RAT HUNTING.(FCC asked to investigate an alleged subliminal television ad by the George W. Bush campaign)(Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, September, 2000

Two Democratic Senators--Ron Wyden (Ore.) and John Breaux (La.)--have asked the FCC to investigate allegations that the Bush campaign produced a "subliminal" ad attacking Al Gore. The ad, aired in 33 markets during the first week of September, momentarily displayed the word "RATS" during criticism of Gore's prescription-drug proposal.

The FCC says subliminal advertising is intended to deceive and "inconsistent" with a broadcasters' public-interest obligations.