PR Week (US) articles from December 2007

PR Week (US) archives from December 2007

Cable industry's outreach halts FCC bid for additional control.
December 3, 2007... WASHINGTON: Major outreach by cable industry representatives working with minority and other advocacy groups helped block a recent FCC bid to exert more regulatory control over the industry. The groups perceived the measure as a step toward 'a...

Campaign takes on union of XM, Sirius.
December 3, 2007... WASHINGTON: With rulings on the legality of the proposed XM-Sirius Satellite Radio merger reportedly imminent, opponents are amplifying efforts to block it. 'From day one, our strategy was to educate Congress, the FCC, and the general...

Restoration taps Sitrick.
December 3, 2007... CORTE MADERA, CA: Restoration Hardware has hired Sitrick and Company to handle media relations efforts for its potential acquisition by Sears or Catterton Partners, according to the agency. PR efforts will target traditional and new-media...

World AIDS Day effort unites advocacy groups.
December 3, 2007... New York: A number of AIDS-related advocacy groups sponsored events or launched new outreach in connection with the annual World AIDS Day, held December 1, hoping to raise awareness for their organizations and their longer-term objectives. ...

AAFP eyes an increased role in healthcare debate.
December 3, 2007... WASHINGTON: The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has begun a major branding campaign in an effort to position itself firmly in the ongoing debate on the future of the nation's healthcare system. In addition to a...

News brief: GolinHarris selected as AOR.
December 3, 2007... SHANGHAI, CHINA: Delta Air Lines has selected GolinHarris as its AOR for China. It will handle PR and media relationship counsel, as well as activities around its inaugural flight from Atlanta to Shanghai, scheduled for early next year, pending...

News brief: MKI selects Peppercom as AOR.
December 3, 2007... NEW YORK: Malibu-Kah-lua International (MKI), the company behind Kahlua coffee liqueur and Malibu flavored rums, among other beverages, has selected Peppercom as its AOR. The firm will handle the launch of an extensive communications campaign...

News brief: Sawchuk Brown adds to roster.
December 3, 2007... ALBANY, NY: Sawchuk Brown Associates has added Albany Pro Musica to its client roster. Among its assignments, the Albany-based firm will provide PR and marcomms services to further grow the 70-singer choral group's reputation as a vital part of...

News brief: Trylon SMR appointed.
December 3, 2007... NEW YORK: Countdown Entertainment has selected Trylon SMR on a project basis to handle PR for the New Year's Eve 2008 festivities coverage from Times Square. Countdown produces live and behind-the-scenes coverage of Times Square events,...

News brief: Vocus appointed.
December 3, 2007... LANHAM, MD: The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials Intl. has selected Vocus to manage its PR activities. It will use Vocus' on-demand software to organize and manage media relations, news monitoring, and communications...

News brief: Morris & King to provide book PR.
December 3, 2007... NEW YORK: Morris & King will provide PR for a new book by media studies scholar Jeffrey Scheuer called The Big Picture: Why Democracies Need Journalistic Excellence, published by Routledge Press

News brief: Marketwire collaboration.(Brief article)
December 3, 2007... TORONTO: Marketwire will now offer its clients the opportunity to promote their CSR initiatives through a collaboration with CSRwire Marketwire will distribute clients' CSR news through CSRwire PLUS, which reaches CSR-focused journalists in the...

News brief: Commonground Sports & Entertainment launched.
December 3, 2007... CHICAGO: Commonground Marketing has launched Commonground Sports & Entertainment, a full-service PR and marketing agency dedicated to handling PR planning and execution, media training, crisis management, corporate partnership facilitation,...

News brief: Corrections.(Correction notice)
December 3, 2007... In the November 19 PR Technique, 'Improving connections with Consumers,' we reported that 4,000 women attended the first Bunco World Championship in Las Vegas; it was actually 1,000. Also, the event was not created solely by Prilosec and Jack...

