
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 11, 1991                   TAG: 9103090072
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WHERE TO DIRECT AD COMPLAINTS

Q: I have a complaint about an ad I saw during a recent children's show. Should I contact the producers of the show or the television station? Or both? Is there an independent agency I can complain to? - S.W., Roanoke

A: Contacting both the show's producers and the television station about your concerns is the most direct way of letting them know a viewer is upset with their programing.

However, you also may voice your concerns about fraudulent or deceptive advertising to the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, 845 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022 or call (212) 754-1320. The NAD claims it investigates complaints both by consumers and companies about advertising.

Questionable charities

The Division of Consumer Affairs in Richmond warns consumers that the following organizations have solicited contributions for allegedly charitable purposes: The National Council for Better Education of Alexandria and the Orton Dyslexia Society of Richmond.

These organizations have not registered with nor been granted the appropriate exempt status by the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as required by law.

The division cautions contributors that contributions to either of these organizations may be used for noncharitable purposes.

Mercury Capri recall

Ford Motor Co. of Dearborn, Mich., has recalled nearly 3,900 1991 Mercury Capri cars, citing possible problems with automatic transmission oil cooler hoses and clamps.

"The cooler hose could disconnect from the transmission, allowing transmission fluid to discharge and come in contact with the engine exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe," Ford spokesman Jim Trainor said.

Ford said it was aware of 11 reports of problems with transmissions. Five of the reports claimed fires were started as a result of the hose failure.

Owners will be notified by mail and any necessary repairs will be done at dealers at no charge, the automaker said.

by CNB