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Producer of Anti-Obama Film Says CNN Refused to Run Ad for It

Aug 29, 2012  •  Post A Comment

The producer of the breakout documentary “2016: Obama’s America” — described as the highest-grossing conservative documentary of all time — says CNN rejected an ad for the film, although the Time Warner-owned network says that isn’t true, reports EW.com’s Inside TV.

Film producer John Sullivan, who is also the movie’s co-director, said CNN told him the movie was "too political." Ads for the movie have aired on networks including Fox News and MSNBC.

CNN said Sullivan’s claim isn’t quite right, according to the article. "We asked them to explain why they believe the ad is not subject to political advertising disclosure requirements, and we did not hear back from them with any explanation," said a representative for the network.

The report adds: “The network’s concern was a Federal Election Commission rule that states any telecast advocating for the election or defeat of a federal candidate must have its funding source revealed in a disclaimer notice (‘Paid for by …’). Such notices are standard on political ads, yet might be unprecedented for a popular theatrical film. An MSNBC spokesperson said the commercial ran without a disclaimer, like a regular movie ad. ‘The ad was approved through NBC News standards and practices before air,’ an MSNBC spokesperson said.”

Sullivan said he’s submitting a second ad, which he hopes will be approved by CNN.

2 Comments

  1. There is nothing in 2016 that advocates you vote for or against Obama, it’s simply a presentation much like CNN’s hosts often do.

  2. Interesting circumstances. I wonder if there was this much turmoil back in 2004 (also an election year) with the release of Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11??! I seem to remember CNN Entertainment even gave the film quite a favorable review.

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