Hulu, a streaming service partially owned by Disney, will not be running Democratic midterm ads on themes like abortion, gun control, or climate change, prompting controversy and outrage from many political leaders. Hulu’s content remains increasingly popular with young voters, who Democrats specifically have a hard time convincing to go to the polls and vote. Several committees or associations attempted to purchase ads for Hulu, and while some ads ran for other Disney-affiliated streaming websites like ABC or ESPN, others did not.
The Disney-backed streaming service Hulu is refusing to run political ads on central themes of Democratic midterm campaigns, including abortion, guns and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, prompting fury from the party’s candidates and leaders.https://t.co/WtsDojNqDN
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 25, 2022
In a statement to Washington Post, executive directors of The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Democratic Governors Association commented “Hulu’s censorship of the truth is outrageous, offensive, and another step down a dangerous path for our country.”
Suraj Patel, a Democratic candidate for Congress in New York City, wrote in a letter addressed to Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Hulu President Joe Earley and asked them to”reconsider your ban on advertising that mentions the most important messages of the day. I would like to note that this advertisement was approved by cable providers and network television but was rejected verbally by your representatives without written explanation.”
Disney owned Hulu is refusing to run Democratic ads on guns and abortion. Either DeSantis’ bullying has made Mickey a meek little mouse, or they were conservatives to begin with. Either way it’s outrageous censorship.
— Duty To Warn ???? (@duty2warn) July 26, 2022
But, not everyone was upset or had an issue with Hulu’s decision. Matthew Kolken, for example, tweeted “Hulu is learning that The Left only believes in the freedom of their speech,” referring to many people deciding to boycott Hulu as a whole. Tristan Snell, a lawyer and commentator for CNN, pointed out “By the way, Hulu — do you really think shows like A Handmaid’s Tale will be allowed to air if the radical right gains control of America?”
This is unacceptable. Hulu is now blocking advertisements, including ours, concerning January 6, abortion, gun rights, and more.
We cannot allow Hulu and Big Tech to censor Democratic speech about important issues. https://t.co/eDXEaqY2sM
— Dr. Gillian Battino (@GillianBattino) July 25, 2022
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So, it seemed the opinion on Hulu was divided. Although many conservatives did not see it necessary to boycott due to the blocking of Democratic ads, many found this to be another example of censorship, a growing topic in today’s world.
