a new monograph by Prof. Robert M. O'Neil.

Alcohol Advertising on the Air: Beyond the Reach of Government? points out that Congress has repeatedly denied the FCC direct statutory authority over liquor advertising, and that the agency's public interest mandate is vague and overly broad.

O'Neil concludes that ad restrictions from any branch of government would be unlikely to pass constitutional muster under the Supreme Court's Central Hudson test.

Published by The Media Institute, the monograph may be purchased by calling 202-298-7512.

Ad Bans Harmful to Consumers, Government

In his latest work, economist John H. Calfee makes a compelling argument that ad bans don't work. Fear of Persuasion: A New Perspective on Advertising and Regulation draws on a host of research results from around the world.

Calfee, a former FTC official, argues that competitive advertising generates richer and more balanced information than detailed controls.

Governments that restrict or ban advertising will only raise prices, sustain monopolies, freeze markets, deny consumers information, and generally harm their own interests, Calfee concludes.

To order, contact The AEI Press at 1-800-269-6267.

Billboard Hot Spots

CITIES TO WATCH: New York, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Springfield, Mo., Oakland, Calif.

A coalition called "FAIR" (Federation of Advertising Industry Representatives) is filing suit in a federal district court in Illinois to overturn Chicago's recently passed ban on alcohol and tobacco billboards, reports A.A.A.A.'s Linda Dove.

    Commercial Speech Digest
    Editorial Board
Steven G. Brody, Esq.
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft
New York
212-504-6000

P. Cameron DeVore, Esq.
Davis Wright Tremaine
Seattle
206-622-3150

Robert Corn-Revere, Esq.
Hogan & Hartson
Washington, D.C.
202-637-5600

Daniel L. Jaffe
Executive Vice President
Association of National Advertisers
Washington, D.C.
202-626-7800

John Kamp
Senior Vice President
American Association of Advertising Agencies
Washington, D.C.
202-331-7345

Paul McMasters
First Amendment Ombudsman
The Freedom Forum
Arlington, Va.
703-284-3511

Prof. Robert J. O'Neil
Founding Director
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression
Charlottesville, Va.
804-295-4784

Dr. Craig R. Smith
President
Freedom of Expression Foundation
Long Beach, Calif.
526-434-2284

Daniel E. Troy, Esq.
Wiley, Rein & Fielding
Washington, D.C.
202-828-7550

John J. Walsh, Esq.
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft
New York
212-504-6000

Prof. Harvey Zuckman
Director
Institute for Communications
Law Studies
Catholic University of America
Washington, D.C.
202-319-5000

Com Speech: Problem or Opportunity?

Communication Research Corporation may be able to help. CRC is a private consulting practice affiliated with The Media Institute in Washington, D.C. CRC provides advice, strategic planning, and implementation services for a wide range of communications issues from the standpoint of policy and public affairs.

In the realm of commercial speech, CRC offers comprehensive assistance including:

  • preparation of testimony and other written materials for internal and external audiences;

  • expert speakers for meetings and other events through the CRC Speakers Bureau;

  • organization and management of conferences, briefings, and convention panels;

  • referrals to leading commercial speech attorneys where legal work is indicated;

  • strategizing and problem solving in the public policy arena.

To discuss what CRC can do for you, contact us at 202-298-7512.

Commercial Speech Digest

News and Commentary on Advertising Rights

 Richard T. Kaplar Editor
Alan Moseley Managing Editor, Web Design
Katy Meter Administration, Circulation

Vol. 1, No. 4, Summer 1997. Published quarterly by Communications Research Corporation (CRC), a for-profit consulting practice affiliated with The Media Institute. Contents (c)1997 Communications Research Corporation. All rights reserved.

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