REI Denies AAR Blacklist -- Says They Asked To Advertise On AAR.

[byronius]

I got really angry when I saw that REI was included on the AAR Blacklist. I shop there constantly, and am a huge fan. So I fired off the following email, and got an immediate response:

My email:

'I am utterly shocked to find your name on an Air America blackout list. This is so wholly offensive that I must ask you to deny this. If this list is correct, then you will have lost my business forever. You may research my purchase history -- I have spend thousands and thousands of dollars at your store over more than ten years -- and now I discover that you may be Republicans. If you have committed this act, which is in my view A CRIME, then we're done here. If you do not respond, we're done as well. I will have been ashamed to have ever shopped at your store, and I will spread the word to everyone I know in my hiking groups. Goddamn you if this is true.

I demand a response.'

The response:

'Today, an internal memo on ABC Network letterhead was posted on the Air American website and picked up by various blog sites. The memo lists companies that refused to have their radio advertising supporting Air American and Al Franken’s programming. REI was listed as one of the companies declining to advertise; however this information is incorrect.

The memo posted on the internet is not correct. REI has not refused to advertise during Air America’s programming. In fact, REI has placed radio ads on stations carrying the Air America programming.

It is unfortunate that this misinformation has been widely distributed. We are currently working with our advertising agency and the ABC radio network to track down how this happened.

Please excuse the impersonal notice. I have a lot of emails to respond to.

Mike Foley
REI Public Affairs'


I am now more curious about the memo. I've heard some of the listees advertising on my local station, AM 1320 -- I'm pretty much a constant daily listener. REI isn't featured, but I trust them somewhat -- what is going on here?