Sainsbury’s latest to review relationship with News of the world
Sainsbury’s, T-Mobile, Halifax and First Choice are the latest to review their advertising support for the News of the World following the allegations that the newspaper hacked the voicemail of murdered teenager Milly Dowler and then deleted messages to free up her inbox.
Other big name brands also reviewing or withdrawing their support include Coca Cola, Ford, npower, The Co-operative Bank, Morrisons, M&S and Tesco.
Coca-Cola, which last advertised in the paper in February, said it was "shocked by the allegations".
A spokeswoman for the company said: "We have no advertising currently running with the News of the World and none scheduled for the future."
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: "We advertise in hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and TV and radio stations. The views and practices of any of organisations that carry our advertising do not represent those of Sainsbury’s. That said, it would be prudent to await the outcome of the investigation."
Ford, which accounts for 10% of the Sunday tabloid's ad revenues, has already suspended its advertising with the News of the World. Speaking on the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme, analyst Claire Enders said that News of the World would lose £4m in revenue from Ford's advertising suspension.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for T-Mobile said: "We’re currently reviewing our advertising position with the News of the World, following the recent allegations, and await the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
