Orbitz agrees to review advertising deal with Fox News

After a three-week campaign by prominent LGBT organizations urging Orbitz to examine several cases of anti-gay bigotry aired on Fox News, the online travel agency has decided to review its advertising policy with the news media corporation.

According to a statement released today by Orbitz:

“Orbitz has heard from the LGBT community about its concerns that its advertisements appear on programs which have objectionable content.”

“In the coming weeks, Orbitz will conduct a review of programming on the full range of media we buy. We will also evaluate the best practices among other companies who share our core values to see what approaches they use when evaluating media placements.”

Orbitz confirmed that its future ad purchases will reflect the values embodied by the brand and the company.

Rick Jacobs, founder and chair of the Courage Campaign, expressed appreciation for Orbitz’s decision to review its policy and thanked the company for their continuing support of equality for all Americans. Together with Media Matters for America, Equality Matters, League of Conservation Voters and CREDO Action, the Courage Campaign helped organize the Drop Fox movement alerting Orbitz to anti-gay content featured on the Fox network.

Jacobs explained that for Orbitz to continue advertising on Fox News would be inconsistent with the company’s high standards. He added that their actions have the potential to set the standard for other companies to build long-term loyalty through a consistent corporate ethos.

A letter sent to Ortbitz CEO Barney Harford on May 16 expressed concerns about the agency’s association with Fox News in light of the anti-gay rhetoric portrayed by the network. It cited specific examples where the network “acted in clear opposition to the best interest of the LGBT community,” and expressed “sincere hope” that Orbitz would reconsider its decision to support Fox News financially through ad revenue.

Nearly 200,000 customers signed the letter, more than 2,000 comments were posted on Orbitz’ Facebook wall and ads from the Drop Fox campaign were placed on Facebook and other websites.

Senior Advisor Ilyse Hogue stated that Media Matters, which has spent years documenting the anti-LGBT bigotry expressed on the Fox News network, “is pleased that Orbitz is taking these concerns seriously.”

“We hope other advertisers take notice of this proactive response to customer concerns,” Hogue concluded.

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