Two weeks ago, the California-based AIDS organization AIDS Healthcare Foundation placed an 'insert' into Windy City Times protesting the price hikes of the anti-AIDS drug Norvir by its maker, Illinois-based Abbott. Because the flyer went right to our printer, we did not see the material first—and the client certainly did not indicate it might be for a controversial campaign.
Once it ran, we told AIDS Healthcare that next time we would need to see the images first—because in that first insert, they included copyrighted images owned by Abbott. Not because of the content, but because they were clearly violating the ownership rights of Abbott.
Last week AIDS Healthcare submitted a print ad (as opposed to an insert) for approval. The ad once again included images from Abbott's own ads. We asked the company to re-submit the ads (which were about an upcoming shareholder picket in Illinois), and we were expecting new copy by Friday.
Instead, Friday morning I received a copy of a press release sent out by AIDS Healthcare Foundation saying that Windy City Times and other gay papers were 'buckling under pressure from Abbott, to refuse to run, or significantly alter,' the controversial ads.
I spent all Friday calling AIDS Healthcare and contacting anyone who may have received the press release to inform them that Abbott was not pressuring us.
Four years ago, we were sued by Milton Berle when a client used his image in their ads. We were not about to face a similar instance where someone was using the images owned by another company. Maybe AIDS Healthcare Foundation has the time and resources to fight that battle in the courts, but we simply said they had to remove any of Abbott's images from their ads in our paper.
I now believe the AIDS Healthcare Foundation was out more for self-promotion than to truly educate about the drastic increase in the price of Norvir. We have covered the Norvir troubles many times since the price hike, including on the cover of Windy City Times. We will continue to cover the protests and debates, regardless of Abbott's ad placements. Just as we have covered controversies at almost every local gay and AIDS group over the years, but we still help sponsor their events and run their ads. We will continue to cover the 'news' separate from the 'advertising.'
I am disheartened that an AIDS organization would seek publicity on the backs of the gay media. The very real issue of AIDS drug pricing is lost in the shuffle—and it certainly is compelling enough as its own story.
Windy City Times has demanded a retraction from AIDS Healthcare for their insinuation that we were pressured by Abbott. As of Monday, we have not heard from their lawyers.
Activists will protest the price hike for the drug Norvir Friday, April 23, 8 a.m. at Abbott Laboratories, 100 Abbott Park Rd., Abbott Park, Ill. (Rt. #137 and Waukegan Rd. in Lake County). The AIDS Treatment Activist Coalition is sponsoring the action. See www.atac-usa.org .