AKIPRESS.COM - BuzzFeed's decision this week to break off an advertising agreement with the Republican National Committee — because of Donald Trump, whom it likened to cigarettes — surprised news business executives for one reason. Well, actually, for 1.3 million reasons, WP reports.

That was the value, in dollars, of the deal BuzzFeed terminated, according to Politico. And who in the penny-pinching media world says no to $1.3 million?

"I can't imagine turning down that kind of money for any reason," said Jake Berube, senior advertising accounts executive at the Daily Caller, a conservative news website. "I'd literally name my first-born 'Bernie Clinton' for $1.3 million."

BuzzFeed chief executive Jonah Peretti said in an email to staff, "We don't need to and do not expect to agree with the positions or values of all our advertisers." But he also said Trump's impending nomination by the GOP prompted him to make an exception; the company could not, in good conscience, offer a platform for the business mogul to promote his campaign.

BuzzFeed's move appears to be without precedent in modern politics.

"I don't recall any recent political party or campaign being denied media ad buys, especially from one representing a major U.S. party," said Jeff Fleming, editor in chief of Editor & Publisher magazine.

Other media companies, including NBC, ESPN and Univision, previously severed business ties to Trump. But those decisions involved broadcasts of Trump-owned beauty pageants or golf tournaments at the real estate developer's courses; they did not involve his political advertising.

BuzzFeed's ban raises the bar for Trump objections in a way that implicitly suggests other outlets ought to consider making the same choice. And it's not just about accusations of Trump's racist statements, which were lent credence as recently as Tuesday by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.). In justifying the call, Peretti noted that Trump has "threatened to limit the free press" by vowing to weaken protections against libel suits — a change that would have sweeping implications for not only BuzzFeed but also the rest of the media.