Keep America Beautiful taps Qorvis for initiative.
December 3, 2007... STAMFORD, CT: Keep America Beautiful (KAB), an environmental group founded by members of the beverage industry and famous for its 'Crying Indian' PSA of the 1970s, has hired Qorvis Communications to launch a new integrated communications...

Sealy appoints CKPR as AOR.
December 3, 2007... TRINITY, NC: Sealy has named CKPR as its AOR following a four-month competitive review. CKPR, the PR division of ad agency Cramer-Krasselt, was also named Sealy's advertising AOR. Margo Borgiorie, director of global marketing,...

'Scientific' broadens outreach.(Scientific American Inc.)(Brief article)
December 3, 2007... NEW YORK: To be more accessible to a general audience interested in science, Scientific American is reaching out to readers through a redesigned Web site and media relations efforts. SciAm.com, which launched November 15, now includes...

Launch Pad: T.J. Maxx has present in store for the busy holiday shopper.(TJX Companies Inc. T.J. Maxx)(Brief article)
December 3, 2007... Company: T.J. Maxx Campaign: Discover Your Inner Elf campaign PR team: Leary PR, Encore Nationwide Other marketing: Interactive Web site Launch: November 26 Budget: Undisclosed IDEA: On November 26, the retailer launched a media...

PR Play of the Week: Write makes wrong in the case of Daly.
December 3, 2007... Perhaps Carson Daly has not thought things through. He seems to have gotten the impression that America just can't go on any longer without new material from him to help us survive the difficult Hollywood writers' strike. You're wrong,...

P&G unveils 'My Black is Beautiful' campaign.
December 3, 2007... CINCINNATI: Proctor & Gamble has begun rolling out a number of tour initiatives to support its My Black is Beautiful campaign targeting African-American women. Scheduled to roll out in 2008 is the My Black is Beautiful Conversation Tour....

News Analysis: Staffer tell-alls demand quick response.
December 3, 2007... Communications efforts really begin whenever a disgruntled employee leaves the organization. Former White House press secretary Scott McClellan's memoir What Happened isn't due out until April, but recently released excerpts have confirmed...

Newsmaker: Cohen feeds growing need with Caring.com.
December 3, 2007... Connecting with an untapped audience is the ultimate form of marketing success. Such is the goal for Andy Cohen, cofounder and CEO of Caring.com. Among the nation's fastest-growing demographics, Baby Boomers caring for aging loved ones are...

Companies: Corporate Profile - USW reaches out to broaden influence.(United Steelworkers of America)(Company overview)
December 3, 2007... To boost membership, United Steelworkers is reaching out to sectors beyond its natural focus. Union organizing may not be as physically rough an endeavor now as it was in the 19th century. In 1892, for example, a clash in Homestead, PA,...

Companies: The Agency Business - Firms should encourage clients to plan ahead.
December 3, 2007... For client-agency relationships to thrive, planning ahead is key. 'Plans tell you what you're trying to accomplish, who you want to reach, what you want them to do, and how you'll know if it worked,' explains Dawn Wilcox, Allison &...

Editorial: Measurement enjoys big score on Cyber Monday.(Editorial)
December 3, 2007... In September 2005, members of the National Retail Foundation (NRF) met to discuss the importance of retail stores reporting a boost in online shopping on the Monday following Thanksgiving. In fact, 77% of online retailers were reporting a sales...

Opinion: Op-Ed - Make search engines work for you.
December 3, 2007... The velocity of adoption - by consumers - of search engine technology poses complex challenges for both the media and PR industries. But neither seems ready to deal with them. The dramatic shift in the way that information is created,...

Opinion: '40 Under 40' bodes well for the present and future of PR.
December 3, 2007... For all of the industry fretting about talent - and the absence of the necessary amount of PR pros in the five-to-eight year experience range to fill ranks - compiling our inaugural 40 Under 40 list (beginning on p. 13) was difficult only in...

Opinion: Comms becomes more vital during uncertain fiscal times.
December 3, 2007... Each year, a handful of companies that believe the market has not fairly valued their stock decide that the time is right to 'explore strategic options,' often a euphemism for putting the company up for sale. It's obviously a difficult...

