CBS Considering Gay Dating Ad for Super Bowl
CBS reportedly told a gay dating site that its proposed Super Bowl ad would be reviewed for possible airing and would be considered if a spot becomes available.
ManCrunch.com submitted a 30-second commercial to CBS on Jan. 18 and, as of Jan. 22, CBS reportedly said "the spot hadn't been officially approved yet" by the network standards and that all spots for the big game on Feb. 7 had been sold out, according to Fox News. But CBS agreed to consider running the ad if an advertiser dropped out.
The ad involves two men watching the Super Bowl when their hands touch as they reach into a chip bowl. The two men then begin to kiss each other as another man sitting nearby watches in shock.
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In response to the purported ad, a spokesperson for the conservative pro-family group American Family Association said it would be "totally irresponsible" of the network to air the ad during the most watched TV program of the year.
"CBS should not put parents in the position of answering embarrassing and awkward questions from their children while they're just trying to enjoy a football game," said Tim Wildmon, president of AFA, in a statement Thursday. "CBS should quit dithering around and reject this ad out of hand."
In addition to pressure from pro-family groups, CBS is also coming under fire from pro-choice groups for approving an ad featuring college football star Tim Tebow and his mom, Pam.
Though the exact content of the ad has not been revealed, many are speculating that it will recount Pam Tebow's refusal to have an abortion while she was pregnant with Tim despite having suffered from a life-threatening infection at the time.
Focus on the Family, which produced the ad, said earlier this month that Pam Tebow would share a personal story centered on the theme of "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life."
"The Tebows said they agreed to appear in the commercial because the issue of life is one they feel very strongly about," Focus on the Family reported.
"Tim and Pam share our respect for life and our passion for helping families thrive," added Focus on the Family president and CEO Jim Daly.
Focus on the Family's Super Bowl ad, which still needs to receive final confirmation, will be Christian group's first Super Bowl commercial.
Super Bowl broadcasts are typically viewed by over 90 million people each year.
This year's Super Bowl, which pits the Indianapolis Colts against the New Orleans Saints, will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 7.
