"Mad Men," a TV series set on Madison Avenue in 1960, has drawn fire from a group claiming a sponsor -- Jack Daniel's -- violates liquor industry ad standards by mixing irresponsible behavior and alcohol. The show, set to premiere on AMC July 19, is the subject of a complaint filed by Commercial Alert with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. It that alleges that the sponsorship crosses a line that bars liquor ads in shows with "depictions of overt sexual activity," lewd images or language, irresponsible drinking and intoxication. "If what's been reported is correct, Jack …

The marketing executive widely credited with making Gatorade into the powerhouse brand it is will leave the beverage company after more than two decades, according to insiders. Cindy Alston, chief marketing officer of Gatorade and Propel, will depart from them -- and parent PepsiCo -- to spend more time with family. She will be replaced by Matt Knott, who will become vice president-marketing for the division. His most recent job was as marketing director for Propel. Alston ascended to the CMO slot last year after taking Gatorade through some of its biggest growth periods and helping make …

Under a plan proposed by a tiny Ohio cable operator, millions of American households would get free cable service while local TV stations would get guaranteed cable distribution rights of analog- and expanded digital-TV-channel lineups. The seven-year digital-TV-transition scheme is the idea of Massillon Cable TV, and was rolled out last week in talks with the Federal Communications Commission officials. The idea is designed to ease the impact of a mandated shutdown of analog broadcast TV in early 2009 on the estimated 20 million households that rely exclusively on free, over-the-air TV. With just 45,000 subscribers, Massillon grabs …

"Speed Racer" is coming back to the small screen with Nicktoons planning an initial run of 26 episodes. The cartoon show is set for launch next year, timed to coincide with the release of a live-action theatrical version. "It seemed like the right time to do a revival," says Ken Katsumoto, executive vice president of family entertainment at Lionsgate, which will produce it. When this opportunity arose to revive such a classic property, we jumped." While the two are unrelated, Katsumoto adds he sees the film as a giant promotional vehicle for the entire brand and intends …

A campaign finance reform bill working its way through a Senate committee could take a slice out of hundreds of millions that broadcasters garner from election-related ad campaigns. The Fair Elections Now Act -- co-sponsored by Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) -- is part of a push for more public funding for elections and is designed to help candidates who take only small contributions to afford TV ads. Candidates are currently charged the lowest unit rate for TV time, but the new bill would give them an extra 20% discount in the period before election day. …

A willingness by the broadcast nets to change -- making it easier to watch shows online, adapting to new ratings -- is helping to boost stronger demand for ad time coming into the new TV season. And that is allowing broadcasters to raise rates for prime time. Deals being made in the upfront market typically include space on network Web sites, where fans of programs, including "Desperate Housewives," can watch any episodes they may have missed on air. And the deals also factor in Nielsen ratings for shows played back on digital video recorders, along with ratings of audience …

Smith Barney has tapped McCann Erickson for its $35 million ad account, according to insiders. The move follows a review that began in March when Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos snagged duties for the global wealth and investment management division of rival Bank of America. (Smith Barney is a unit of Citigroup.) Hill, Holliday had handled both creative and media duties on Smith Barney, and McCann sister Universal McCann is expected to get the media portion of the account. A current campaign tagged "where wealth works," spotlights individuals facing life challenges.

Rosie O'Donnell is angling to replace Bob Barker as the next host of "The Price Is Right," just days after the octogenarian game show host retired. Barker himself recently endorsed O'Donnell and told reporters CBS had approached her to step into his shoes. And she has indicated interest in the job on her personal blog, telling one fan that "If they asked me, I sure would." She indicated a meeting was in the works. But executives at FremantleMedia North America, which owns the show, have told insiders they have little interest in O'Donnell. Among those who have already …

A powerful congressman is pressuring some top food and beverage marketers -- including McDonald's, Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kraft Foods and PepsiCo -- to follow Kellogg's lead and ease back on marketing to kids or face the consequences. Rep. Ed Markey [D-Mass.] has written to the companies, telling them they need to adopt similar curbs. Markey, who chairs the telecom panel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has said he will hold hearings about food ads that children see. As part of a lawsuit settlement last week, Kellogg said that in any medium with an audience largely of …

Quincy Jones has teamed up with the Robert Thorne Co. to develop a new brand and digital media platform based on his career -- and the new joint venture has hired a management agency to pursue film and TV projects. Quincy Jones Enterprises has signed up Brand Central as licensing agent to help develop merchandise, including consumer audio and apparel that will tie into Jones' "well-regarded style, taste and panache." Also on tap are men's grooming products, home furnishings and books. "My initiatives in lifestyle branding and digital media will be the next chapter, along with …