Opinion: Fact File - FTC to review guides curbing false green marketing claims.(United States. Federal Trade Commission)
December 3, 2007... In the news The Washington Post recently reported that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is accelerating its review of outdated 'green' marketing guidelines. These guidelines were last updated in 1998, though the FTC regularly reviews all...

Media: Analysis - 'Best of' lists endure despite Web focus.
December 3, 2007... The top reason for readers to beware this December: The season of lists is upon us. Birdwatching magazines do it. Beekeeping magazines do it. Even, yes, PRWeek does it. As the end of the year approaches, magazines of all stripes spew forth...

Media: Journalist Q&A - Richard Huff, New York Daily News.
December 3, 2007... Name: Richard Huff Outlet: New York Daily News Title: TV editor/columnist Preferred contact method: RHuff@nydailynews.com Web site: www.nydailynews.com He recently spoke to PRWeek about the challenges of covering the TV industry...

Media: Research - Face of the new marketer.
December 3, 2007... Conducted by: Coremetrics Sample: 116 marketing professionals Goal: To understand the value of Web 2.0/social media marketing efforts KEY FINDINGS: 78% of respondents see social media marketing as a strong way to gain a...

Media Roundup: Employee publications get online boost.
December 3, 2007... Employee-targeted internal magazines and newsletters are undergoing some of the biggest under-the-radar changes of anything in the media. Thanks to the arrival of new technologies, the monthly company newsletter or quarterly magazine is now...

Media: Critical Hit - Allot works education angle in US.(Allot Communications Inc.)(Interview)
December 3, 2007... - What are your client's media goals? Kristina LeBlanc: Allot Communications is a leader in DPI (deep packet inspection) technology, which inspects enterprise and service provider networks to enable a better understanding of user and...

Media Ups and Downs.
December 3, 2007... - The US government announces plans to finally try AP photographer Bilal Hussein in Iraqi court after more than 18 months of detention without a specific charge - Facebook and ABC News form a union to enhance coverage of the ongoing...

Media: Inside Information - Nonprofits cultivate creative new ways to raise funds.
December 3, 2007... In a world inundated with new technologies and greater enthusiasm for community involvement, nonprofits have new, innovative options for fundraising. Grassroots Enterprise, a communications firm specializing in building grassroots support,...

40 Under 40: The next generation.
December 3, 2007... Talent has always been at the heart of the PR industry. Certain individuals can help attract new clients, grow existing business, and inspire colleagues. Such abilities are crucial as the industry competes with other marketing disciplines....

Feature: Counting every drop.
December 3, 2007... Coca-Cola has implemented a unique internal communications program to help employees all around the globe gain a better understanding of their impact on the business. When Tom Mattia joined Coca-Cola as SVP and director of worldwide public...

Market Focus: Comms essential to Web startups.
December 3, 2007... A strong PR strategy is important for all organizations that are part of the Web 2.0 movement, especially as some tech insiders speak about a downturn. Aarti Shah reports. Though venture capital money is still pumping through Silicon...

PR Technique: Making sure everyone gets the news.
December 3, 2007... When announcing senior-level departures, various audiences must be considered. Perhaps nothing invites speculation about an organization - both within and without - quite like the departure of a senior executive. Why is this individual...

Campaign: Now & Zen shows good timing.
December 3, 2007... Now & Zen PR Team: Now & Zen (Boulder, CO), Newman Communications (Boston) Campaign: Zen Alarm Clock Duration: November 2006 through November 2007 Budget: dollars 45,000 This was the scenario facing Now & Zen, a company founded in...

Campaign: Dodge scores with March Madness-inspired contest.(Chrysler L.L.C.)(Brief article)
December 3, 2007... Chrysler PR Team: Chrysler Group (Detroit), ClearBlue Communications (Chicago) Campaign: Dribble for a Dodge Duration: February-March 2007 Budget: dollars 485,605 They decided to leverage the popularity and already-present news...

