As we’ve been telling you the whole time, DEI will be hidden, renamed, and will rear its ugly head again. However, this was a victory against a horrible discriminatory policy.
Unfortunately, some people just couldn’t accept this and continue, to this day, to deny the DEI officer position is perpetually vacant. It wasn’t ‘eliminated’ they say. It was just left vacant indefinitely and funding for it ceased with no plans to ever revive the position or its funding.
Totally not the same thing folks.
Today is back-to-school for PHM, and they do not have a DEI officer for the district.
GARM Advertising Cartel Shuts Down After Lawsuit: The Ripple Effect on Digital Advertising
The digital advertising landscape has seen significant upheavals, but none as sudden and dramatic as the recent shutdown of the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) advertising cartel. The shutdown came just 48 hours after a lawsuit was filed by X and Rumble, sending shockwaves through the industry. In this article, we will explore the implications of this shutdown, the potential reasons behind it, and what it means for the future of digital advertising.
Understanding the GARM Advertising Cartel
What is GARM?
GARM, or the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, was an organization formed by major advertisers, media agencies, and platforms to combat harmful content online and ensure brand safety. It aimed to create a safer digital environment by setting industry standards for content moderation and advertising practices.
The Role of GARM in Digital Advertising
GARM played a pivotal role in shaping the digital advertising landscape by promoting responsible media practices. It worked closely with social media platforms, advertisers, and agencies to ensure that advertisements did not appear alongside harmful or inappropriate content.
The Power of an Advertising Cartel
The concept of an advertising cartel is not new, but GARM’s influence was unprecedented. As a collective of some of the biggest names in the industry, GARM had the power to dictate terms to platforms and publishers, significantly influencing how content was moderated and how advertisements were placed.
The Lawsuit That Shook GARM
X and Rumble File a Lawsuit
In a surprising turn of events, social media platforms X and Rumble filed a lawsuit against GARM. The lawsuit alleged that GARM’s practices were anti-competitive and violated antitrust laws by unfairly limiting the advertising opportunities for certain platforms and creators.
The lawsuit brought to light accusations that GARM’s content moderation guidelines were biased and led to the censorship of certain viewpoints. X and Rumble argued that these practices were not only unfair but also stifled free speech and innovation in the digital space.
The Legal Grounds of the Lawsuit
The legal grounds for the lawsuit were rooted in antitrust laws, which are designed to prevent monopolistic practices and promote fair competition. X and Rumble argued that GARM’s practices amounted to a form of collusion, where the biggest players in the industry conspired to control the market to their advantage.
The Immediate Aftermath
GARM’s Sudden Shutdown
Just 48 hours after the lawsuit was filed, GARM announced its shutdown. This abrupt decision left many in the industry stunned and raised questions about the organization’s internal workings and the strength of the allegations against it.
The Reactions from the Industry
The shutdown of GARM was met with a mix of reactions. Some industry players expressed relief, viewing GARM’s collapse as a victory for free speech and fair competition. Others, however, were concerned about the vacuum left by GARM’s absence and what it could mean for brand safety and content moderation moving forward.
Impact on Advertisers and Platforms
Advertisers and platforms are now facing a period of uncertainty. GARM’s standards and guidelines had provided a framework for ensuring that ads were placed in a safe environment. Without this framework, brands and platforms may struggle to navigate the complex and ever-changing digital landscape.
The Broader Implications
What Does This Mean for Brand Safety?
Brand safety has always been a top priority for advertisers, and GARM played a crucial role in maintaining it. With GARM gone, there are concerns that the standards for what constitutes a safe environment may become less consistent, leading to potential risks for brands.
The Future of Content Moderation
Content moderation is another area that could be significantly impacted by GARM’s shutdown. GARM’s guidelines were widely adopted by platforms, but without a centralized authority, there may be a lack of uniformity in how content is moderated across different platforms.
The Role of Government Regulation
In the wake of GARM’s shutdown, there is likely to be increased scrutiny from government regulators. There may be calls for more stringent regulations to ensure that digital platforms maintain high standards of content moderation and brand safety without the influence of an advertising cartel.
The Potential for New Alliances
The Rise of New Industry Groups
The collapse of GARM could lead to the formation of new industry groups focused on responsible media practices. These new alliances may take a different approach, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in their guidelines and practices.
Opportunities for Smaller Platforms
The shutdown of GARM could also present new opportunities for smaller platforms. Without the dominance of a large cartel, smaller platforms may have a better chance to compete and attract advertisers who are looking for alternative options.
The Importance of Innovation
Innovation will be key in the post-GARM landscape. Platforms that can develop new and effective ways to ensure brand safety and content moderation without relying on a centralized authority will likely thrive in this new environment.
Conclusion
The shutdown of the GARM advertising cartel marks a significant moment in the history of digital advertising. While it brings challenges, particularly in terms of brand safety and content moderation, it also opens up new opportunities for innovation and fair competition. As the industry adapts to this new reality, it will be crucial for advertisers, platforms, and regulators to work together to create a digital environment that is both safe and competitive.
