It is important to note the division between the business and editorial departments of The Spectrum. Like any credible publication, these two departments must operate without influencing each other. Just like a writer can't promise an advertiser a feature story on the front page if they buy a higher volume of advertising, the editorial board of The Spectrum can't impose restrictions or allowances in advertising because of editorial content. It's a street that can't be crossed in either direction.
These rules are in place to ensure the UB community a newspaper that is not swayed by outside powers, both in unbiased and opinion content. Bending in either direction (controlling editorial with advertising or vice versa) would be paramount to taking a bribe.
That said, The Spectrum (under our professional/advertising division) does hold the right to not run advertising on the following guidelines as per the 2006-2007 Advertising Rate Card: "The Spectrum reserves the right to refuse any advertising that is believed to be false, or in poor taste."
Although some may argue that advertisements for bars or liquor stores may be in poor taste, they do not specifically promote a call to action to any illegal activity. (If an ad said "Hey all you underage drinkers, come here," that would be a different story.)
If advertisers choose to market to an audience that cannot all partake in their product, it is their responsibility to turn those who are not qualified (underage) away from their establishments. It would be presumptuous for the professional staff of The Spectrum to take a moral or ethical stance against such advertising.
As much as I am proud to run a newspaper that is so impacting on the UB community, I believe it is overreaching to state that individual ads for individual establishments in one newspaper, even The Spectrum, can be the basis for an entire alcohol abuse pandemic. The readership of The Spectrum is one of maturing adults in an environment where they should be treated as nothing less. Choosing to control advertising based on the notion that these adults are unable to make mature decisions would be a disservice to those who truly can.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
