11 Jan 2005 Staples – Sinclair – Media Matters: Who’s on First?

A very brief update on our coverage of Staples – Sinclair – Media Matters…

This article on the Staples affair ends on a funny note:

…As for how the issue will eventually be settled between Staples – which now says it will advertise during Sinclair’s newscasts – and Media Matters, [Media Matters spokesman Sally] Aman is unsure.

“Frankly, I’m confused myself,” she said.

(Maybe it would be less confusing if Media Matters would name names. Who are the Staples “officials” Media Matters says approved the original Media Matters press release making the claims about Staples that got all this started?)

Meanwhile, I received the following in my e-mail box Monday:

I called my Staples representative to inform him I was firing Staples. He gave me their 1-800 number for the office of the President. I called, their story was that they were not cancelling “all of their advertising on Sinclair” just on I think the news shows. I told her that had to be politically motivated and I would vote with my feet. I also advised her that I feel a larger share of their customer base would be against their move than would favor it. In my company, which I own, I have informed my people that I will not pay to Staples nor reimburse for receipts from Staples.

Perhaps Staples will more clearly understand the freedom of speech issue, and that it has to work on all sides of an issue.
I would have to hear Sinclair come out and declare that Staples is fully advertising as before this issue prior to any change in my position.

Sincerely,

Winston Crawford

So the confusion continues. I suggest we just wait and see. Staples will either advertise on Sinclair’s news broadcasts this year, or it won’t.

By now, Staples knows we all are watching.