While most reporting has focused on the [Stop Hate for Profit] campaign and the advertisers who have decided to boycott Facebook in response to the campaign, today CNN was accused of stepping beyond the bounds of journalism and into the realm of activism by publishing an article that was initially titled: “These are the big brands that haven’t pulled ads from Facebook yet.”
The article notes that “the vast majority of Facebook (FB)’s biggest advertisers — the ones with presumably the most leverage have stayed quiet” and then names many of the large brands that have yet to pull their Facebook ads.
The article was swiftly ratioed on Twitter and many of the replies accused CNN of attempting to pressure the named brands into joining the Facebook ad boycott.
Of course, CNN tried to downplay and backtrack, having changed the headline to: “Hundreds of brands are pulling ads from Facebook. Its largest advertisers aren’t among them.” But it's not exactly a good look, all the same.
I'll let this bit speak for itself:
Of course, CNN tried to downplay and backtrack, having changed the headline to: “Hundreds of brands are pulling ads from Facebook. Its largest advertisers aren’t among them.” But it's not exactly a good look, all the same.
Funny how 'not doing something' became this newsworthy.