Producers of the biopic "Reagan" are alleging that Google’s YouTube is engaging in digital gatekeeping, flagging promotional ads for podcast episodes related to the film, which is set for a director’s cut re-release on September 25. Mark Joseph, the film's producer, told Fox News Digital that ads for his podcast series, "Making Reagan," featuring interviews with individuals associated with the film, have been flagged under YouTube's advertising policies.
According to Joseph, ads promoting episodes featuring individuals like rock musician Gene Simmons and actress Kathie Lee Gifford were flagged. Simmons’ episode was reportedly labeled as containing "shocking content" and "advertisement for elections," despite the conversation focusing on family and appreciation for America. Gifford, who co-wrote a tribute song for the film, also had promotional material flagged.
One of the most contentious instances involved an episode featuring an interview with John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Reagan in 1981. Ads for this interview were also blocked, with YouTube citing "election advertising." Joseph described this as "equally crazy," emphasizing that the interview was informational and news-oriented.
When such ads are flagged, Joseph stated that YouTube does not offer an appeal process, only the option to boost a different episode. YouTube, in response to inquiries, stated that ads featuring Simmons were removed for profanity, though they acknowledged the ad did not violate U.S. Election Ads policy but could not be approved due to the profanity. The platform noted that the creator's organic videos comply with community guidelines.
YouTube further explained its U.S. Election Ads policy, which requires advertisers to be certified to run ads referencing current candidates or officeholders. The platform indicated that while some of the advertised episodes were out of scope for this policy, others were within scope. The platform stated it had reached out to the creator to clarify policies and offered the opportunity to adjust content for future promotion.
The "Reagan" film, which stars Dennis Quaid as the 40th president, has faced various obstacles since its initial release in August 2024. Production began in 2020, and the filmmakers encountered challenges even before the film's debut. Facebook previously restricted efforts to boost posts and advertisements for the movie, citing automated systems and policies governing content related to politicians before an election. Although the film is about Reagan, Facebook stated its automated systems mistakenly flagged content about "Reagan" under social-issues and elections rules.
Joseph drew parallels between the YouTube and Facebook issues, asserting that both platforms used vague reasoning about electioneering. He maintains that the "Making Reagan" podcast episodes are ordinary conversations with individuals involved with the film and do not constitute election advocacy.
Beyond advertising and promotion hurdles, the film's production was also impacted by a month-long shutdown in Guthrie, Oklahoma, due to COVID-19. Additionally, Guinness World Records declined to certify a claim by the filmmakers regarding the movie's Rotten Tomatoes score gap between critics and audiences.
The director's cut of "Reagan" is set to return to approximately 600 theaters on September 25, featuring an additional 10 minutes of footage. The film chronicles Reagan's life from his childhood in Illinois through his acting career, governorship of California, and eventual presidency.