Campaign: Vitamin's employee bonus calls for media's attention.
December 3, 2007... Vitamin PR Team: Vitamin (Baltimore) Campaign: iPhone Mania Duration: July-November 2007 Budget: dollars 3,000 with dollars 500 rebates from Apple In an effort to recognize his staff for a job well done in the first two quarters of...

PR Toolbox: PR during the holiday season, timing your PSAs well, more.
December 3, 2007... Holiday promotions How do I promote my new product or promotion this holiday season without sounding advertorial? When pitching a product or promotion, the thing to remember is that 'new' isn't always news. Companies offering 'limited...

Careers: Expert Advice - Talia Robinson, VP, PR Talent.
December 3, 2007... Q: My agency is struggling to attract mid-level talent. How do we get out in front of this elusive group? A: Mid-level PR pros often look for a change in company culture, clients, career path, or work-life balance. Firms need to address...

Careers: People Moves - Fifteen Minutes.(Bill Harrison)(Brief article)
December 3, 2007... LOS ANGELES: Fifteen Minutes has promoted Bill Harrison to president and COO. Howard Bragman, who founded the firm in 2005, will assume the title of chairman and CEO. In his new role, Harrison will continue to head the firm's corporate...

Careers: People Moves - Mylan.
December 3, 2007... PITTSBURGH: Mylan has named Steve Zylstra VP, global corporate communications and PR. He will oversee all internal and external communications and provide PR counsel to members of Mylan's global senior management team. He was previously CEO of...

Careers: People Moves - APCO Worldwide.
December 3, 2007... WASHINGTON: Dr. Linda Distlerath, previously VP of global health policy and health policy in Asia-Pacific for Merck & Co., has been named SVP at APCO Worldwide. Distlerath specializes in HIV/AIDS vaccine policy issues and collaboration with...

Careers: People Moves - Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA).
December 3, 2007... WASHINGTON: Daphne Magnuson has joined the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) as VP of public affairs. Magnuson most recently was senior director of communications at the American Gas Association

Careers: People Moves - 3dswym.
December 3, 2007... PARIS: Publicis Groupe has announced that Monica Menghini is the new CEO of 3dswym. Previously, Menghini was GM, EMEA of Saatchi & Saatchi X, the agency's shopper marketing network. Launched this past June, 3dswym is a strategic partnership...

Careers: People Moves - Sitrick and Company's.
December 3, 2007... SAN FRANCISCO: Lance Ignon will head Sitrick and Company's newly opened office in San Francisco. This is Ignon's second stint at the firm. He was VP and co-head of IR from 1994-1995. The new office will include all of the agency's practice...

Careers: People Moves - FD Dittus.(appointments of Casey Clark, Tracey Mills, Stephanie Hendricks, Lyn Stout)(Brief article)
December 3, 2007... WASHINGTON: FD Dittus has announced seven hires. Katie Prendergast, formerly at Burson-Marsteller, has been named VP with the health, food, and nutrition practice. Joining the public affairs practice are VP Laurie Rossbach, director Lee Hudson,...

Careers: People Moves - ASI Communications.
December 3, 2007... MINNEAPOLIS: ASI Communications has announced three major hires, among them, Dawn Lindgren, who will join the agency as PR director

Careers: People Moves - Alaska Air Group.
December 3, 2007... SEATTLE: Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, has named Ginny Carruthers director of government affairs. In her new role, she will lead federal affairs activities from the company's DC office. A 20-year...

Will Imus change his tune?
December 3, 2007... Controversial radio jock Don Imus was expected to return to the air today on ABC Radio and RFD-TV. Insiders tell the press that Imus will feature more minorities on his show now, but they also say he is mad at those he perceives as having...

Dell chooses WPP for dollars 4.5bn integrated task.
December 10, 2007... ROUND ROCK, TX: Dell's recent selection of WPP to help create one agency, named Da Vinci, to handle all of the company's marketing communications has revitalized discussions about agency integration and the marketing talent pool. The...

