CNN stops running Applebee ads along with Ukraine conflict coverage

After being criticized on Thursday for running fun spots for Applebee’s and other advertisers right alongside coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, CNN removed the ad unit from news programming such as so.

As seen in an example below (shared on Twitter), the clear image of air raid sirens ringing across Kyiv is suddenly accompanied by the location of Applebee happily jostling into the same space. frame to tout hot wings, cold beer and a cowboy crouching.

WW3 sponsored by Applebees.

We’re living in an episode of South Park.

pic.twitter.com/Ex5MTM2krr

– NUFF (@nuffsaidny) February 24, 2022

In another example, CNN’s coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began at dawn on Thursday, ended with screen sharing with Couples frolicking in the sun at Sandals . resort – as the lyrics of Bob Marley’s “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” skim the scene.

These “squeeze” ad units prevent programming from being completely interrupted by ads to prevent viewers from changing channels, Adweek explain.

But at least for the time being, CNN will cut its paybacks.

An employee in charge of WarnerMedia, which owns CNN, said in a statement Adweek / TVNewser“The Squeezeback ad has been removed from relevance.”