CNN criticized for airing light-hearted ads next to footage of Russian invasion

CNN have been lambasted for showing light-hearted adverts alongside footage of Russia invading Ukraine.

CNN aired an Applebee’s ad, which ran side-by-side with the headline “Russia Invades Ukraine” and reactions were less than favourable from social media users.

American sports commentator Keith Olberman retweeted a video with the words “Death from the skies…sponsored by @applebees.” Editor Curtis Houck said something along similar lines. “The war in Ukraine….brought to you by Applebee’s!”

Research director Scott Whitlock tweeted in reaction to the televised mix-up, “Really CNN? There’s this thing called tone and tact. Look it up. Because your blending of commercials and all hell breaking out in Europe is not working.”

In response, Applebee’s suspended its ads on the network, telling Forbes.com it was “deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine.”

“When we were made aware that our ad was placed in this manner, we immediately reached out to CNN to pause our advertising on their network,” Applebee’s said in the statement. “It never should have aired, and we are disappointed in the actions of the network.”