PR Week (US) articles from December 2008

PR Week (US) archives from December 2008

Groups target incoming Obama administration.(Barack Obama)
December 1, 2008... WASHINGTON: While President-elect Barack Obama's team transitions to the White House, a number of groups are using the interim to build campaigns directed at the new administration and Congress. One effort aiming to give Obama's millions of...

Brazil taps CDN, Fleishman for dollars 8m worldwide account.(Brazil. Department of Social Communication)(Fleishman-Hillard)(CDN Comunicacao)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... BRASILIA, BRAZIL: Brazil's Department of Social Communication (SECOM) awarded CDN Comunicacao and partner Fleishman-Hillard an approximately dollars 8 million, one-year contract to promote Brazil as a financially stable, attractive location for...

Samsung considers firms to lead global electronics unit.
December 1, 2008... SEOUL, South Korea: Samsung is reviewing agencies to lead its global electronics division, according to several industry sources. The task involves working with the company's Korean corporate headquarters. The selected agency would also support...

World AIDS Day efforts utilize youth, new media.
December 1, 2008... WASHINGTON: A number of organizations are executing campaigns to keep HIV prevention in focus for World AIDS Day on December 1. MTV, the Global AIDS Alliance, and AIDS.gov are three organizations developing PR for the campaigns, ranging from...

Rubbermaid hires Ketchum for tech global business unit.
December 1, 2008... ATLANTA: Newell Rubbermaid consolidated PR for its technology global business unit with Ketchum following a competitive review. The unit is moving from 'a large number of disparate agencies around the world... to a single agency of record...

News briefs: Symantec reviews agencies for its consumer AOR.
December 1, 2008... CUPERTINO, CA: Symantec, the maker of Norton AntiVirus software, is reviewing agencies for its consumer AOR. Lorraine Hamby, director of consumer PR at Symantec, said the company plans to expand its efforts in social media and interactive...

News briefs: Global strategy firm Abrams Research open.
December 1, 2008... NEW YORK: Former MSNBC GM and host Dan Abrams opened global strategy firm Abrams Research on November 19 to 'help companies make smarter decisions about marketing and communication,' according to a statement. Abrams Research has established...

News briefs: Grain Foods Foundation retains Mullen PR as its AOR.
December 1, 2008... WENHAM, MA: The Grain Foods Foundation (GFF), a joint venture of members of the milling and baking industries, retained Mullen PR as its AOR, following a competitive review. The agency has been AOR for the group since 2003, but GFF conducted a...

News briefs: Humana launches viral healthcare education campaign.(Website overview)
December 1, 2008... LOUISVILLE, KY: Humana recently launched a viral healthcare education campaign called 'Stay Smart, Stay Healthy.' The health insurer created 10 videos that are being uploaded to a new Web site and YouTube channel. Video topics include the...

News briefs: Study reveals 68% consumers would stay loyal to brand that supports good cause.
December 1, 2008... NEW YORK: In its second annual goodpurpose study, Edelman found that 68% of consumers believe they would stay loyal to a brand that supports a good cause, even during a recession. But 63% of consumers say companies spend too much money for...

News briefs: Arment Diet-rich adds three new clients.(Little Lady Foods Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... CHICAGO: Arment Diet-rich recently added three new clients, including specialty frozen food manufacturer Little Lady Foods, which it will help with internal communications, employee relations, and leadership development. ...

News briefs: Correction.(Correction notice)
December 1, 2008... In the November 24 issue's Newsmaker, a CJP client is listed as GE Financial Corporate Services. It should have read GE Capital. We regret the error. -------------------- Did you find this article useful? Why not subscribe to the...

Chevron taps Ogilvy PR for downstream business.
December 1, 2008... SAN RAMON, CA: Chevron recently selected Ogilvy PR Worldwide to support its downstream business and marketing communications. The oil company's downstream business includes refining, manufacturing, supply, trading, transportation, and...

