P&G;’s Concerns Cause CBS to Delay Rerun

CBS postponed a “Family Law” rerun that one of its largest advertisers, Procter & Gamble Co., said was too controversial for its commercials. In the episode scheduled to run this week, Kathleen Quinlan’s character helps a woman fight manslaughter charges after her 8-year-old son accidentally shoots and kills his older brother with her handgun.

The network characterized its decision as routine and noted that Procter & Gamble did not advertise its products when that particular “Family Law” episode aired last spring. CBS said it does not allow its advertisers to dictate programming decisions.

Procter & Gamble screens programs during which it is considering advertising and tends to shy away from controversial subjects. CBS said the episode will be rerun next month, after its sales department has more time to fill the advertising time.