UCare pulls ads from KSTP after #pointergate story
The health insurance company UCare has pulled its advertising from KSTP-TV because of news report that has been dubbed "#pointergate" on social media.
The Twin Cities ABC affiliate aired a report more than a week ago suggesting that Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges flashed a gang sign in a photo with a young black man.
UCare marketing director Dan Ness said the company canceled its contract with the station through the end of the year.
"It would feel wrong to continue advertising with an organization that broadcast something that truly offended, we felt, many of our members, our coworkers, business partners, friends and family members," Ness said.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Ness said UCare hasn't ruled out returning to Channel 5 in the future.
Station owner Stanley Hubbard called UCare's decision "unbelievable."
More on #pointergate
• Hubbard: Don't blame KSTP, blame the police
• Hodges: Racism, police union conflict at heart of #pointergate
• Explaining #pointergate: The missing context
• Jon Stewart mocks #pointergate