Lawmakers Urge TV Drive Against Drugs

WASHINGTON —  More than 300 House members urged the nation’s television networks Tuesday to start an intensive campaign against drug abuse.

“The drug boom is fueled by the demand of our children,” Rep. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said at a news conference. “Focusing on the supply side alone won’t solve all drug problems.

“We must attack the demand side; we have to attack the ignorance that keeps demand sky high,” said Schumer, who co-wrote the letter signed by 338 House members to the chief executives of the CBS, NBC, ABC and Cable News networks.

Think Drugs ‘Are Cool’

“Our children are growing up thinking drugs are cool, neat,” said Rep. Lynn Martin (R-Ill.), who helped draft the letter.

“We need to educate our young people to the hazards of drug abuse,” said Speaker Thomas P. (Tip) O’Neill Jr. (D-Mass.), who has set a Sept. 10 deadline for the start of House debate on a package of anti-drug legislation.

“There is no communication power to match TV,” he said. As holders of licenses to use the airwaves, “the networks have some obligations” to help spread the word against drug abuse.

Schumer said House members want the networks to devise an intensified campaign of public service announcements and instructive programs to deliver the message.

“The children of America are yearning for a clear message,” Schumer said, noting that children watch an average of 27 hours of TV a week.

Urged to Show TV Stars

Martin said ads and programs should show that “the stars of TV shows, the people who kids listen to,” don’t “think drugs are cute.”

O’Neill, 73, was asked to name some rock stars he thought should appear in the public-service ads.

“You’re over my head,” the Speaker said with a laugh.

“Frank Sinatra,” Schumer interjected.

The lawmakers’ letter to network executives said: “Your anti-drug efforts to date demonstrate your concern and provide an excellent starting point for a more comprehensive and concerted approach.”

George Schweitzer, vice president of communications for CBS Broadcast Group, said: “We’re supportive of this focus and attention because we do think this is an area where broadcasters can help make a difference, whether it’s through entertainment programming or news or public affairs.”

In another development, Senate Democrats introduced legislation to increase penalties for possession and manufacture of a form of cocaine popularly called “crack.”

Possession of more than five grams of crack would be punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 for the first offense. The measure would also provide $50 million in grants for states to conduct drug-education programs in schools.