Novell selects PAN as its AOR.
December 1, 2008... BOSTON: Software company Novell chose PAN Communications as North American AOR after a competitive review. The firm was awarded a six-figure deal, said Ian Bruce, Novell's global PR director. Novell recently shifted its branding strategy....

Global Fund ups media work.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... GENEVA: The Global Fund, a global financing agency that provides grants to fight malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS, selected MS&L Worldwide for media relations work after a competitive review. 'The scope... has grown quite considerably in...

Launch Pad: AOL supports St. Jude Hospital with 'Thanks & Giving' Web site.
December 1, 2008... Company: AOL Campaign: Nice One! PR Team: AOL Launch: November 24 Budget: Less than dollars 10,000 Idea: Nice One will act as a hub for the company's efforts for St. Jude. The site will also link to other AOL channels with related...

News Analysis: Big Three can learn from comms mistakes.
December 1, 2008... The automakers have been given another shot to show how the bailout will help Main Street. Congress' recent order that Detroit's Big Three automakers - GM, Chrysler, and Ford - better explain how government funds would be spent is also an...

Newsmaker: Shapiro brings an openness to Mozilla's outreach.
December 1, 2008... Mozilla chose Melissa Shapiro as its first full-time PR pro about a year and half ago, when it was about a week into an RFP for a new US AOR. Most recently, she helped the company set a Guinness World Record in June for the most downloads in a...

Companies: Corporate profile - Thrillist takes relationships to new heights.(Company overview)
December 1, 2008... A redesigned look and offline events are two factors helping the Web site bolster its brand. A man who opts to take his meat home can 'gnash a dripping pig haunch in the comfort of his cavernous junior one bedroom.' So noted the e-mail...

Companies: The Agency Business - Online efforts seek greater audience engagement.
December 1, 2008... To define and measure success for their clients with online programs, firms must now show ROI that exceeds impressions and demonstrates engagement with target audiences. Clients want to find out how a campaign influenced a targeted...

Editorial: Automaker execs' jet ride sends the wrong message.(Editorial)
December 1, 2008... Automakers made one of their worst PR blunders when the Big Three's top executives arrived - separately - in Washington by private jet to ask for money. Although public sentiment might be shifting in support of government help for the American...

Opinion: OP-ED - DC has assumed financial 'command'.(Viewpoint essay)
December 1, 2008... No two US cities have had a greater impact on each other, the country, and the world as New York City and Washington, DC. They are each largely industry towns - the centers of economic and geopolitical power and influence, respectively. ...

Opinion: Next Conference underscores continuing evolution of content.
December 1, 2008... Change was a prevailing theme at PRWeek's NEXT Conference, which was held on November 19 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Speakers like Robert Thomson, managing editor of The Wall Street Journal, to Robert Nolan, managing partner of...

Opinion: The Internet has taken student activism to an even higher level.(Viewpoint essay)
December 1, 2008... It has been more than 40 years since a group of Columbia University students staged a sit-in at the office of the president, Grayson Kirk, to protest (among other things) the school's affiliation with a consortium that did military research for...

Opinion: Factfile - Obama victory spurs Illinois' campaign to win over tourists.(Barack Obama)(Viewpoint essay)
December 1, 2008... In the news The Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBT) launched a new Barack Obama component to its ongoing 'Presidential Trails' campaign following his election. The effort had highlighted a link to past presidents that had made their homes in...

Media: Analysis - CNN leverages its nonpartisan coverage.
December 1, 2008... Prior to the presidential election, viewers turned to cable news in record numbers, watching Keith Olbermann, Bill O'Reilly, and others deliberate the candidates, debates, and polls. Yet, now that the election is over, CNN says that it is...

Media: Journalist Q&A.
December 1, 2008... Name: Katie Connolly Title: Political correspondent Outlet: Newsweek Preferred contact method: Katie.Connolly@newsweek.com Web site: www.newsweek.com PRWeek: Was it challenging to have to sit on the story you had until the election...

