Politics plays no role in ad buys, Staples insists

[Robbien]

Staples Inc. is distancing itself from an activist group's claim that the office supply retailer will no longer advertise on Sinclair Broadcast Group's TV station newscasts, saying it wasn't a political decision.

<snip>

Media Matters, a left-leaning media watchdog group, praised Staples on Tuesday for what it said was a decision to stop broadcasting on newscasts of 62 stations owned by Sinclair. Media Matters said Framingham-based Staples cited an effort to be responsive to customer concerns about ``Sinclair's injection of partisan conservative politics into its nightly newscasts.''

But a Staples spokesman said yesterday that ``there's been a misrepresentation. Clearly (Media Matters) has a political agenda,'' spokesman Paul Capelli said. ``We've been positioned as being part of a political agenda. Staples is an apolitical company.'' Staples' management team has a variety of political leanings. Chairman Tom Stemberg is active in Republican circles. Chief Executive Ron Sargent is described as fiercely independent.

It's true that Staples doesn't plan to advertise on Sinclair station newscasts, Capelli said. But, he said that decision was a media-buying decision that had nothing to do with politics. He said the station does plan to advertise on Sinclair stations, just not on local newscasts.

http://business.bostonherald.com/businessNews/view.bg?articleid=62044

[Redstone]

1. Well, rats.

If it seems too good to be true, is probably is, yes?

But it gave us a nice glow of hope for a little while, didn't it?

Redstone

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Of course Staples is saying that.

They don't want to piss off half their market.

[Lorien]

3. Staples is a huge repug contributor

there's more information on this and many other companies in "the Economic Activism and Progressive living" forum in DU groups.

[MADem]

6. TWO WORDS--MITT ROMNEY

He restructured the company, big player on the Board of Directors.

The cheesy bastard wants to run for the GOP nomination in '08. This is an opening salvo, he knows damn well that by '08 the Lame Duck will be reviled by the "silent majority" of Republicans who are secretly disgusted by BushCo, but who for the short term value POWER over PRINCIPLE.

He'll bring this up when he announces, especially if the Bush approval numbers continue on their downward spiral. He'll use it as a triangulator to woo conservative Democrats.

Watch out for Mitt the Shit--he smiles, he's well pressed, hairsprayed, and toothsome, and he is a friken SNAKE.

[Anakin Skywalker]

8. Agreed 100%.

I like your assessment of Mitt the Shit.

[MADem]

12. I flat out cannot abide the man!

And I have to say that I often wonder if they didn't use Massachusetts as a testing ground for Ohio and Florida. In the run up to the election, I asked everyone I came in contact with who they were voting for, and not a soul -- not a single one -- said Mitt. Here's hoping he's a one term wonder, and with any luck Utah will take him back! (The caaaahpitbaggah!)

[peacebird]

4. Staples has no political agenda yet they donate over 2/3 to Repukes?

looks like i need to email Staples and take back my "atta-boy" from yesterday. My office needs are easily filled elsewhere.

[iamjoy]

5. That's OK

their advertising was making a political statement, removing it helps keep them nuetral.

I do not expect them to support Democrats (although it would be nice) but I do expect them NOT to support right wing extremism & censorship.

On the whole, not advertising on Sinclair, but continuing to contribute to Republicans improves their standing with me, but doesn't necessarily make them good.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

7. Clearly, Staples supports election theft.

Staples backs Republicans and Republicans steal the elections!

[Anakin Skywalker]

9. Staples Not the Only Place for Office Supplies.

'Nuff said.

[oscar111]

10. QUILL owned by staples? i ninety percent sure

anyone sure?

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

11. Staples is dead to me now

I will never buy anything at Staples ever again. There, THAT WAS EASY!!!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

13. Reply from my email to Staples

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. Our media buying process with Sinclair Broadcasting stations has recently been misrepresented by an organization with no affiliation to Staples. Staples regularly drops and adds specific programs from our media buying schedule, as we evaluate and adjust how to best reach our customers. We do not let political agendas drive our media buying decisions.

Staples does not support any political party. We advertise with a variety of media outlets, but do not necessarily share the same views of these organizations or what they report. As we have done for a number of years, Staples will continue to advertise on Sinclair Broadcasting stations.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

Staples


Well, fuck them, then.