FAQs
What was GARM?
GARM, or the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, was an organization that aimed to promote responsible media practices by setting standards for content moderation and advertising.
Why did GARM shut down?
GARM shut down just 48 hours after a lawsuit was filed by X and Rumble, which alleged that GARM’s practices were anti-competitive and violated antitrust laws.
What are the implications of GARM’s shutdown?
The shutdown of GARM could lead to challenges in maintaining brand safety and consistent content moderation standards. It also presents new opportunities for smaller platforms and innovation in the industry.
How will this affect digital advertising?
The digital advertising landscape is likely to see increased uncertainty and competition. Advertisers and platforms may need to find new ways to ensure brand safety and navigate content moderation.
What can we expect in the future?
We can expect to see new industry groups forming, increased government regulation, and a greater emphasis on innovation in digital advertising practices.
Ah, the primaries are behind us. Now onto the general election.
Primaries are always ugly affairs. The inexperienced always take them too seriously. It’s like a family battle royale at Thanksgiving. Most of the time, fences are mended. Sometimes they aren’t. Rarely do general elections, outside of the presidency, reach the climax of insanity you see in primary elections. Especially in smaller local races.
Well, that’s about to change.
St. Joseph County Council District I is the hotbed of attention in Michiana. The primary was ugly for Republicans. For such a small race, it was all a bit out of proportion. However, what if I told you the general election race for District I was even MORE interesting?
Tami Springer has worked for the University of Notre Dame for 42 years. She’s raised 7 children and “coordinated our annual college food drive for 19 years in a row for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. I served on the Board of the South Bend League of Women Voters and I was President of the Staff Advisory Council at Notre Dame.”
Pretty vanilla political stuff. But …
She’s also the power of attorney for Joe Freakin Exotic, the Tiger King!
Yes, this guy:
The ‘that B!tc# Carole Baskin!’ guy.
Yeah, and you thought the District I primary was spicy.
In July, 2022, she went on the I Helped Make That podcast (#19) to talk about her journey getting to know the Tiger King and becoming his power of attorney.
In the podcast, she tells you how she became prison pen pals with Joe Exotic after watching the show. She thought he was innocent, was set up, and was mad he was in prison. After the fourth letter, Joe Exotic started emailing her. A few months later they started speaking on the phone. Eventually, Joe Exotic wanted an online store to cash in on his new fame. He also wanted to change his power of attorney to someone ‘he could trust.’ That person was Tami Springer. On the podcast, she says they talk on the phone every day. She became his power of attorney after season 2 of Tiger King.
An Indiana University journalism professor said that Indiana will work its way into every story. Happy, sad, good, bad. There is a Hoosier connection. Probably not all the time, but it does seem to come up that way.
Here‘s the next one: “Tiger King.” Yes, that one. Tami Springer, of Osceola, manages the website store for Joe Exotic and is his executive assistant and power or attorney. “No one believes me. They think I’m crazy,” she said. It all started when she began to write to him.
South Bend Tribune
Just last year she helped Joe Exotic in a public feud with Florida Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis.
She doesn’t seem to mention this on her campaign site. I guess taking over as power of attorney for an ‘innocent’ man to help get him out of prison isn’t campaign-worthy in St. Joseph County.
Tiger King was good fun and very entertaining. I still use the memes from that show regularly. Many might think it’s a far cry from engaging in the lore of the show to actually becoming pen pals and taking over as power of attorney for a guy sitting in prison. Especially considering what his convictions are for. Let alone his other accusations of grooming young boys.
Also, Joe Exotic is accused of being pretty racist.
Accusations have been made that Tami Springer my be defrauding Tiger King fans.
Please keep in mind, I have no way of knowing if this is true or not. The whole realm of Joe Exotic stuff is shady as hell.
There are several more accusations online about Tami Springer and potential fraud. I’m looking into it further. There’s even reports that Joe Exotic himself isn’t happy with how Tami Springer always seems to be looking for media attention.
Stay tuned to this one folks. Make sure you sign up for my free newsletter.
America’s largest newspaper publisher is formerly on notice of a legal challenge over a so-called reverse racism policy.
In the lawsuit filed in Virginia federal court, there are currently five named plaintiffs, four men and one woman, whose careers were allegedly adversely affected by Gannett Co. Inc.’s corporate diversity protocols.
Headline USA
The employees were allegedly denied promotion opportunities and some were even fired because of Gannett’s goal of reaching “racial and gender parity” by 2025.
Executives are accused of tying manager bonuses and perks to hiring quotas based on the demographics of the local community.
The lawsuit also alleges that a high-ranking executive told managers that “no more straight White males should be hired going forward.”
Gannett’s legal counsel, Polly Grunfeld Sack, claimed Gannett “seeks to recruit and retain the most qualified individuals for all roles within the company.”
She then called the lawsuit “meritless.”
The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to stop Gannett’s affirmative action policy and a jury trial.
