Big Player In Digital Media Declining Ad Dollars In Support Of Trump
By Melony Roy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Digital media company -- Buzzfeed -- has pulled out of a million dollar ad deal with the RNC because of the "tone and substance" of presumptive nominee Donald Trump's campaign. But will any other news outlets follow suit?
Buzzfeed says it "doesn't run cigarette ads because they are hazardous to our health and they won't run accept Trump ads for the exact same reason."
Temple University communications professor Paul Gluck says don't expect to see other news outlets do the same.
"I don't think that at a local TV station or a local station that is federally licensed a key stakeholder could stand up and say I simply don't like what this candidate stands for so therefore I wont carry it."
In fact, FCC-licensed TV and Radio stations are required by law to accept advertising from all candidates for federal office.
Buzzfeed's CEO Jonah Peretti calls the move a business decision that will not influence the website's political coverage.
"I think its new and different that they're declining advertising based on the candidate and his message, don't know if its good or bad yet."
Buzzfeed's stand comes as digital outlets vie for an influx of political ad dollars. Candidates and interest groups are expected to spend about $1.1 billion on digital advertising this cycle-- up from $162 million in 2012.
