CANCEL THIS PROGRAM

IN THE WAR against drugs, getting the word out about health risks, crime
and family turmoil are critical. But White House drug warriors and
television networks have developed an unholy alliance to weave paid,
government-approved anti-drug messages into prime-time TV shows.

In a story divulged by the Internet magazine Salon, networks are allowed
DEnancial credit if shows include an anti-drug or anti-alcohol message.
The plan stems from a huge $1 billion advertising buy by the government in
1997 to broadcast anti-drug commercials.

After the advertising buy was made, the networks complained the price was
too low. The economy had picked up and ad slots fetched higher prices,
network accountants said.

The White House drug fighters offered a new deal: write in anti-drug
messages on prime-time TV shows, and the networks can count a portion of
this air time against the original ad purchase. The time reserved for
anti-drug commercials could then be resold at higher prices.

As a result, scripts and footage of "Chicago Hope," "ER" and "Touched by an
Angel" were reviewed in advance by White House drug experts. An actor may
wave off an offered marijuana joint or suffer through a destructive bout of
drinking to win the network financial credit. A White House drug spokesman
said the deal saved Hollywood some $20 million.

This is not a healthy arrangement. For starters, the champions of free
expression in Hollywood should be ashamed of themselves for allowing
government bureaucrats to evaluate the suitability of their content. In a
couple of instances, the WB network even altered scripts of "Smart Guy" and
"The Wayans Bros." at the suggestion of government drug experts.

The idea that commercial television networks should be paid by the
government for doing the socially responsible thing is just absurd. And the
White House should not be editing network TV show, in any way, shape or
form.