GM is latest sponsor to pull ads from 'John and Ken' show

General Motors on Wednesday became the latest company to pull ads from KFI’s "John and Ken" show in support of a boycott pressed by Latino and immigrant-rights activists who say the popular radio show promotes hate speech.

The National Hispanic Media Coalition launched the boycott after the KFI-AM (640) radio hosts read on the air the mobile and office phone numbers of a local immigrant rights activist, who reported receiving hundreds of hate-filled phone calls as a result.

After a number of messages posted on Twitter called on GM to stop "sponsoring hate speech," the car maker said the ads, bought by a local dealer, were being pulled.

"Hey we are listening and we asked the local dealer group that bought the ad time to cancel it. They are doing it ASAP," a GM representative wrote in a message to one of the protesting Twitter users.

The Latino media watchdog received word directly from GM confirming that the ads were being pulled, said spokeswoman Rosalia Tenorio. The car maker's decision was first reported by LA Weekly.

AT&T Wireless, Verizon, Home Depot, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Vons and Ralphs also have committed to drop ads from the show or to refrain from buying them, said Inez Gonzalez, executive vice president for the coalition.

A phone call seeking comment from KFI's management was not immediately returned.

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— Paloma Esquivel

Photo: Conservative talk radio duo Ken Chiampou, left, and John Kobylt, of the "John and Ken Show" on KFI- (640) talk during a live show in Fullerton earlier this month. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times