Starbucks to Pause Paid Ads Across Social Media

FILE PHOTO: A waitress prepares a beverage at a branch of Starbucks coffee in Tokyo, Japan, August 13, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A waitress prepares a beverage at a branch of Starbucks coffee in Tokyo, Japan, August 13, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
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Starbucks to Pause Paid Ads Across Social Media

FILE PHOTO: A waitress prepares a beverage at a branch of Starbucks coffee in Tokyo, Japan, August 13, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A waitress prepares a beverage at a branch of Starbucks coffee in Tokyo, Japan, August 13, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

Starbucks Corp will pause advertising on all social media platforms as it explores the best ways to help stop the spread of hate speech, the company said in a statement on Sunday.

The company will "have discussions internally and with media partners and civil rights organizations to stop the spread of hate speech," the statement said.

A CNBC report on Sunday added that this social media pause by Starbucks will not include YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet Inc's Google. It will continue to post on social media without paid promotion.

It also said that though Starbucks is pausing advertising, it is not joining the "Stop Hate For Profit" boycott campaign, which kicked off earlier this month.

More than 160 companies, including Verizon Communications and Unilever Plc, signed on to stop buying ads on Facebook Inc, the world's largest social media platform.



Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In a landmark global achievement, Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was named the “Most Influential Personality of the Decade” during the MENA Effie Awards ceremony.

Theprestigious honor recognizes his transformative contributions to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and his pivotal role in its development and international prominence.

The MENA Effie Awards, renowned for celebrating impact and creativity across the Middle East and North Africa, distinguishes individuals whose efforts have delivered exceptional and lasting contributions over the past decade.

Alalshikh’s recognition underscores his status as one of the most influential figures in global entertainment and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing impact on the international cultural and entertainment landscape.

Under his leadership, the General Entertainment Authority has played a key role in enhancing the quality of life in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. His efforts have established a world-class entertainment ecosystem, bolstering the national economy and fostering sustainable development.

Since the launch of Riyadh Season 2024 in October, spearheaded by Alalshikh, the event has attracted unprecedented global attention. In less than a month, approximately 6 million visitors attended, showcasing the event’s extraordinary appeal to both local and international audiences.

The season features thousands of events, ranging from concerts and art exhibitions to theater performances and family-friendly activities. Riyadh Season 2024 includes five main zones—Boulevard World, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, The Venue, and Al-Suwaidi Park—each offering a distinctive and immersive experience.

During its opening week, the season set a record with 2 million visitors, highlighting the public’s enthusiasm for this eagerly awaited event.