They are also asking for lost wages (past and future) as well as other damages.
As of publishing this article, the South Bend Tribune has not published a story about its parent company, the largest newspaper publisher in the country, being sued.
Last April, the Tribune announced a partnership with WNDU-TV.
WNDU hasn’t published a story about this situation either. Their last mention of Gannett was about Tribune workers going on strike against Gannett in June.
Yesterday, I wrote about the networks that were pursuing Tucker Carlson once his split with FoxNews is official. Shortly after that post, a massive offer was made to Tucker Carlson. Here are the details:
5-year, $100 million dollar contract.
Equity position in the company.
A president position and board seat so Tucker has real decision-making power not just about his show, but the network.
That is a pretty solid offer on its face. Though we don’t know any of the legal details that would have to be hashed out. Nonetheless, this offer is a strong opening offer for a talent like Tucker Carlson.
Tucker Carlson reportedly made $35 million a year at Fox News. So this offer would be a slightpay cut in salary, but Tucker would have equity in the company. This company is on the rise, so that could be a great option for Tucker Carlson.
He asked me if I would follow him as mayor, I said, by the time you’re done being mayor, Republicans will be so sick of Democrats in Goshen no Democrat could get elected.
Alan Kauffman – Former Mayor – Goshen, IN
Alan Kauffman served as Mayor of Goshen, IN for more than 18 years. Not bad for a guy who was convinced no Democrat could get elected in Goshen after Mayor Puro.
So how did Kauffman overcome the odds? How did he become mayor when he was convinced it wasn’t possible for a Democrat to get elected?
“One night I said, well if something happened that you left office, then I was caucused in and I could run as an incumbent, I’d think about it.”
Alan Kauffman – Former Mayor – Goshen, IN
Listen to the audio below.
In March of 1997, Puro resigned and Kauffman was, indeed, easily caucused in by the Democratic Party. From there, he ran for mayor as the incumbent in 1999 and won. Incumbents hold a significant advantage to be reelected. The rest is history.
Kauffman is currently a Goshen School Board member and embroiled in an election scandal for mishandling election funds and possible illegal campaign contributions.
Fast forward to 2015. After mentoring Jeremy Stutsman for over 8 years, Kauffman had his hand-picked successor. Stutsman would defeat Republican Mary Cripe to be Goshen’s next mayor. Kauffman said he would have run again if he felt the next mayor would be a ‘flake.’
Stutsman ran unopposed in 2019 after his opponent, Republican Terry Snyder, 77, died unexpectedly just weeks before the May 7 primary election. In December of 2022, Mayor Stutsman announced he was running for his third term as mayor of Goshen.
Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman is resigning later this year to become the new C-E-O of Lacasa, Inc.
95.3 MNC
At his public announcement that he would not seek reelection, Stutsman said:
“Over the next couple of weeks, between myself, the new mayor that … uh the person that I’m hoping will be the new mayor that’s announcing …”
Mayor Stutsman
Listen to the audio below.
More on who that person is shortly.
The mayor announcing they weren’t running for reelection right after announcing that they were caused confusion about the election.
Mayor Stutsman will remain on the May primary ballot. The Democratic party will then caucus a candidate to take Stutsman’s place for the November general election.
It’s hard to say how the GOP would have adjusted their strategy and candidate selection had they known Stutsman would not be running, but it’s safe to assume they would have taken a different approach.
It’s also safe to assume that the timing of Stutsman’s announcement prevented any Democrat candidate from announcing a primary run. Especially since it was too late to replace Stutsman’s name on the May ballot.
Once again, Goshen Democrats strategized to take the choice out of the people’s hands and hand-pick their successor for Mayor.
Elkhart City Councilman Aaron Mishler thinks this is a brilliant strategy. Frankly, it is brilliant albeit very shady, and underhanded.
Goshen election officials said Democrats would caucus to choose Stutsman’s replacement after the May primary. It’s only April and we already have the heir apparent.
Mayor Jeremy Stutsman has endorsed Gina Leichty as the candidate of choice to fulfill his term and run for office in the fall municipal election in 2023.
95.3 MNC
Democrats are expected to caucus for a candidate in May. Stutsman has estimated he will be done as mayor in June. The election is in the Fall.
The strategy is simple:
Announce you aren’t running for reelection late in the cycle to prevent candidates in your own party from running against your hand-picked successor.
Negatively affect the other political party’s strategy going into election season.
Give your hand-picked successor an almost certain win.
Rinse and repeat anytime there’s a changing of the guard.
To be clear, I’m not accusing anyone of breaking the law. The strategy is effective. Goshen residents need to decide for themselves if they feel cheated by this scheme.
Are Democrats ok with not being able to effectively run for mayor in the primary with a level playing field?
Are Republicans ok with effectively being shut out of a truly competitive electoral process by not knowing who they were running against?
Are Goshen voters ok with the electoral process being manipulated by local Democrats so that all eligible candidates don’t get a fair shot in the primary?
