Thomas Barrabi writes for the New York Post about a dubious international marketing group facing new scrutiny from Republicans.
At least two Republican state attorneys general are weighing possible legal action against members of a shadowy cabal that reportedly controls 90% of global marketing spending following allegations that they colluded to withhold ad dollars from conservative outlets, The Post has learned.
The Global Alliance for Responsible Media was accused of leading a coordinated effort to squelch online free speech and restricts ads to a slew of news outlets — including The Post — in likely violation of federal antitrust laws, the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee said in its alarming report this week.
Representatives for the Republican state attorneys general of Montana and Missouri confirmed that they are examining the evidence uncovered by the House panel.
“We’re looking into what actions the attorney general may be able to take, as it appears there may be anti-trust violations,” a spokesperson for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen told The Post.
A spokesperson for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said his office is aware of the report and “looking into the matter.”
GARM, an initiative of the World Federation of Advertisers, represents dozens of the largest companies and ad organizations, including Disney, Coca-Cola, Toyota and Walmart. Its members spend nearly $1 trillion per year on ads.
The House Judiciary Committee’s ongoing probe will include demands to specific companies who are members of GARM to turn over relevant information in the near future, House GOP sources told The Post.
The committee will release more reports and potentially hold more hearings detailing its findings as the investigation proceeds, the sources added.
“Just because they haven’t been targeted yet doesn’t mean they shouldn’t expect something,” one House GOP source who requested anonymity told The Post. “It’s definitely not over.”
