Several financial and insurance firms have joined the growing list of advertisers abandoning the highest-rated cable news program on television.
As of Wednesday morning, approximately 50 companies had pulled their advertisements from Fox News’s The O’Reilly Factor after sexual harassment accusations against its host, Bill O’Reilly, were brought to light in a New York Times report earlier this month.
Among them is Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price, which decided to pull its advertisements from the show this week.
“We regularly evaluate our media buys to ensure alignment with our corporate values, and in light of the recent allegations we have decided to pull our upcoming ads from The O’Reilly Factor,” said a company spokesperson in an e-mail.
The very public allegations against O’Reilly have spurred public outcry and a coordinated social media campaign to pressure advertisers to abandon his program.
The scandal breaks as the financial industry is placing particular emphasis on diversifying its ranks and appealing to communities previously underserved by financial services and products.
At least four insurance companies have joined the exodus. Lincoln, R.I.-based Amica Insurance said on Tuesday that its ads are still in the process of being pulled.
“Yes, our ads on The O’Reilly Factor are being pulled; it may take a few days for this to occur,” said a company spokesperson.
Newport Beach, Calif.-based Pacific Life also announced it would no longer advertise on The O’Reilly Factor.
Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate and its subsidiary Esurance are pulling ads as well.
“Inclusivity and support for women are important Allstate values,” said a company statement. “We are concerned about the issues surrounding the program and we have suspended our advertising.”