Ralph takes on Rush in a Buick

[OpenMike]

Radio Talk Show Hosts Slapped for Plugging GM Vehicles
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
August 17, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - Consumer advocate and occasional presidential candidate Ralph Nader is asking the Federal Communications Commission to investigate certain radio show hosts -- including Rush Limbaugh -- who are taking part in a General Motors promotion.

Nader pointed to a report in Automotive News, which said GM is "wooing radio stars" -- lending them new vehicles to drive, inviting them to Detroit for private meetings with executives, and giving them VIP tours of GM plants.

In return, the report said, Rush Limbaugh and others are using their microphones to promote GM vehicles. The report quoted Limbaugh as gushing over GM cars -- saying they've "never been better" and urging his listeners to "believe in General Motors."

Nader said Limbaugh and other broadcasters involved in the GM promotion may be violating sponsorship identification rules, which require broadcasters to tell their listeners when they are plugging products in exchange for money, services or "other consideration."

Such disclosures must be made in advance of the broadcast, Nader said.

"In any event, the FCC needs to investigate," Nader insisted.

Nader is a longtime critic of the auto industry. He says the big companies have used their power to block innovation -- at the expense of Americans' health, safety and economic efficiency.