Inspired directly by a bunch of diaries dealing with the campaign to boycott corporate sponsors of Glenn Beck, particularly this one, I have just spent some time making individual calls to companies - specifically, Geico and Brita Filters. By and large, my experience on the phone was largely positive.
I am also under the impression that these companies are getting an earful. We should this keep the pressure up.
Looking through J Edward's list
Glenn Beck Advertisers (8/9/09)
60Plus.org
AARP Insurance
Accu Chek Aviva
ADT Security
Ally Bank (allybank.com)
Apple
Avodart
Brita Filter
Broadview Security
Conservatives for Patients Rights
Ditech (ditech.com)
Forex.com
Golden Corral
Healthy Choice
HSBC Life Insurance (advertisers - con't)
Mercedes-Benz
Metastock
Nexium
Pepboys
Radio Shack
Rapid Bath (not Rapid Wash)
Red Lobster
Super8 motels (super8.com)
Superior Gold Group
Travelocity
United Healthcare Insurance
Wall Street Journal
Walmart
Weitz&Luxemburg
Glenn Beck Cancellations - confirmed
Geico
Lawyers.com
Mens Warehouse
Proctor & Gamble
Progressive Insurance
S.C. Johnson
State Farm
Sargento Cheese
Glenn Beck Cancellations - unconfirmed
Best Buy
Campbell Soup
Chrysler
General Motors
Kellogg
Kraft Foods
Nestle
Pfizer
I decided, simply, to contact those companies with whom I actually do business. Since I avoid shopping at Walmart, don't read the Wall Street Journal, and have no plans to buy a Mercedes Benz, certain companies were ruled out. I wanted to have the honesty and credibility as an actual customer behind me.
So, I started with Geico as my wife and I use their auto insurance. I called the 800 # and got a rep, who was incredibly polite and respectful of my concerns, which I conveyed to him. He indicated that they were getting several calls about their decision to pull their ads. I told him how pleased I was as a Geico customer and how offended I was by Beck's comparison of Democrats to Nazis as well as for his calling Obama a racist. He also said that the decision had been to advertise on Fox, not specifically on Beck's show, and yet that Geico wants to avoid controversy. He then gave me some additional numbers, including the marketing department (301-986-2842). After a few tries, I got through to them. Again, they took my call seriously and apologized to me for any offense, which they indicated was unintended. I added, this time, that my dad was a Democrat who fought for this country in Korea and how offended I was by the Glenn Beck and Fox News. I was told my concerns would be conveyed to the higher-ups. I ended the call by thanking them for their time and reiterating that I am happy to be a Geico customer, which got the marketing rep to thank me and to say, "we want to keep you."
When I called Brita Filter, again I was told that they'd been getting calls on this. Again, the rep with whom I spoke was very professionally curteous and apologetic, and again, took my name and contact info. I had the impression that my concerns were being taken pretty seriously. And again, I reiterated that I was happy to be their customer and happy with their product (which I am) even saying that I was on my way downstairs to get a drink of cold water from my Brita jug. After spending a bit of time with the rep, I was given the option of taking a customer satisfaction phone survey, which I did take. While I used this to feedback that I was very satisfied with their courtesy and professionalism, I also indicated that I remained uncertain as to the outcome of my concern, namely, getting them to pull their ads from Beck/Fox. We'll see what happens.
Overall, it was interesting venturing into the world of the corporate PR/marketing departmeent. My sense is that if you can get through to them, if you are polite, and if you identify yourself as a customer. you will be treated at least politely and your concerns will be listened to.
I had a friend some time ago who worked on a board in Manhattan on corporate responsibility. She worked with key shareholders to try to get companies to be more socially responsible, such as to stop supporting the racist Apartheid government in South Africa. While I think I have no illusions about corporations and don't generally buy into their propaganda, I also know that they don't operate in a void, but rather, are susceptible to pressure from the bottom up; history has always worked that way. So, back to this list. Next up, let's see: Nestle might be a good place to target; I do like chocolate.
In the meantime, this is an example of what we are standing up against