Posted on 01/05/2005 1:24:15 PM PST by AMDG
Office-supply retailer Staples Inc. is pulling its advertising from news programming on Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. television stations, saying the decision was fueled in part by e-mails from customers angry at what they consider to be the broadcaster's right-wing bias in news and commentary.
The Hunt Valley-based Sinclair drew attention and criticism from some quarters in the weeks leading up to November's presidential election for airing parts of "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal," a film critical of Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry and his war record.
Staples, which has 1,400 stores, will continue to buy advertising during other programs on Sinclair's 62 stations but, as of Jan. 10, no longer will advertise during news programs, which include "The Point," a daily conservative commentary by Sinclair Vice President Mark E. Hyman.
Advertising during Sinclair's news programs accounts for "a very small part of the overall buy," said Staples spokesman Owen Davis, who would not disclose the publicly traded company's ad budget.
Sinclair chief executive David D. Smith said he was unaware of Staples' decision. Smith -- whose father, Julian Sinclair Smith, founded Sinclair in 1971 -- said he has received no complaints from advertisers regarding the broadcaster's news and commentary programming. The publicly owned company is controlled by the Smith family and owns more television stations than any other company, networks included.
"No one from Staples has called me," David Smith said. "I think I would eventually hear about it if and when it happens."
Since December, Sinclair has been targeted by Media Matters for America, a liberal media group, which claimed the company was abusing the public airwaves to promote a conservative agenda and not offering politically balanced news. . . . . . . .
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I don't think Staples has any idea how much they're shooting themselves in the foot with this. Office supply stores make most of their money from small business owners. The VAST MAJORITY of small business owners are conservative. As a business owner myself, I spent about $8K on office supplies last year (probably about $3K at Staples). I realize it's a drop in the bucket, but I also know that Office Depot and Office Max will be grateful for my business.
Email sent;and yes,I have bought there and reminded them .
I just read the a story in the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A48745-2005Jan4?language=printer). It reports that Staples has withdrawn its advertising account from Sinclair Media Group due to pressure from political activists.
I used to shop at the Staples Store in Santa Cruz, CA to supply my home office. It was convenient to me.
Office Depot has my business now.
Sincerely,
Back in 1996 Staples bought Office depot. Google it and see for yourself
ROFL! Very cute, indeed.
They terminated the merger after the FTC blocked the merger.
Staples, Office Depot officially scrap proposed mergerJuly 2, 1997
Staples Inc. of Massachusetts and Office Depot Inc. of Florida have officially called off their proposed merger after a federal judge this week granted an order blocking completion of the $4 billion deal. Company officials had said they'd likely cancel Staples' planned purchase of Office Depot after federal regulators rejected the deal because of antitrust concerns.
No Boycott of Sinclair, Staples Says
Staples Says Media Matters Misrepresented Situation, Says Staples is a "Victim"
http://www.nationalcenter.org/PRStaplesSinclair104.html
I wonder if the Staples statement is in response to what it heard from customers who actually spend money there or is this another Davis Brock lie?
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