Hulu Reverses Policy on Banning Political Ads After Backlash from Democrats

Disney on Wednesday told Axios (Center bias) that Hulu will now start accepting political advertisements after facing backlash from Democrats. 

The media company said that it conducted a "thorough review" of its policies and will now allow political ads on Hulu, which they have a 67% share in, that cover "a wide spectrum of policy positions." Disney also noted that they reserve the right to ask clients to alter the ads if they don't align with general industry standards. National Democratic organizations accused Disney of "censorship" after Hulu initially denied their ads on abortion and gun control rights. Disney officials told marketers that they won't accept alcohol or political advertising for the ad-supported tier of Disney+ that launches later this fall.

The Walt Disney Company faced controversy back in March when the company was initially reluctant to take a stand on Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill. After Disney openly opposed the law, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to dissolve a private government district controlled by the Walt Disney Company by June 2023.

Left-rated coverage accentuated voices that expressed "outrage" on Twitter and noted that Hulu has more "leeway" over which ads it can air since streaming services aren't beholden to the Communications Act of 1934, which requires broadcast TV networks to give equal time to politicians. Some right-rated outlets highlighted how conservatives have criticized Disney for its "not-at-all-secret gay agenda" placed in children’s programming, some of which "failed to strike a chord among consumers."