Activist Files FCC Complaint Against Dr. Phil An Arizona-based mental health activist has filed a complaint against self-help guru Phil McGraw's advice show with the Federal Communications Commission. Neil David Sutz argues that the disclaimer warning "Dr. Phil" viewers that the show is intended for entertainment purposes only isn't displayed prominently enough.Sutz, described on his website as "captivating, inspiring, humorous and educational speaker on mental illness" and the director of "To Life - One's Journey Beyond Bipolar," argues that the disclaimer, which airs at the end of each show, isn't nearly enough. The disclaimer was added after previous complaints from Sutz."Opinions expressed during the show are educational and informational in nature and are directed only at the individual show guests based on their specific and unique circumstances," the disclaimer reads. "The material provides general educational information only to the viewing audience. For advice appropriate to your specific situation, please consult a local health care professional."Sutz's letter to the FCC, dated May 12, suggests the warning should run before the show so as to actually warn viewers."Isn't the purpose of disclaimers to warn individuals, from children to grandparents, of the content of a proceeding program so that they can make an informed decision on whether or not they wish to watch?" he asks.In an earlier statement posted on Sutz's site, Terry Wood, executive vice president of programming for Paramount Domestic Television says that Dr. Phil makes it clear "on the air every day that you should not substitute his judgment for your own... Phil has said many, many times on the air that we are not doing therapy here."Sutz encourages the FCC to get off of Howard Stern's back and onto Dr. Phil's.As was previously reported, McGraw is also facing a class action suit, filed in March, that claims that he has used false advertising to beef up sales of weight-loss products he endorses.
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