TVNewser has obtained an internal memo written by Nielsen Company EVP Susan Whiting reiterating the company’s policy on political donations. It comes on the heels of last Thursday’s Bill O’Reilly segment in which O’Reilly went after Nielsen:
An examination of Nielsen shows that their personnel is overwhelmingly liberal. Twenty-six Nielsen executives, including CEO Susan Whiting, have donated to the Democrats. Two to the Republicans.
In her staff memo, Whiting writes:
Recently, Bill O’Reilly of Fox News made some incorrect and inflammatory remarks about our company and the upcoming presidential election. This prompted an opposing response from Keith Olbermann of MSNBC.
The O’Reilly clip is below. The memo is after the jump…
Message from Susan Whiting – Our Company’s Policy Regarding Political Endorsements/Contributions
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Message from Susan Whiting
With the upcoming presidential election nearing, I wanted to re-circulate our Company’s policy regarding political endorsements and contributions. At a time when political parties and candidates are accusing the media of political bias, The Nielsen Company’s independence, objectivity and transparency continues to lead by example.
The Nielsen Company does not support or otherwise have a financial interest in the outcome of the presidential or any other election. The Nielsen Company does not have a political action committee nor does the Company contribute to or support candidates at any level.
Recently, Bill O’Reilly of Fox News made some incorrect and inflammatory remarks about our company and the upcoming presidential election. This prompted an opposing response from Keith Olbermann of MSNBC.
The truth and the facts are:
– U.S. law gives all citizens the right to contribute to political parties and candidates according to election guidelines.
– Federal Election Commission filings for this cycle indicate that less than .005% of Nielsen U.S. employees, or fewer than 30 employees made federal political contributions.
– These individuals gave to candidates from parties across the political spectrum running for federal elective office.
– The Nielsen Company does not endorse, support or otherwise have an interest in the outcome of the presidential or any other election.
Thanks to the commitment and hard work of our employees here in the U.S. and around the world, the Nielsen brand remains the gold standard.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to share them with me or email them to Nielsen Communications.
Susan Whiting
Executive Vice President
The Nielsen Company