WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former presidential candidate Robert Dole made headlines as a pitchman for Viagra, and now a decade later a Virginia congressman wants to limit the time when ads for this and similar products can air.
Last month, Democratic Rep. Jim Moran introduced the "Families for ED Advertising Decency Act," which prevents erectile dysfunction and male enhancement ads from appearing on radio and television between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
"This [the advertisements] is an intrusion into our daily lives that I believe has become inappropriate." Moran said in an interview with CNN. "There is a saturation of the television airwaves with these E.D. ads, and they have gotten more pervasive, more blunt, and less subtle."
The bill currently has only one co-sponsor, Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pennsylvania, and there are currently no hearings scheduled on the issue. But a Moran spokesman said the congressman is actively seeking more support.
"I don't want to be prudish about it," Moran said. "I understand there is limitless market to deal with male insecurity and its fine for drug companies to make a profit on that. The problem is that they are showing these ads when small children are bound to get curious."
UPDATE: Pfizer, the maker of Viagra, defended their commercials in a statement, saying, "Our goal in advertising our products is to reach the people who would be most likely to benefit from them."
Full statement after the jump
Consumers need and want readily available, easy-to-understand health information. Advertisements for prescription medicines provide clear information about medical conditions and treatments and motivate consumers to have productive conversations with their physicians. Pfizer is committed to responsible advertising. We are continually looking for ways to improve our advertising.Our goal in advertising our products is to reach the people who would be most likely to benefit from them. In line with our policies and the policies of the industry, Viagra advertising is aired in shows most likely to be reach men suffering from erectile dysfunction. ED can be a signal for other serious medical issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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What's wrong with children being curious about sex? It sounds like Rep. Moran is dealing with his own "insecurities".
Fully support this. these ads are nauseating with kids around. Sick TV ..
NO to over-regulation of advertising. The erectile dysfunction advertisements are not understandable by children and they should not offend anyone. They may be annoying, but that is no reason to put a ban on advertising that would be effective during those slots. I think this is over regulation and I am a Democrat!!!!
This is ridiculous. Just deal with it, and how about instead of focusing on ED medication as if it were some big deal you start regulating how much drug companies can advertise on television to begin with. We have a huge problem of overmedication in this country in general. When people are going to their doctors requesting special drugs because they saw an attractive person tv try to sell it to them. . . this is not good. Resources are there for patients to learn about drugs via internet, let's leave drug recommendations in the hands of doctors.
If they think that the ad for Viagra is bad, then they need to take the Victoria Secret ads,Playtex bra, and tampon commercials of also.
Odd that Dems fight for the rights of liberals to be foul-mouthed, and for channels like MSNBC to filled with nothing but crap, yet want to put something like this in. Hmmmm, looks like the people who make viagra didn't contribute enough to Democrat causes/candidates
you are not prudish; I enjoy, as many others, the PGA on TV; but it has come to the point, if I see another Cialis,Viagra, or some other ed promoting theme, I will refuse to watch; thank goodness, someone who has common sense wants to do something about it..you know they promote the first tee, junior golf, etc., then shoot themselves in the foot with this adult theme at 3 p.m.; advertisers, and station managers just don't get it..
My father is a physician and I still laugh when I remember when he and my two nephews were watching TV and a commercial for Viagra came on. My oldest nephew, who was around 6 or 7 at the time turned to his grandpa and asked "whats erectile dysfunction grandpa?"
Without missing a beat, my father answered "I have no idea".
let's ban ALL drug advertisements before 10PM! I'm so sick of drug advertisements! Imagine all the money that could be saved in drug costs if these drug companies weren't paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising! I'm really really really tired of the stupid balloon ads about bladder control! That is more offensive than Viagra! Most drug adverts are gross and disgusting and cost people who are in need of other drugs more money because of it.
When I was a kid there were NEVER advertisements for drugs. That started happening when Reagan was elected and he loosened restrictions. It's gotten WAY out of hand.
Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction is a "tempest in a teapot" in comparison to a sickening erectile dysfunction ad. Any half witted man who is having a problem knows that doctors' doors are wide open to assist him. It is up to him or his partner to make that appointment. Ads should be prominently displayed in medical offices – both private and public. End of story!
How about they just run the ED advertisements at restaurants... during the Early Bird Special.
And the nanny state tightens its grip a little more. What's next, banning hot dogs because their appearance is a little too similar to a part of the male anatomy?
If Barney Frank or Ted Kennedy had been the ones in the ad, your kids would be learning about Viagra in schools right now instead of watching the ads on TV.
Congress can fund hundreds of pages of reports about stained blue dresses yet becomes sketchy about ED or wardrobe malfunctions.
Kids view thousands of acts of violence on TV each year but they need to be protected against Viagra advertisements.
Go figure.
This is why democrats are accused of big government and trying to regulate peoples lives.
It is a parents job to regulate what their children see on TV, not ad executives.
Also, nudity has been in European commercials for decades, why haven't all European children turned into sex crime addicted deviants?
Finally! Not that I am for having to pass a law or regulation concerning it. You would think that these companies would have the sensibilities to NOT advertise during those time slots. For parents with children, it's an awkward moment. For adults, it's not much better. We are raising an entire generation to be as tasteless as these commercials. If this is what it takes to bring some civility back to our airwaves, then so be it.
... wow ...
If this isn't proof that our government has people introducing legislation just to justify their existence, I don't what is.
I totally agree with this. I hate it when I am watching a baseball or football game with my 8 year old son and these ads come on. He is very impressionable at that age and doesn't need to see that crap on TV.
I agree. These ads do no one any good. Could you also have them take off the feminine products as well? It disgusts me to see these things advertised. They know we have to buy them so why advertise them unneccessarily?
This is sooo true, we can't even watch CNN these days, with little kids at home. We are always muting out our TVs or changing channels, and guess what..similar ads play there too..
Great idea... That kind of advertising should not be shown all day long. How can that nonsense be allowed to get the airwaves during daytime, and the morning after pill can't be advertised at all?
God forbid a child should ask a question.
If congressman Moran – should be MORON – is still actively searching for more support for his going-no-where-absurd-bill, perhaps he should contact the makers of Viagra... has this intellectual cretin ever thought about CHANGING THE CHANNEL or perhaps, more importantly, actually READING a piece of LEGISLATION B/4 he voted on it? [That would take this CONTROL FREAK'S eyes off the tube for a bit.]
Secondly, has this guy ever heard of the 1st. Amendment?
Swampland and the FCC is just full of sexually repressed NUT JOBS like this one! [Their private live, however, tell a different story!]
More American hipocrisy. If millions weren't benefiting from these drugs, men and women, they wouldn't advertise as much. THis is just another way to avoid talking to your kids. Did anyone stop to think that sex becomes something perverted when its treated like its something that should not be discussed or thought about. The problems isn't with the kids. The problem is the adults. If you're asked a question just answer it as clinically as possible. Kids aren't as dumb as we think they are.
That is all well and good, but aren't most of the people who need it in bed by 10pm?
These are no more "disgusting" than all of the products for feminine hygiene. This is a part of life. I would rather see these than assault weapons and death. From what kind of denial are these people suffering?
Advertising is bad for all children – and all adults. Not because there are commercials that make vague references to erecto-pills, toilet paper commercials that make disgusting suggestions, toilet cleaner commercials, tampon commercials, and nearly naked young women draping themselves over every product, etc. etc. etc. etc.
They are bad for us because they persuade us to buy too much, eat too much (look at your gut before you read on), smoke tobacco (heroin would be healthier), vote for morons, and behave in totally irrational ways as consumers. Commercials do not make rational arguments about the product's features and utility. They show you how wonderful your life will become if you only throw out last year's doo-dad and buy this years, or buy this brand which is exactly like the other brand, or behave in other foolish ways. And if you believe that commercials don't affect your buying and spending behavior, then you are just the sucker I am talking about.
