As Jaclyn Friedman described over on her own Amplify column, CBS has been at the center of a firestorm recently for agreeing to air an anti-choice commercial during the Super Bowl. Not only is it an anti-choice ad, but it is produced and funded by Focus on the Family, one of the most conservative, sexist, racist, and homophobic groups in the US.

In an effort to counter the ultra-conservative ad, gay dating website, Man Crunch, submitted a commercial of its own promoting its matchmaking services. Not only was it denied, but CBS summarily blasted the company and accused it of lacking the monetary credit to make good on the offer. Obviously, the progressive and queer media have crucified CBS over recent weeks, accusing the network of a conservative bias and blatant sexism and homophobia.

Granted, an ad featuring two men making out isn’t exactly in the same league as a vehement pro-life commercial, but it’s the principle of the thing. Additionally, reports are now coming out that CBS also rejected an anti-bullying ad from the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

Frankly, why any nonprofit would choose to waste a year’s worth of funds on a 30-second Super Bowl ad is beyond me, but hey, it’s not my money.
Although it is excruciatingly frustrating that CBS would stand by such a controversial ad, I doubt that a promo featuring quarterback Tim Tebow talking about how much he enjoys life is going to sway as many viewers as Focus on the Family would like to think. What concerns me the most is whether or not this incident is foreshadowing things to come in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling that corporations can donate as much money as they want to candidates and political causes.

When the Court struck down a hundred-year-old decision and gave corporations free reign to finance however many campaigns they choose, progressives across America shuddered. With the exception of the big tech companies (Microsoft, Apple, etc), the largest companies in the US also happen to be the most conservative. Much in the same way that health insurance companies used lobbyists to sway politicians into killing health care reform, those same companies now have free reign to back only those candidates who promise to keep health insurance premiums up. The same goes for oil companies that wish to keep the US dependent on their products.

CBS’ refusal to take the ad off the air, or agree to air a pro-choice ad concurrent to the one in question, shows the lack of regard CBS has for its progressive viewers. I’m sure part of their decision is about money, but it also gives us some indication of what we can expect from all companies in years to come: unapologetic political stances. And while some of them might support progressive issues and liberal candidates, the American business landscape is also a very conservative one.

At least the ruling and this incident should make us all more consciousness consumers.