Geico drops Fox’s Glenn Beck: Amberger follows up
Today's Financial News - Posted August 14, 2009
Geico has dropped advertising support for Fox News’ Glenn Beck. I asked them why…
by J. Christoph Amberger
Baltimore, MD — TFN: Thanks to what has been called an “orchestrated” campaign by the radical, left-wing, Obama-near political organization Color of Change, Fox News host Glenn Beck’s highly rated cable news show is being abandoned by several large advertisers.
Among those caving in to the pressure of special interest groups is automotive insurer Geico — also known as the Government Employees Insurance Company. The privately held company, with its omnipresent Aussie-accented gecko and the googly-eyed stack of cash, has spent more than a quarter-billion dollars on television ads in the first half of 2009.
(Of course, not all on Glenn Beck.)
I found myself mildly amused by this last night. And with time on my hands, I composed a brief e-mail to them:
Dear sirs,
I just read to my amazement that GEICO, among other companies, has decided to withdraw from advertising on Glenn Beck’s program on Fox as a result of pressure being applied by an ultra-liberal interest group.
It is not my place to tell private corporations how to spend their advertising dollars.
However, I cannot reconcile a corporation who goes to great expense to project the image of steadfast reliability allowing itself to be manipulated by political interest groups based on such supercilious reasoning.
I will be considering this as I ponder whom to spend my insurance dollars with in the future.
Cordially yours,
J. Christoph Amberger
They may not yet have saved me a bundle as yet, but they sure respond fast. I had a reply in my email box by 8 AM!
Dear J. Christoph Amberger:
If the inflammatory nature of the comments on a program overshadows our message and causes GEICO to be drawn into a national debate, we are likely to reconsider where we place our marketing messages, which is what we did.
GEICO delivers very important messages through its major marketing campaigns: we’re saving customers’ dollars, we’re easy to do business with, we’re looking out for our policyholders. That’s what we hope the public hears and sees and focuses on.
As a company, we do not take positions on controversial issues.
As an advertiser, while a national debate on issues can be healthy and appropriate, we don’t see ourselves in the role of taking part in those debates.
Our business is auto insurance. We want to bring people value and we attempt to reach large audiences with that message.
It is of little benefit to us if a program gets so much attention that our message is drowned out.
GEICO Corporate Communications
A perfectly reasonable reply, wouldn’t you agree. But you know me… I just can’t leave good enough alone:
Dear GEICO Corporate Communications,
of course, a company concerned about controversial issues would certainly not be advertising on programs with a political bend in the first place.
By withdrawing advertising support as a result of activist manipulation, you ARE indeed abandoning your “non-political” position.
Thank you for your reply.
It clarified your position, even if it did little to improve the impression your company left on me by its action.
Cordially yours,
J. Christoph Amberger
And again, the response was lightning fast:
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. Let me assure you we value your opinion and your business. Your comments have been forwarded to our Marketing Department for review.
GEICO has long been, and continues to be, an insurer for everyone. As with any large national insurance company, our customer base is comprised of individuals who represent virtually every position on every issue. We support the First Amendment rights of our policyholders and we strive to provide them with exceptional customer service, without regard to their views and beliefs.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Excellent customer service indeed.
But I don’t think I’m ready to switch to Geico and save a bundle.
You see, there are a number of bumper stickers on my cars that could be deemed controversial. I’m afraid that if I report that I was rear-ended with photographic documentation, it would trigger in the Gecko the urge not to take sides… and walk away from my claim whistling “Waltzing Obama”.
(I’m doing my civic duty and give you the opportunity to report this “fishy” article to the White House at flag [at] whitehouse [dot] gov.)
Next Article: Blockbuster: Where is the rewind button when you need?
14 Responses to “Geico drops Fox’s Glenn Beck: Amberger follows up”
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August 14th, 2009 at 9:33 am
AFDeke writes: “Spot on thinking. Thanks for taking Geico on and sharing their reaction. As you know, Geico is controlled by Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s holding company. Thus their reaction is no surprise given his support of BHO.”