Learning about these things in biology class is one thing but having them shoved in your children's face before their time is quite another. Big Govern? Perhaps we would not need the Government's help at this time if it were not for the Republicans who would not put regulations in place for the "TOO BIG TO FAIL" Instituitions. Remember we are to "small to matter" and don't you forget it when it comes to the Republicans in Congress. I watched them today, all having panic attacks regarding fraudulent mortgage regulations. We can't even try to fix the problems w/o them protestring BIG GOVERNMENT. They need to move to China where they can be in BIG GOVERN. for real or move to Texas and recede.
"The erectile dysfunction advertisements are not understandable by children and they should not offend anyone." -Nick
Nick, do you have kids? When they don't understand something, they ask for an explanation. Which leads to...
"What's wrong with children being curious about sex?" -Brittany
Nothing in the abstract. But the reality is that I would very much like to be able to watch an NFL game with my six-year-old without a commercial forcing The Big Conversation about sex, followed by an explanation of ED, and what that commercial was for.
As it is, I have to jump on the remote at each break, pause it (thank goodness for DVRs), wait, and then fast-forward through the sex, drugs and violence known as "NFL commercials."
Really, I'm not a prude, I just don't think television commercials during what ought to be a family hang-out time should be the genesis of the big questions kids have for their parents.
Yes, because when one Democrat brings a bill to Congress he's representing the entire party. The level of ignorance demonstrated in some of these posts is truly baffling sometimes.
This is not a Liberal talking point this is a Rep. Jim Moran problem. If Obama comes forward and talks about this being next on his agenda then you can say Democrats are over-reaching. Do some of you just not understand how government works?
So the curiosity of children is something that we should guard against and something that the legislature should seek to dissuade? Maybe if the government stopped inhibiting childhood curiosity about normal biological functions there would not be so many teen pregnancies. Then we wouldn't have to watch shows like Jerry Springer which are actually offensive.
I support a broader bill that would include more than the ED ones. You should see some of the ads on the cartoon networks. You can't just tell parents to monitor the shows they watch. Parents have no idea or control over the commercials our children see.
I agree that parents should be responsible for monitoring their children's prgramming, but that means we should also be able to know the contents of the commercials that will be aired during that programming.
Why not rate the commercials with a v-chip rating just like they do the programming? Then the programming segment would have to have a rating that would be the most restrictive rating among its programming or commercials. That way, there is no censorship of the programming, and companies can advertise whenever they want, but as a parent, I can keep my kid from watching a relatively mild program like Baseball without my supervision, if I know there are going to be commericals for Viagara, explicit movies, or violent televisin shows.
The world is not for children – it is for adults. Parents are supposed to prepare their children for the world and definitely are not supposed to tell me what I can and cannot do based on their child's "frail little mind". As the parent it is your responsibility and yours alone to monitor your child if you are afraid of what he or she will see, hear or do. If you do not like what you see on the TV then change networks or write to the networks. DO NOT MAKE NEW LAWS THAT TAKE AWAY RIGHTS! How about we make some laws that give us more rights? That would be a refreshing change. How about some well written laws that make parents liable and solely and ultimately responsible for their children? It seems the farther society 'evolves the more it devolves into everything being 'someone else's problem'. Take some responsibility, and if you can't cut it then do society a favor and let your bloodline end with you.
I loathe the ads Rep. Moran is referring to in his statement. But, his justifications are all wrong. There is a reason children are curious and it is their parents' responsibility to answer those questions; whatever topic they involve. "Sheltering" our children from topics like that are the surest way I can think of for those children to grow-up and deal with the very insecurities that have caused those type of ads to gain a foothold. Educate and inform your children and maybe they won't have to deal with these problems when raising your grandchildren. Just a thought.
finally....a good idea from a democrat!
these commercials are horrible...please spare us the agony
while you are at it can you attach a rider to this bill to also ban the Sham-Wow and Cash-for-Gold commercials as well
Viagra Ads don't bother me nearly as much as some horror movies or TV shows that contain lots of gory images. We would be eating dinner or watching American Idol when such disturbing Ads pop on our TV. I have to yell at my kids to look away so they won't be trumatized !!