Media: Research - Perspective on media outlets.(Survey)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... CONDUCTED BY: Erdos & Morgan Sample: 1,486 completed surveys (May-June 2008) Goal: To determine how viewers perceive media outlets KEY FINDINGS 69.8% believe that PBS' 'Now' is a 'credible' program 60.6% say that NBC's 'Meet...

Media Roundup: Consumer advocacy grows in Web space.
December 1, 2008... Although newsroom cutbacks have eliminated many dedicated consumer beats, consumer advocacy media might be stronger than ever, thanks to the rise of online reviews and ratings from journalists and the general population. 'The consumer...

Media: Pitching ... consumer advocacy.
December 1, 2008... - Piggyback on breaking news - everything from oil prices and soaring healthcare costs to the mortgage meltdown will have major consumer advocacy angles - Use more than statistics. Consumer advocacy needs a human face, so line up a...

Media: Critical hit - 'Collaboration Now' boosts copper.
December 1, 2008... Who is your client? What are its media goals? Geralyn Lederman: The Copper Development Association (CDA) represents copper producers and fabricators in the US. (Its) goal is to raise awareness for the many uses of copper, but with this...

Media: Media ups and downs.
December 1, 2008... - Arizona State University invests heavily in its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, especially focusing in digital reporting - A site visit to the set of Meet the Press fetches dollars 1,500 for a charity auction...

Media: Inside Information - Pro-bono work raises morale and spirits of employees.
December 1, 2008... When an agency or internal PR department at a corporation conducts a pro-bono effort for a charity or a cause campaign for a feel-good organization, it can be more than just good business for a firm. Such beneficial campaigns also boost morale...

Feature: The world of entertainment.
December 1, 2008... MTV Networks relies on a global team of communicators to help extend the brand's message and mission. The brand-name events of MTV Networks are known for their spontaneity and ability to create water-cooler moments for viewers. Yet the...

Market Focus: Healthcare - Prescription for a new dialogue.
December 1, 2008... This year, PRWeek will visit eight cities where an industry close to that respective region will be discussed. For each event, leading PR pros from a variety of firms, companies, and other organizations will gather in a roundtable discussion...

PR Technique: Relieving the distress of senior-level exits.
December 1, 2008... High-level departures require careful outreach to a variety of audiences, finds Craig McGuire. Nothing can be more toxic for a company than the sudden exit of a senior executive. But effective PR can help head off the panic. First...

Campaigns: Osram brightens up Twist's sales.
December 1, 2008... OSRAM SYLVANIA PR TEAM: Osram Sylvania (Danvers, MA) and Weber Shandwick (New York) CAMPAIGN: All Green Hands on Deck! DURATION: October 2007-April 2008 BUDGET: dollars 250,000 When it came time for lighting supplier Osram Sylvania...

Campaigns: Foundation reveals George Washington's first house.
December 1, 2008... GW FOUNDATION PR TEAM: The George Washington Foundation (Fredericksburg, VA) and CRT/Tanaka (Richmond, VA) CAMPAIGN: Discovering George Washington's Childhood Home DURATION: June 21-22, 2008 BUDGET: dollars 35,000 'School children...

Campaigns: Wal-Mart, Alliance to Save Energy tout driving smarter.
December 1, 2008... ALLIANCE TO SAVE ENERGY PR TEAM: Alliance to Save Energy (Washington) and Wal-Mart Foundation (Bentonville, AK) CAMPAIGN: Drive Smarter Challenge DURATION: May 2008-ongoing BUDGET: dollars 1 million The team notes that with the...

PR Toolbox: Building creative pitches, message points, and more.
December 1, 2008... Media outreach How do I create a subject line that will get the attention of reporters? In today's PR 2.0 world of media relations, an attention-grabbing e-pitch subject line is critical. 'Those few words have to leap off the...

