June 23, 2001

Seven in 10 Americans support condom ads on TV

from the ADVOCATE

A survey by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation shows that 71% of Americans believe television networks should broadcast condom advertisements, GayHealth.com reports.

Currently, only three of the six major U.S. TV networks allow condom commercials. The survey included 1,142 adults throughout the country. Of the respondents who favored condom ads, 37% said they should be allowed to air at all times of the day, while 34% said they should be restricted to timeslots after 10 p.m. The survey also found that more Americans oppose the broadcasting of beer ads (34%) than that of condom commercials (25%). NBC began accepting condom ads in 1999, CBS in 1998, and Fox in 1991, although all three networks restrict the ads’ tone, message, and time of broadcast. ABC, UPN, and the WB prohibit paid condom advertising.

"It’s time for the TV networks to grow up and understand that viewers need to be educated about HIV/AIDS and how not to get it," said Marty Algaze, director of communications for New York–based Gay Men’s Health Crisis. "Twenty years into this epidemic, we do know the best way to prevent HIV infection through sexual contact is by using condoms. It’s the responsibility of the media to get this message out to viewers."

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