July 22nd, 2000
ABC Backs Away From Using Voice Mail to Promote Lineup
By Stuart Elliott
The New York Times
ABC has backed away from a controversial plan to use sitcom stars like Norm MacDonald to promote its fall lineup by leaving taped messages on the home answering machines of viewers.
"It certainly doesn’t spare the sanctity of the home from those who would intrude," said Gary Ruskin, director of Commercial Alert in Washington, an advocacy organization founded by Ralph Nader. "It’s another example of how advertisers and marketers respect no boundaries."