CBS Tuesday stood behind its decision to take a Super Bowl ad from Focus on the Family that has drawn fire from reproductive choice organizations.
The network said it does not reject advocacy ads out of hand, and added that it would consider "responsibly produced ads from all groups" for the "few" remaining spots in the broadcast.
"We have for some time moderated our approach to advocacy submissions after it became apparent that our stance did not reflect public sentiment or industry norms on the issue," CBS said in an e-mailed statement Tuesday. "In fact, most media outlets have accepted advocacy ads for some time. At CBS, our standards and practices process continues to adhere to a process that ensures all ads -- on all sides of an issue -- are appropriate for air.
"We will continue to consider responsibly produced ads from all groups for the few remaining spots in Super Bowl XLIV," the network said.
That came in response to the announcement that the Women's Media Center, National Organization For Women and more than two dozen other groups have launched a campaign to pressure CBS into pulling a Super Bowl "pro-life" ad bought by Focus on the Family, which will famous collegiate football player Tim Tebow and his mother.
That campaign includes a letter it delivered to CBS today, according to a spokeswoman, and e-mails its members are sending today to CBS, the NFL, and advertisers in the game.
The letter calls on CBS to reject what the groups call an anti-choice ad that advances Focs on the Family's Agenda.
They argue that CBS has rejected advocacy ads in the past, including from PETA, MoveOn.org and the United Church of Christ.
The spot in question is expected to feature Florida Gators quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tebow and his mother talking about how she refused to have an abortion after she was advised to do so by doctors.
