Traditionally, a handful of blue-chip brands have dominated the commercials supporting the Academy Awards, the second-biggest TV event after the Super Bowl. But the New York Post reports some of the regulars have cut back or taken a pass altogether due to factors associated with the U.S. economic crisis. Some advertisers may fear a consumer backlash against big spenders, others are being circumspect after accepting federal bailout bucks. The slack demand has led ABC to reportedly cut the price of a single 30-second spot by up to $400,000. Some advertisers still in the lineup say they'll go with retreads rather than debut new spots.