Ad Agencies Respond to Lawsuit
- by August 4, 2000
The suit, which has not yet been served, alleges that the two agencies have restrained trade by not spending enough federal advertising dollars with the 14 local market newspapers that make up the Hispanic Newspaper Network.
A spokesperson for the agencies and the parent company said: "The Hispanic population in this nation is unquestionably an important advertising segment and has been for years. This fact is clearly demonstrated by the substantial advertising spending our agencies -- and the industry as a whole -- devote to Hispanic marketing every year. We have fully complied with all government contractual provisions for the inclusion of minority businesses in federal advertising campaigns not just because it's the law, but also because it makes good business sense.
"We note that the plaintiffs don't dispute that the Hispanic population is a target audience for advertising. They merely contend that their 14 newspapers don't receive a fair share of the minority advertising spend. That contention is incorrect and we look forward to proving that in a court of law, where we expect the case to be dismissed in short order."
Zeke Montes, President of the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP), commented: "The NAHP does not endorse this lawsuit. The Hispanic Newspaper Network, which brought this suit, did not consult with NAHP nor do they speak for our organization in this action. Obviously, Hispanic print media are always seeking a greater share of advertising spending from Corporate America and the U.S. Government. There has certainly been an improvement in the relationships between a number of ad agencies and NAHP. It is our intent at this time to continue to work with Corporate America, the U.S. Government, and their ad agencies in advocating for a greater percentage of the advertising business."
NAHP has 184 member publications with a circulation of over 10 million.
