wfn.org | United Methodist exec praises NBC for retracting liquor ads

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

April 1, 2002        News media contact: Joretta Purdue7(202)
546-87227Washington     10-71B{139}

NOTE:  Internet users may find the complete text of Jim Winkler's statement
regarding NBC's change of policy at www.umc-gbcs.org, the Board of Church
and Society's Web site. 

WASHINGTON (UMNS) - The top staff executive of the United Methodist
international social justice agency has commended NBC, a U.S. television
network, for rethinking its decision to air advertising that promotes
consumption of hard liquor.

"We believe NBC's decision will have a positive impact on the lives of
millions of young people and families," said Jim Winkler, chief executive of
the denomination's Board of Church and Society, in a statement issued April
1.

Winkler said the NBC reversal is a tremendous victory for his board and the
many religious, public health and children's advocates who protested NBC's
earlier announcement that it was no longer going to observe a voluntary ban
on hard liquor advertising.

"Although this is a significant victory, NBC's action does not address the
broader issue of beer and wine advertising on television," Winkler observed.
Beer commercials, in particular, are often associated with major sports
events that tend to be viewed by young people, he said.

Winkler cited the United Methodist Church's support for eliminating all
advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages, as spelled out on page 201
of the denomination's 2000 Book of Resolutions. 

He concluded by urging "NBC to take the lead in eliminating beer and wine
advertising from television."
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United Methodist News Service
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