FBI Contacts Association of National Advertisers in Criminal Ad-Buying Probe Unrelated to Broadcasters

The FBI has requested Association of National Advertisers cooperation in the bureau's criminal investigation of ad agencies reportedly getting refunds they didn't pass on to advertisers, ANA CEO Robert Liodice wrote members. “Federal law enforcement often needs assistance in identifying potential victims, witnesses, and evidence.” Wednesday's letter encourages members that “may have been defrauded” to retain counsel and audit for “indications of fraud.” The “opening of a federal criminal investigation is a significant event to the industry and to ANA members,” he said. Sinclair, Gray Television, Tribune and other large broadcasters are the targets of separate lawsuits alleging ad price collusion. Those lawsuits cite reports of DOJ's unrelated investigation (see 1810050041). We earlier incorrectly reported that the investigation ANA requested members' cooperation with was related to DOJ's investigation.