Who decides what can be shown on time slots? I am all for limiting Ads so nasty garbage does not invade my TV during family hours on family channels.
Show them in the states approving same sex marriages – the men may need the information – seems strange we go for gay marriages but say viagra can't be advertised........we have such strange standards.
Oh no! Children asking natural, healthy questions about how their bodies are meant to function? What is the world coming to?!
Please. Moran says he doesn't want to be prudish. He's too late.
What's the point in advertising Viagra after 10pm? All the potential users are asleep by then.
...but the 4-6am slot might be a gold mine.
Please add to this the KY Jelly ads and Victoria Secret commercials. Primetime shouldn't advertise any sexually related ads that children could see that is clearly intended to market to adults. And even to that note, gimme a break, please... Even after 10pm it is annoying to watch a tv show with my husband and a teenage son and have these ads come on the screen. How much more could I squirm in my seat seeing a man looking aroused by his wife in pajamagrams. Does the phrase "Get a Room" mean anything anymore. What a turn off! Stick to tarket marketing the demographics with magazines to reach the adults please! And if I hear one more pharmaceutical ad listing not only the depressing diseases but the three billion side effect disclosures !!!!!!
DO I LIVE IN RUSSIA??? Why do liberals want to control EVERYTHING? Can anyone liberal on this blog answer that question without turning it into another conversation so you can "win"?
Sorry Tyler but it's a double standard for folks on here to make a million jabs at Republicans when one Republican does something wrong, but then when a Democrats does something wrong the reaction is "but he's only one Democrat."
I'm fairly liberal and don't like the idea of censorship. While I believe these types of products should get air time, I don't find them suitable for programs where kids are watching. They have become more obvious and even a tad embarassing from an adult perspective.
I absolutely agree with this effort. It is so inappropriate to watch television with my 6 and 8 year old daughters and have to be questioned about what an erection is, etc. It is about time someone protect our families sensibilities regarding this medical issue.
This is what socialism and liberalism will eventually do. Anything that the powers that be are intollerant of will be censored or banned. Case and point: Look at the British Homeland Secretary's recent ban on travel to the UK by certain individuals.
Also the ads about KY and other gels have been less appropriate during the day and evening hours as well.
i congradulate ad welcome the congressman for his role many people will be wlcome this kind of indecency in public place
If they take ED ads of the air before 10, feminine hygiene ads should go too.
All I have to say is AMEN! Please take these ads off of the air during normal viewing hours.
Why is the Federal Government even involved in this? Don't they other more pressing issues address such as manage two wars, fix a broken boarder or even figure out a way to not have out kids and grandkids paying for this massive deficit they just brought upon us.
What about the daily gore we have to witness on television ? What about the tolerance for assault weapons in this country ? Give me a break !
I'm for getting rid of all drug advertisements. Why does anyone need to be targeted for specific pharmaceuticals? If you need a prescription drug, go see your doctor and talk it over. If you are really buying a drug based on the recommendation of an actor in a commercial then you are a fool. As for whether or not ED is a dirty subject, that's just idiotic. Tell your kids it's medicine that keeps older men healthy if you are that uncomfortable. My father explained what an erection was to me when I was ten years old. He actually told me in medical terminology what was happening. And, to calm all of you sensitive Christians out there, it had nothing to do with sex. The truth is, your kid could probably care less and is not going to pick up on the innuendos in the commercial anyhow. This is just another stupid thing that our government is wasting time discussing. Let's fix the economy and end the worthless war that were fighting first, then we can worry about the big scary issues like erections.
Ryan hit the nail on the head. We should be able to watch a family friendly television show without having to have these ads pushed in our faces, especially in the presence of our children, forcing us to either change the channel or have the Big Talk with children who are ready for it.
The congressman needs to move ahead with this long overdue bill.
Heidi May 6th, 2009 5:45 pm ET
I'm fairly liberal and don't like the idea of censorship. While I believe these types of products should get air time, I don't find them suitable for programs where kids are watching. They have become more obvious and even a tad embarassing from an adult perspective.