August 14th, 2009 at 10:20 am
http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/subs/sublinks.html
sure going to miss those Dilly bars and Fruit of the looms
already cancelled geico,never did like that lizard
August 14th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thank you for your ‘GEICO tenacity’. I’m a 63-year-old architect. In 1963 my (public school) 11th-grade history teacher told us to be aware of socialism’s ability to erode our Constitution, little-by-little. The Obama Administration is now a constant reminder to me of my teacher’s WISDOM. I worry that my grandchildren will become victims of what I call “the Entropy of Democracy” , wherein we are all brought down to the level of the Lowest Common Denominator !!!!!! (P.S. : I didn’t find it necessary to “FLAG” your site)<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
August 15th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Will cancel all of our insurance and hope others do the same.
August 15th, 2009 at 2:50 am
Check out USAA expanded eligibility for military families:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/5obrkv
August 15th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Warren Buffett is one of those types of Americans that I dispise the most. He takes advantage of our “free enterprise system” to enrich himself to the tune of millions and then does everthing in his power to distroy that same system so that others who follow behind him cannot do the same. Don’t do business with the evil “Uncle Warren”.
August 15th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Dear Sir: I think that “Geico” is making millions and billions of dollars on Americans, and they must not take sides. However, by them doing what they did, they show that they are and will choose who they are Behind. What is wrong with these companies, don’t you know that when you do what you just did with Glenn Beck; you are showing Discrimination. I am Black; however, I am a American first, and I know discrimination when I see it, bexcause I lived through it. You guys at “Geico” are not fair, but you talk a good game; just like our President. Where is your Love for “FREEDOM”!!!
August 15th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Large advertisers should pull their ads from mainstream media outlets who don’t do their job, such as pointing out the hypocrisy of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who calls sincere, concerned Americans showing up at Town Halls “un American.” When it served Pelosi’s personal agenda — BASH BUSH! — people who spoke out were as american as apple pie.
Long live FREEDOM OF SPEECH!
August 15th, 2009 at 10:24 am
YOU HAVE SHOWN YOUR TRUE COLORS OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN ARE FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM AND OUR RIGHTS AS CITIZENS AND OUR CONGRESSMAN ARE JUST TAKING AND TAKING THEY ARE AT THEIR JOBS FOR THE BENEFITS AND COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THOSE WHO PUT THEM THERE, THEY BETTER ENJOY THEIR LAST TERM WE ARE TIRED OF IT
JUST 2 WORDS FOR YOU ‘ROSA PARKS
GLEN BACK IS ON AMERICAS SIDE WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON.IF MY E MAIL IS USED AYWHERE ELSE THEN NO ONE CAN BE COUNTED ON ANYMOIRE.
WHAT HAS CONGRESS AND OUR PRESIDIENNT WHO HAS NO EPERIENCE DOING ANYTHING DONE FOR YOU /WE WANT OUR USA BACK. NOT BIG GOVERNMENT. LET THE STATE HANDLE THEIR AFFAIRS WITHOUT PRESIDENT MAKING A DECISION WHEN HE DOES NOT HAVE THE FACTS.
August 16th, 2009 at 5:56 am
I am a Geico customer and have been for years. I am now in the process of looking for another company. The idea of pulling your commercials from Glen Beck is not suprising considering Warren Buffett and Obama are practically one in the same. I hope is prepared to lose a lot of customers over this. I will be leaving Geico .ASAP
August 16th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Geico is more afraid of an orchestrated campaign, than the American people. I guess they think Free Speech is not required in this country.
August 16th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
I have just recently purchased geico {about 6 months a go. When it comes timeto renew I will certainly look for a different insurer.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I just told my sister. It turns out she insures with Geico but loves Glenn Beck more. She is cancelling tomorrow. I am tracking every company that withdraws their advertising. If they are too dumb or PC to figure out that King Hussein is a major racist I do not want their products.
January 18th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
JAN.18, 2010, MONDAY….I couldn’t believe that an educator would go against Glenn Beck. He always proves up to the minute top-notch news. I am glad that such educator did not have part in the education of my sons! …as for Geico: Good riddens…I don’t like lizzards anyway; and I don’t like rattlesnakes who are digging our country deep into hell!
REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR BROWN AT MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN SENATE SEAT