From Target Market News…
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Jesse Jackson airs concern to GM’s Wagoner about plans for ad agencies
By Ken Smikle, Target Market News
The growing controversy over General Motors’ plan to re-allocate African American ad assignments has attracted the attention and concern of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
The civil rights activist has addressed the issue in a letter to GM Chairman and CEO Rich Wagoner. “We are concerned about the diminishing role of African American owned ad agencies,” Jackson told Target Market News. “We’ve sent a letter to GM to ascertain what their plans are for inclusion.”
Executives at the automaker have announced that an advertising restructuring plan for the first of the year may place African American ad assignments with ad agencies that are not black-owned.
Just three months ago, Wagoner spoke about GM’s commitment to minority-owned suppliers and dealerships during the Rainbow/PUSH Coalitions’ Automotive Symposium in Detroit. The company was honored at the event by being named Automotive Corporation of the Year. “At General Motors, we know that to succeed in today’s global marketplace,” said Wagoner in accepting the honor. “We need a diverse workforce – one that brings together a wide range of talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives.”
Jackson said Wagoner gave no indication that a re-configured advertising plan affecting African American agencies or media was eminent during the symposium.
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