I posted yesterday about a list of companies which have instructed Premiere Networks not to run their ads on conservative talk radio shows, for fear of reaction from “a very small percentage of the listening public” (emphasis mine):
These advertisers have made a commitment to using radio, both network and local, in 2012. They help to underwrite the cost of sponsospecific programs and/or services. They’ve specifically asked that you schedule their commercials in dayparts or programs free of contknow are deemed to be offensive or controversial (for example, Mark Levin, Rush Limbaugh, Tom Leykis, Michael Savage, Glenn Beck,Hannity). Those are defined as environments likely to stir negative sentiment from a very small percentage of the listening public.
It is not clear whether this is a new development in reaction to the campaign against Rush advertisers, or something that has been in place for a while.
That same post noted the numerous companies which do business with Gawker Media, which through its flagship Gawker website publishes what its owner proudly terms sexual and mean content, including attacks on conservative female politicians among others.
It turns out that three companies are on both lists, meaning that they will not advertise on conservative talk radio for fear of controversy, but will advertise on Gawker or other Gawker Media websites: Ford, Sony and American Express.
The Sony ad campaign on Gawker is listed as one of Gawker’s Greatest Hits:
I e-mailed the appropriate media contacts at the three companies yesterday, specifically asking them to confirm their advertising policies with regard to conservative talk radio and Gawker, but none responded.
It appears that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, or in this case, the advertising boycott. Because liberal groups target advertisers on conservative talk radio, those advertisers only hear one voice and have been intimidated.
If Ford, Sony and Amex boycott conservative talk radio, I’d like to hear the rationale for advertising on Gawker. I’m not asking them to drop Gawker, just to explain to millions of conservative talk radio listeners why our business is not important to them.
Here are some contacts for the companies, so they can hear your voice (be polite):
Ford: @Ford (Twitter), Facebook, Sales/Advertising Contact Form, Investor Relations Contact Form, General Corporate Contact Form.
Sony: @Sony (Twitter), Facebook, Public Relations Contact Page.
American Express: @AskAmex, @AmericanExpress (Twitter), Facebook, Media Relations Contact Page, Investor Relations Contact Page.
Update 3-14-2011: A reader, in response to a complaint e-mail, received a response from Amex indicating Amex did not instruct Premiere Networks to avoid conservative talk radio. I have an e-mail into Amex seeking clarification specifically as to the memo and the Limbaugh show.
Amex finally responded, Amex denies being part of conservative radio boycott.
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