However, The Office of Strategic Influence has not, nor ever will seek the favors of General Motors. We find this type of collusion dishonest, reprehensible and un-American.
That said - our lines of communication are always open to business, especially Ferrari.
Nader Wants FCC To Look Into GM's Gifts To Radio Hosts
Bloomberg News
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader has asked U.S. regulators to look into whether Rush Limbaugh and other radio hosts are receiving payment or gifts from General Motors in exchange for praising the company on air.
Nader's letter to the Federal Communications Commission cited a report in the Aug. 6 edition of Automotive News that said GM was buying ads, loaning cars and offering other incentives to national and local radio hosts in exchange for the promotions.
FCC rules require broadcasters to say if content has been aired in exchange for money or other considerations.
GM since the first quarter has provided free use of vehicles and bought advertising time hoping for on-air endorsements from program hosts, said Ryndee Carney, a spokeswoman for the Detroit- based auto maker.
"We've been very transparent about this," Carney said. "We think this is a good way to build relationships with some of the talent and to get the word out about our great vehicles."
She declined to comment on Nader's appeal, disclosed in a letter released over PR Newswire on Friday.
Nader and Janice Wise, a spokeswoman for the FCC, weren't immediately available for comment.
Limbaugh is the most listened-to radio host in the country, and his show is distributed by Clear Channel Communications. Michele Clarke, a spokeswoman for the company, wasn't available to comment.
Automotive News, a Detroit-based trade publication, also said GM was soliciting endorsements from Bill O'Reilly, Laura Schlessinger, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hannity, Ed Schultz, Bill Press and Ryan Seacrest.