Well said... agree... censorship isn't a good thing... however common courtesy should prevail in some cases...
All these ED ads are annoying, but come on, this is a total waste of time there are a thousand things waaay more important to take on. Don't like the ads-push a button on the remote.
@ Mississippi Mike, who said "And the nanny state tightens its grip a little more."
Three words buddy, three words: civilian wiretap program. Now, the GOPers who want to push this as evidence of the "nanny state" the Dems intend to create should recognize two things: (a) this silly bill is not going anywhere because it's going to be laughed at by the vast majority of congresspeople from bth parties and (b) glass houses are a terrible place for flinging feces.
Rep. Moran is wasting his time. I would guarantee him that most kids today have some idea about erective dysfunction with or without these ads. Most of these ads fly over the heads of young people. The others that pay attention may learn something about what can go wrong with their bodies in the future, and may have intellegent questions about it.
The more you hide knowledge from kids, the more they will seek it out. With the internet today, there is not a kid familiar with it who would not be able to find all they need to know about sex or sexual dysfunction. I say good intention, but a waste of time. The cat is already out of bag, and most kids will tell you this.
@Bob in Pa-
I think you let this one pass right over your head. Conservatives want this passed. They want stricter regulations on indecency by the FCC. The GOP is in our bedrooms as much as they can possibly be allowed to be. If it were the Libs... well, there'd be no fines for swearing on air and we'd have nude ads in coffee table mags.
You may want to recheck your GOP talking points. It seems as though you got them crossed on this one.
I am ramping up for my 3rd combat tour as an American Soldier, twice to Iraq and now to Afghanistan. My meager investments are shot to hell. My wife's 401K...whoops...don't have that anymore. I still have 11 years before I am eligible to retire, but don't know if that is possible as my youngest child is 6. I think about all of those things AFTER I worry about here watching a Cialis or Viagra commercial......not.
I am sorry but with all of the problems our country is faced with in this day and age, E.D. ads on television has to be the LEAST of them. Unemployment is through the roof, we have banking institutions dropping like flies and major employers who are not sure if they will be in business in a month or two and Rep. Moran is worried whether or not a child will wonder "Daddy, what do they mean when they say 'Respond when the time is right?'" If the Gentleman would just concentrate on the real issues facing this country, maybe the government could get something done!!! Rep. Moran, the "Time is right" for you to respond to the issues that have REAL meaning in this country!!!
I totally agree that these commercials are inappropriate for airing while children are watching. Following much frustration I've learned to take it out on the program that chooses to air the commercial. I don't watch it.
I'm all for it and while their at it get rid of the femimine product ads too!
Mommy what Viagra for?
Well son...ummm... that is... lets see... oh look Barney is back on TV.
Yes I know such ads arent on during Barney. Whether or not these ads are harmful I dont know. But they are tiresome and based on their frequency half the men in this country have a problem getting it up.
I don't have children. And I'm not a prude. I'm just sick of the world being obsessed with erect penises. Maybe we should put more emphasis on what's between our ears.
The ridiculous part is not Viagra ads having to only be run after 10 PM, but why do Prescription drugs need to advertise at all. Doctors are supposed to diagnose the problem and then prescribe what your condition requires. Too many hypochondriacs are created by drug company ads.
PLEASE tell me Congress has more important things to accomplish.... like fixing the economy.
Besides, isn't this the ultimate hypocracy? I'll bet the vasy majority of those old men are downing the magic blue pills by the bottle full.
Maybe we should replace them with the Burger King " Big Butts" commercial. Now thats class.
What a moron. The taxpayers in this guy's congressional district should start a recall campaign. He's wasting their money and their time. It's this kind of nonsense that gives congress a bad name.
Amazing. Just goes to show that not all the nutcases are on the right hand side of the aisle.
