MEDIA WATCH | HYUNDAI

Hyundai—Your Good Marketing Sense Would Bar Backing A&E’s Hate Show

I can’t recall any company I’ve ever come across that wants the public to associate their product or image with religious bigotry and hate. I can’t actually think of one!

September 21, 2018

Jerry Flannery
CEO Hyundai Motor America
Fountain Valley, CA

Dear Flannery;

My guess is that when you promote your products you actually want people to buy them. And you want them to associate the channels on which you advertise with shows that match your brand and your company’s culture. Right?

Well, advertising with A&E on the Leah Remini show positions your brand with someone who attacks and vilifies a religion. And surely this is not your intention.

I can’t recall any company I’ve ever come across that wants the public to associate their product or image with religious bigotry and hate. I can’t actually think of one!

Advertisers such as Georgia-Pacific, have stated:

“Our company added the ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath’ to our do not air list and updated our media buying guidelines to exclude programs that feature content like that seen in Cults & Extreme Beliefs (Elizabeth Vargas).”

In fact, Remini’s program is responsible for generating dozens of documented threats of violence and death against Scientologists, with three such perpetrators jailed who told authorities they were inspired by Remini.

No one should ever be put in harm’s way because of their faith, as it undermines our nation’s fundamental commitment to ensure and protect religious freedom.

Protect your good name and keep your business from being dragged into the mud by refusing to advertise on this hate-mongering show.

Sincerely,

Caralyn Percy
Los Angeles, Calif