CBS Pulls Three Miller Lite Commercials - Are They Going Crazy Or What?

[Jon8503]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Broadcast television network CBS on Friday said it will pull three Miller Lite commercials from its airwaves, saying the spots were too disparaging of rival Bud Light, beer companies Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. and Miller Brewing Co. said on Friday.

The move comes after Anheuser-Busch, maker of brands such as Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, filed a 26-page complaint with the four major U.S. broadcast networks about 11 commercials from Miller Brewing, a unit of SABMiller Plc .

The pulled commercials include two that feature actors portraying former Anheuser-Busch drinkers talking through a bullhorn at an Anheuser-Busch plant, saying that Miller brands taste better than Anheuser-Busch's Bud Light or Budweiser.

The other commercial features a Bud Light delivery man wearing capri pants.

Miller and Bud have been engaged in a fierce advertising battle as Miller tries to wrest market share from the industry leader. "We have said all along that SABMiller's claims are fabricated," Anheuser-Busch Vice President of Sales and Marketing Michael Owens said in a statement. "By using these shady practices, SABMiller is admitting its products can't stand up to fair comparisons."

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20041217/tv_nm/food_beer_advertising_dc

[DireStrike]

1. omg...

I hope CBS isn't in shock paralysis from the TANG thing. There could be a window allowing for extensive manipulation.

[evil genius]

2. both are bad beers, so who cares?

[Cha]

3. Dems should use that against bush..

"By using these shady practices, SABMiller is admitting its products can't stand up to fair comparisons."

[Delarage]

4. Miller Lite has always been my favorite

I like the slightly "yeasty" taste to it. I've tried all kinds of beers and I always come back to it. Plus, I can get it for $.30/can at the local liquor store.

And I think the ads are funny (especially the one where the woman says "it's like talking to a brick wall."

[NervousRex]

5. Jeezus!

A Corporate Fairness Doctrine....when do we get one again?