Yahoo to align consumer PR.
December 10, 2007... SUNNYVALE, CA: Yahoo is reviewing firms in an effort to consolidate consumer PR for its network division. Jennifer Stephens, Yahoo's VP of corporate communications, said the firm would eliminate multiple agencies and put one firm in charge...

AstraZeneca to tap firm for respiratory franchise.
December 10, 2007... NEW YORK: AstraZeneca is in the last stages of an agency search for its respiratory franchise. The pharma giant heard pitches last week from multiple firms. Michele Meeker, associate director of respiratory corporate affairs, confirmed the...

Home Depot launches social-media initiative.
December 10, 2007... ATLANTA: The Home Depot has unveiled its first-ever social media campaign to drive gift card sales during the holidays. As part of The Home Depot dollars 25,000 Holiday Gift Card Contest, consumers can submit video entries, at...

AP alters editing process to boost content delivery.(Associated Press )(Brief article)
December 10, 2007... NEW YORK: The Associated Press is revising the way it edits and distributes stories in a transition designed to tailor its structure to the faster-paced 21st century media world. The package of changes, being dubbed as 'AP2.0,' centers...

PAN Communications to run Cuppy's Coffee PR.
December 10, 2007... ANDOVER, MA: Cuppy's Coffee, Smoothies & More has selected PAN Communications to run a PR effort touting its beverages, franchise opportunities, personnel benefits, and executive leadership. PAN will work to introduce consumers to Cuppy's while...

Bateman Group AOR for Panda Security.
December 10, 2007... SAN FRANCISCO: Panda Security has tapped the Bateman Group as AOR for North America, following a competitive review. The firm will provide strategic communications counsel; international PR program management; positioning and message...

Delta 7 Sports taps Soar Communications.
December 10, 2007... DRAPER, UT: Delta 7 Sports, a division of Advanced Composite Solutions, has tapped Soar Communications to run media relations efforts for an initial 90-day product launch. As part of the agreement, Soar will develop the 90-day campaign for the...

IDC selects Getenberg Communications.
December 10, 2007... NEW YORK: IDC, a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events, has selected Gutenberg Communications to promote the 2008 IDC IT Forum & Expo, which is set to take place June 4-5 in Boston

CKPR AOR for Colorlab Cosmetics.
December 10, 2007... CHICAGO: Colorlab Cosmetics has chosen CKPR as its AOR. The firm will help build brand awareness as Colorlab expands its retail operation. The company recently opened its first retail counter at the flagship Macy's in Chicago as well as its...

Ogilvy Public Relations AOR for Savvis.
December 10, 2007... WASHINGTON: Savvis has selected Ogilvy Public Relations as its AOR in the US. Ogilvy will develop communications strategies to promote Savvis' leadership in IT infrastructure services. The agency will also provide the company with brand...

Arketi Group AOR for Bsocial Networks.
December 10, 2007... ATLANTA: Bsocial Networks, a provider of business-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer software for social networks, has selected Arketi Group as its AOR. Arketi will provide strategic PR counsel to establish bSocial Networks as a thought...

Kap-low, consumer AOR for Burlington Coat Factory.
December 10, 2007... NEW YORK: Burlington Coat Factory has hired Kap-low as its consumer AOR. The agency will be responsible for enhancing the brand profile and driving awareness around the apparel and children's wear offerings

Tilson Communications AOR for Bookit.com.
December 10, 2007... BOCA RATON, FL: Bookit.com, a national online travel company, has selected Tilson Communications as its AOR. Tilson will be responsible for handling strategic planning, as well as community and media relations nationwide

Pacific Media Partners to handle PR for Dr Dave's Best.
December 10, 2007... FLEETWOOD, PA: Dr. Dave's Best, a producer of all-natural supplements, has tapped Pacific Media Partners to handle PR and marketing. The firm will help launch Dr. Dave's Best's new Web site, among other projects

EBM Consultancy selects Lewis PR.
December 10, 2007... BOSTON: EMB Consultancy has selected Lewis PR for an international brief, following a three-way pitch against other international IT PR agencies. Lewis will lead EMB's global PR campaign in support of the company's international growth strategy...

