Four Iowa TV stations reject political ad (video)

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KCCI-TV and WHO-TV in Des Moines, WOI-TV in West Des Moines and KCAU-TV in Sioux City  confirmed with the Des Moines Register they have rejected an ad from an animal welfare political group that criticizes U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA) for opposing federal legislation that would ban people from taking children to animal fights.


The ad from the Humane Society Legislative Fund, based in DC, opposes King’s reelection to Congress on TV stations in the Sioux City, Des Moines and Mason City television markets.

See the ad here:

“We are not going to air the spot,” Paul Fredericksen, KCCI-TV GM, told the paper. “We feel the sensational tone of the spot, which includes the graphic treatment of animal photos and a web site address….are unsuitable for use.”

Fredericksen said KCCI officials have suggested to the political group’s advertising agency that if the TV ad will be reconsidered if revisions are made.

Dale Woods, general manager at WHO-TV, he had personally reviewed the ad that was critical of King and he also had concerns about it: “I think they are coming back with a revised copy. Absolutely we will take a look at it.”

Ray Cole, president and COO of Citadel Communications, which includes WOI in West Des Moines and KCAU-TV in Sioux City, said his company didn’t object to the spot based on the images portrayed: “We have opted not to run the spot in both Des Moines and Sioux City more so, if not exclusively, based on the fact that we believe the message is patently false.”

A review of congressional records shows that King made it clear to his fellow members of Congress that he is opposed to all forms of dog fighting, but believes the issue is a state matter rather than a federal issue, Cole told the paper. “The upshot is that this spot does not hold up to the light of day.”

See the Des Moines Register story here