BMW KEEPS CERTAIN ADS FROM BLACK MEDIA: And Rev. Jesse Jackson is on the case.

     *Rev. Jesse Jackson is trying to figure out why BMW issued a "Non Urban Dictate (NUD)" (a.k.a. no ad spots in urban media) for an upcoming advertising campaign surrounding one of its vehicle brands.

      The Westside Gazette is reporting that the civil rights leader sent a letter to the automaker expressing concern over the NUD stamp on future ads touting the MINI Cooper.

       NUD basically means that a company does not want their marketing and advertising materials placed in media outlets that target urban (African American) audiences. Tom Joyner spoke out about the practice on his radio show in 2004, when CompUSA was discovered using it. At the time, he called out more than 20 other companies who had a NUD policy in effect – including Lexus, Starbucks, Ethan Allan, Northwest Airlines and even Life Savers.

       In his letter to BMW Chairman and CEO Jim O’ Donnell, Jackson called the exclusion of urban radio stations "disturbing," according to The Westside Gazette.  His letter further stated: “This issue, along with many others, continues to boycott communities of color and excludes us from participating on a level economic playing field even when we fully embrace and purchase your vehicles.”
      
       Jackson also questioned BMW’s commitment to diversity by claiming the company ignored earlier Rainbow PUSH requests for information and participation in discussions.
      
       “Because diversity and inclusion are so important to the automotive industry, each year Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project hosts a symposium whose mission and programs include a multitude of topics on diversity,” wrote Jackson. “The symposium’s purpose is to facilitate substantive dialogue, open communication on diversity opportunities and to prevent this type of behavior recently demonstrated by BMW.
      
       "However, you have repeatedly declined to participate in these dialogues. This speaks to your lack of transparency of your business practices as they relate to diversity.”
      
       Jackson's letter comes on the heels of similar correspondence sent to BMW’s O’Donnell from the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) requesting a meeting to discuss “a corporate culture that condones discriminatory practices.”
      
       Both NABOB and Rainbow PUSH have questioned the role of BMW’s African-American ad agency of record, The Matlock Group, and whether it was using the expertise of the agency to avoid the exclusion of urban radio stations and other African-American media outlets in the placement of advertising.
      
       Thus far, both organizations say they are still awaiting a response from BMW executives.