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 have just completed reading the attached story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A48745-2005Jan4?language=printer
The story reports that Staples as succumbed to pressure from groups such as ‘Media Matters’ and Moveon.org and withdrawn advertising from newscasts produced by the Sinclair media group. The groups brought the pressure because they believe that Sinclair’s news stories echo Republican talking points.
I could make this a long e-mail and detail instances where news stories produced by CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNDC, The New York Times, etc. echo Democratic talking points but I will not.
Instead, because you have kow-towed to groups that represent the worst in American public discourse I will simply boycott Staples. Additionally, I will do all within my power to ensure that the company I work for (we append over $500K annually on office supplies) does not use Staples.
Sincerely,
U done good. We will stay out of their local store also.
Office Depot is right next door in most markets...
I prefer Office Depot. They are usually better stores.
Well this just cost staples my office budget. If true, their delivery truck will never grace my offices.
Maybe Office Max has it at a better price.
Well done! I have only been to Staples a few times myself, but they won't get any more of my money because of this. Thanks for the info.
I'm also discontinuing purchasing from Staples. I'll let them know why. I run my own small business but we don't spend anywhere near that much on office supplies.
I'll continue to avoid Staples. It's quite easy, since there's no store around here.
Office Max and Office Depot get my business.
Don't just avoid them - let them know you are avoiding them and that it is their folly to pay attention to a bunch of internet geeks who are not their customers while disregarding the views of the small businessmen that are.
Their email address is: other@orders.staples.com.
Washington Post actually called a group liberal? Maybe we're making some headway! Of course, far-left would've been more accurate...
No more business with Staples....
Wow, life just gets easier and easier to live. No more Target. No more Staples. I love simplicity!
I have never heard of the Staples chain.
I agree. Office Max is a better store. I use Staples now and then because they are a little closer. I'll just drive the extra mile to Office Max for now on.
I won't shop at Staples, if we even have any around here, and I can guarantee my firm will not do business with them. However, I am not fired up enough to send any emails or the like. If Sinclair had not buckled under and wimped out, I would be fired up, but we all saw the program.
bttt
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