One last note: Parents need to take responsibility for their children tv habits like every other aspects of their lives. Banning tv ads that one may find personably objectionable is not the answer. Parents should control their house and their kids, and stop passing the buck and trying to blame others for their poor parenting skills.
so while i sit watching TV at night i wont have to worry about watching viagra commercials and seeing Smiling Bob with all the inuendos but i will still have to see all the commercials regarding femenine hygene and problems they have in the same general area?
Yea sounds like TV is going to be so much better! I would much rather see smiling bob with all the old ladies around him giggling then seeing a woman frolic around in a field talking about how she doesnt have to worry about aunt flow anymore.
I am just glad that I don't have young children asking the questions.
Next the Viagra and Cialis people will be wanting a bail out too.
These companys have so much money now they should quit advertising and lower the price of the product. But, what would the networks do for advertising dollars?
And what about all the other commercials that are deemed offensive to some?
Do we get a bill to say what times they can air as well? Who determines what is and isn't offensive? Why are some products ok and others aren't?
Slippery slope this particular congressman is trying to take this country down. Open the door just a crack and everyone is going to come forward pushing to limit ________ from airing during _________.
FINALLY!! Someone is proposing to do something about such advertisements on television that I constantly "mute." It isn't just Viagra, but PMS, etc., etc. It is sickening to have to view such personal ads on TV. Next, I'm wondering how I will answer my grandchildrens' questions should we happen upon a couple of men or a couple of women kissing on each other out in public.. One thing for sure; I will not be visiting and spending my money in any states that are pushing same sex marriage. What a disgrace!!
It isn't just when small children are around, when there is mixed company and they start talking about 4-hour erections, it can get quite embarrassing. Maybe everybody should just turn the tv off when one of these advertisements are used...
ed
This has nothing to do with educating children. It's about TMI and a need to know. My children know all about anatomy and reproduction as we their parents have taught them. I doubt completely that my husband will consult my children with an erectile dysfunction problem or a lack of vaginal lubrication because they observed an ill timed commercial. To those who think our children would be well served by being informed early I say not only are you ridiculous but why do we need to desensitize our children in order to make them responsible with their own body. They do not need to know at 4 and 6 about sexually transmitted disease drugs and sadly if they did as a teenager I wouldn't want it to be because they saw it advertised like a great new cosmetic! I teach my children about the lore of advertising. How about just sticking to advertising to the doctors like they already do. That is how I would like to hear about a drug from an informed well educated and experienced doctor. Not a tv ad. Pharmaceutical companies just found a new loophole to sell to the medical industry. Does it never end! What are the standards and morals coming to!!!!!
Forget the kids, can we just get them banned? Them and all the other really stupid commercials??
Same should be done for the Burger King commercials to the tune of "I like Big Butts" This is an add for children's meals and they have girls shaking their butt.
I cannot believe this is still on the air.
Look folks, this has nothing to do with people being prudes. There are some topics that are just not appropriate to discuss around young, young children... and as a parent, I'm already exhausted enough as it is, trying to negate the hundreds of other wreckless influences shoved down our throats on a daily basis. I don't need ads for Mydizadrupin and Ibepokin making my job any more difficult.
I have no problem with having "the big talk" with my child when the time comes. But come on, she's five years old. Let her be a kid for Pete's sake. There is nothing prudish about wanting to let my kid hold onto her innocence as long as possible.
I've got an even better idea, not that it has chance in hell of getting adopted.
Let's ban ALL television and radio advertising of prescription drugs. They could still use the print media for those ads. Lord knows the print media desperately need every new source of revenue they can find, and we can all be spared the nearly constant drone to ask our doctors about all kinds of illnesses and infirmities we never even imagined before.
I all ready censor these ad, I turn the channel every time they come on. sometimes as many as 3 or4 time in less then a minute. Viagra spends lot of money to advertise. dont like the ads so I change channels.
they have a problem with viagra but the lingerie clad models of the victorias secret commercials are appropriate?
Children should not be subjected to these ads. Sex education in schools at the proper age along with parental guidance is enough. They are smart enough and curious enough to google the name of these products and go to school and tell their friends about them. I am a living witness.
I can admit it when a Liberal has a good idea. This is a good idea.