KATU pulled the advertisement for legal pot, which would have been first in the nation.
BY JACOB PALMER | DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
KATU pulled the advertisement for legal pot, which would have been first in the nation.
The commercial was intended to promote the Oregon Medical Marijuana Business Conference.
Here is what the Portland Tribune wrote when the commercial was still set to air:
Writing for Marijuanapolitics.com, [executive director of the Yes on 91 campaign Anthony] Johnson says network television “has been very hostile to the marijuana industry, as a cannabis commercial was yanked from the TV schedule before ever airing in Denver.”
“It makes a lot of sense that the first cannabis commercial on network television isn’t for a vape pen or a dispensary, but on a conference designed to help people navigate the rapidly changing cannabis industry,” Johnson wrote. “The OMMBC commercial doesn’t advertise that anyone should use marijuana, but that those in the industry, or thinking of joining the burgeoning industry need to know the latest developments with medical and recreational regulations while also networking with the top attorneys, professionals and experts in the field.”
(SOURCE: Portland Tribune)
But KATU had an about-face when it became aware of the media coverage the ad was receiving.
KATU general manager John Tamerlano told WW this afternoon that the network has decided not to air the commercial due to concerns about the unprecedented nature of the ad.
“After further review, we have decided to step back,” said Tamerlano. “We don’t accept advertising for marijuana.”
Tamerlano clarified that network officials were aware of the content of the ad when they agreed to air it, but decided that it was acceptable strictly as a business commercial. When it became clear earlier today that other media sources were reporting it as the first-ever marijuana commercial, KATU reversed course.
(SOURCE: Willamette Week)
So, no commercial for the conference.
