Journalism Groups Claim Ad Platforms Are Blocking Funding Streams

Digital advertisers should stop “using keyword blocking practices” that jeopardize the journalism industry, the News Media Alliance and Digital Content Next said Friday. Some advertisers have stopped spending ad money because of COVID-19, but others are using blockers to prevent “ads from appearing on COVID-19-related content,” the groups said. Digital Content Next President-CEO Jason Kint urged Google and Oracle to “dedicate urgent resources towards solutions here, including exempting or encouraging trusted news organizations as a default.” The Association of National Advertisers didn’t comment.