Advertisers flee NBC over Megyn Kelly’s Alex Jones interview
NBC anchor Megyn Kelly has been criticized for her decision to interview Infowars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, an infamous right-wing commentator who, among his other salacious accolades, claimed that the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012 was a hoax.
InfoWars host Alex Jones
Among his critics are the parents and family of the 28 fatalities who are understandably distressed by the commentator’s claims that no one died at the school. Advertisers are taking a more proactive stance to the content their promos are running alongside, a la Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity.
CNN reports that multiple advertisers have pulled out of the show that is to air on Sunday 18 June. They remain unnamed although J.P. Morgan Chase has very publicly led the exodus.
Kristin Lemkau, chief marketing officer of the company, tweeted that she was “repulsed” at Kelly giving Jones a platform.
As an advertiser, I'm repulsed that @megynkelly would give a second of airtime to someone who says Sandy Hook and Aurora are hoaxes. Why? https://t.co/luwyCwP7Ti
— Kristin Lemkau (@KLemkau) June 12, 2017
Kelly moved to defend herself, claiming that Jones' White House press pass and president Trump's frequent praise made him a legitimate target.
POTUS's been on & praises @RealAlexJones' show. He's giving Infowars a WH press credential. Many don't know him; our job is 2 shine a light. https://t.co/5e88BJyqnz
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 12, 2017
Kelly joined the broadcaster from Fox News earlier this year.