Written by: Imani Yorker, Spring intern
Fox News host Laura Ingraham’s troubles persist. She continues to lose advertisers even after taking a forced “vacation” following her tweet attacking David Hogg, the Parkland Florida school massacre survivor who was an organizer of the recent march in Washington, DC. Hogg responded by taking to his Twitter platform to support his call for an advertiser boycott.
All organizations can learn from both Ingraham’s shoot-from-the-hip critique and the collateral damage it has caused her employer. Controversial commentary is a trademark that both Ingraham and Fox News wear proudly because it plays to their core audience. But personal and corporate brands need to remember that being edgy – especially on social media with its viral potential – can be a double-edged sword.
As an employee of a public-facing organization – especially for a celebrated personality like Ingraham — business considerations should be measured against personal views when posting on social media. Your presence affects more than just your personal brand.