[Ed. Note: This letter was e-mailed to REI on October 30, 2006. There is a response from REI indicating that their inclusion on the list was a mistake and that they have asked ABC Radio to remove them]
I have been a member of REI for many years, and have always considered your stores to be among my favorite shopping destinations. Your website was one of the first ones that I ever placed in my favorites list. I have owned Visa Card sponsored by REI for the last decade - so in addition to speaking highly of your company to my entire social network, I advertise for you every time I use my credit card! I greatly appreciate your selection of merchandise and the high level of enthusiasm and expertise among your employees.
In short, I have always viewed your organization as a model company in every respect.
However, I am deeply troubled at discovering your name on a list of advertisers, like Microsoft, McDonalds, and Wal-Mart, who have specifically requested that none of their commercials air during Air America programming!
I realize that you have a right to advertise where you choose, and frankly I don't hear a lot of your ads on any radio network - but if REI, in fact, took action to specifically avoid advertising on Air America, there can be no other interpretation of this action than as a political statement (since your products certainly seem to appeal as much to those on the liberal end of the spectrum as the conservative end, if not more so!)
Do you also restrict your ads from radio stations that air conservative programming?
As a long time member and supporter, I would like a response that assures me that I am not supporting a company that discriminates against radio programming that is consistent my political views.
Otherwise, I will have no choice but to put great stock in the fact that companies like Campmor and Sierra Trading Post do not appear on the same list!
A staff person on REI's online team noticed your comments and forwarded me the link.
ReplyDeleteThe memo posted on the internet is not correct. REI has not refused to advertise during Air America's programming. REI has placed radio ads on stations carrying the Air America programming.
Our advertising agency has communicated with ABC Radio Network. The ABC contact has confirmed that REI was included on the list in error. We regret that this misinformation has been broadly shared and left our customers and potential customer with a misimpression of our advertising purchase criteria.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. mfoley@rei.com