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The Federal Trade Commission is considering restrictions on Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC) and Interpublic Group that would prevent the combined advertising giant from refusing to place ads on platforms for political reasons, according to reports from the New York Times (NYSE:NYT) and Reuters, sources familiar with the matter. The proposed conditions are part of the agency’s ongoing review of the merger between two of the world’s largest advertising agencies.
The potential restrictions would come in the form of a consent decree that would prohibit the merged company from boycotting platforms based on their political content when placing client advertisements. The conditions are being discussed as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to address what it considers political bias against conservative voices in corporate America.
The merger review discussions between the FTC and the advertising companies remain ongoing, with terms not yet finalized and subject to change. Sources requested anonymity because the negotiations are confidential.
The proposed consent decree represents an unusual regulatory approach in merger reviews. If implemented, it would specifically target the combined company’s ability to make advertising placement decisions based on political considerations.
The Trump administration is reportedly using federal agencies, including the FTC, to examine perceived political bias in corporate practices. The potential restrictions on the Omnicom-Interpublic merger would align with this broader initiative to prevent what the administration views as discrimination against conservative content.
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