PCAP shifts coverage into the political arena.(Brief article)
December 10, 2007... DENVER: A bipartisan group of scientists and former politicians has launched extensive outreach touting a full 'climate action plan' for the next US president to implement in his or her first 100 days in office. LA-based Fraser...

Burson releases WOM study.(word-of-mouth )(Survey)(Brief article)
December 10, 2007... NEW YORK: A recent study of word-of-mouth (WOM) activities among African Americans shows that while they use the Internet for business, they oftentimes rely on offline communications for social networking. The African American-fluentials...

Air New Zealand hires CRT.
December 10, 2007... EL SEGUNDO, CA: Air New Zealand has named CRT/tanaka AOR for North America, replacing incumbent Cohn & Wolfe. Work will include strategic and event planning, media relations, sponsorships, and word-of-mouth marketing promoting the airline's...

Launch Pad: Direct Energy helps consumers save green this holiday season.
December 10, 2007... OBJECTIVE: Direct Energy, an energy-related service provider, is trying to emphasize to people that in order to lower their energy bills, they must look at not only the price they pay for energy, but how they use it. The company sought to...

PR Play of the Week: Spirit denies an innuendo behind offer.
December 10, 2007... Admit it. When the weather's cold outside and you're home alone, you've had a few daydreams about MILFs. Imagining a MILF's warm embrace, your worries drift away, and your mind falls into the realm of pure pleasure. You whisper softly to...

Charmin brings back NYC public restrooms.(Brief article)
December 10, 2007... NEW YORK: Charmin is once again offering public restrooms in Times Square, this time in an effort to introduce two new brands. This year, the company is stocking the temporary restrooms with Charmin Ultra Strong and Charmin Ultra Soft and...

News Analysis: Health PR must adapt to shifting target.
December 10, 2007... Now that obesity rates have stalled, healthcare comms pros need to use new outreach tactics. Here in America, obesity-related communications work is big business. That's because obesity itself is a big problem. Since 1980, obesity rates...

Newsmaker: Carr helps broaden Hallmark Channel's view.
December 10, 2007... Two Major announcements were keeping Nancy Carr, SVP of corporate communications for the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, very busy of late. The Hallmark Channel just acquired three programs - I Love Lucy, Cheers, and 7th Heaven -...

Companies: Corporate Profile - Cbeyond heightens its community role.(Cbeyond Communications)(Company overview)
December 10, 2007... Company's volunteer and networking initiative benefits both employees and the community. VOIP technology and community activism may not always go hand-in-hand. But for alternative telephone and data-service provider Cbeyond, they're equal...

Companies: The Agency Business - Staff motivation presents a holiday challenge.
December 10, 2007... Time off, a dip in activity, and end-of-the-year bonuses are what come to mind for most employees in December. However, figuring out ways to keep staffers motivated becomes the focal point of management throughout the holiday season. ...

Opinion: Industry should learn from Dell's latest move.(Brief article)
December 10, 2007... Before last week, it was entirely possible that Dell would scrap its quest to combine all of its marketing disciplines under one holding company-created agency if it found the revolutionary idea untenable After all, the marketing communications...

Op-Ed: Word-of-mouth, PR are a good fit.
December 10, 2007... A recent PQ Media study reports spending on word-of-mouth marketing in 2006 was nearly dollars 1 billion, up from dollars 76 million in 2001, and is expected to grow to approximately dollars 3.7 billion by 2011. The findings validate...

Op-Ed: Millennials dispel spoiled reputation.(Generation X)(Personal account)
December 10, 2007... At nearly every gathering of pros in my age group (let's just say 40-somethings), I hear the same lament, 'What about the younger staff? They just don't work like we did, do they? Such an attitude of .. entitlement.' I'll admit my first...