By Susan Duclos
The ad below was shown on NBC Universal, but when it came time to repurchase airtime for it, the ad by Michigan-based Williams Gun Sight and Outfitters was rejected due to a new Comcast policy to remove advertisements promoting firearms from its cable network.
Video ad that was shown, then denied airtime by Comcast/NBC Universal, below:
Via Williams Gun Sight and Outfitters Facebook page:
Yesterday (2/12/13) Williams attempted to place advertising with local Comcast cable through out southern Michigan. We were shocked to discover that as of February 8, 2013 the newly merged NBC Universal/Comcast will no longer accept advertising from clients selling firearms. This decision covers the entire USA. Obviously, this is an attempt on the part of Comcast to help promote an anti-gun agenda. Williams is encouraging all of our customers and friends to voice your concerns directly with your local Comcast provider and consider cancelling your subscription. Also, please contact your State and Nationally elected representatives. This anti-gun crap has gone far enough! We must stand together and put a stop to it. Letting our voice and dollars speak is our best alternative. Thank You.
Via The Blaze:
John Kupiec, president of the advertising agency Canadian American Corp., told us over the phone Monday that when they recently tried to buy ad time, a Comcast representative informed them that as of February 8 of this year, the network would no longer accept advertising from companies promoting firearms or fireworks on any network, during any time period.
“They’ve been a longtime advertiser [but] they said it doesn’t matter who they are,” Kupiec related, “if they sell firearms they will not be allowed to advertise firearms on their airwaves.” He noted that the change doesn’t just impact local companies, but business like Cabela’s, Walmart, and others.
“My company has been in the advertising business for well over 30 years, [and] we’ve never remotely run into a situation where a product or service was banned from being on the airwaves that’s legal,” he added.
ABC News reports on Comcast's statement:
Comcast Spotlight released a statement saying, "Consistent with long standing NBC policies, Comcast Spotlight has decided it will not accept new advertising for firearms or weapons moving forward. This policy aligns us with the guidelines in place at many media organizations."
Contact Information:
Comcast Spotlight web contact form found here.
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212-664-4444
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818-840-4444
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201-735-2622
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305-888-5151
For NBCUniversal – London:
44 (0) 203 618 8000
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