Careers: Expert advice - Steve Seeman, VP, Makovsky & Company.
December 1, 2008... What should I look for when I'm interviewing prospective entry-level/junior employees? A: There are tangibles and intangibles to consider when interviewing candidates at any level. Does the candidate write clearly and with authority? Does...

Careers: People moves - The Whitehouse.(appointments of )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... WASHINGTON: President-elect Barack Obama named Ellen Moran as White House director of communications and Dan Pfeiffer as deputy director of communications. Obama also officially named Robert Gibbs as press secretary, as previously reported in...

Careers: People moves - Brunswick Group.(appointment of Susan Stillings)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... NEW YORK: Susan Stillings has joined Brunswick Group as partner Stillings, who recently left her post as EVP and global MD of Edelman's financial communications practice, will work out of the New York office She will handle financial and...

Careers: People moves - Porter Novelli.
December 1, 2008... WASHINGTON: Eddie Garrett joined Porter Novelli as SVP of new media. His initial work at the firm includes overseeing the redesign of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) electronic deposit insurance estimator Web site, which...

Careers: People moves - Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide.(appointment of Mindy Fletcher)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... SAN DIEGO: Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide hired former employee Mindy Fletcher as senior adviser to the agency's West Coast operations, based in San Diego. In 2005, Fletcher joined the team for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) as deputy...

Careers: People moves - GolinHarris.(Golin/Harris International appointed Lynn Martenstein)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... MIAMI: GolinHarris hired Lynn Martenstein as MD of its Miami office, replacing Lisa Mozloom, who is leaving to spend more time with her family. Martenstein comes to Golin from Royal Caribbean Cruises, where she was VP of corporate...

Careers: People moves - VoxPop Public Relations.(Shannon Troughton quits WellPoint Inc. )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... INDIANAPOLIS: Shannon Troughton, VP of corporate communications at WellPoint, is leaving the company to start her own firm. Troughton, who began working at the health insurer three years ago, is opening VoxPop Public Relations, a healthcare...

Careers: People moves - Ricochet Public Relations.(promotions of Shalon Roth and Melissa Baratta)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... NEW YORK: Ricochet Public Relations promoted Shalon Roth to MD of healthcare and Melissa Baratta to MD of technology, effective November 18. Both Roth, who was the interim MD of technology, and Baratta, who was an SAE in the technology...

Lobster love.
December 1, 2008... Julia Munsey, a marketing and PR specialist, helped the Maine Lobster Industry with its November 18 launch of 'Have a Maine Thanksgiving... Serve Lobster!' Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications joined with Munsey to create...

Companies eye Hispanic market with holiday-season campaigns.
December 8, 2008... Greenwood Village, CO: A number of companies are reaching out to Hispanics with tailored campaigns this holiday season. Holiday campaigns that tap into family togetherness and culture are a strong way to attract Hispanic consumers, said...

Attacks prompt Taj hotel to up outreach.
December 8, 2008... MUMBAI, India: The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower has enlisted its PR firms to aid outreach following the recent Mumbai terrorist attacks. In the US, the company is working with Sheila Donnelly & Associates. The Taj hotel was among several...

WaMu to lose 93% of PR unit.
December 8, 2008... CHICAGO: JPMorgan Chase will be laying off 42 out of 45 corporate communications staffers at recently acquired Washington Mutual. The layoffs were among the 9,200 overall staffers cut at WaMu last week, according to Tom Kelly, head of...

Hedge funds strengthen comms during recession.
December 8, 2008... NEW YORK: Financial communications professionals are reporting greater activity from hedge funds, which have been plagued with poor performance numbers stemming from the economic recession. 'We're seeing an increase in activity,' said...

Dr Pepper faces legal battle for Guns N' Roses campaign.
December 8, 2008... PLANO, TX: The Dr Pepper Snapple Group is facing a legal battle with Guns N' Roses after a PR campaign that promised consumers a free bottle of Dr Pepper went awry. In March, the soft drink giant offered consumers a free Dr Pepper if the...

News brief: CJP chosen as AOR.
December 8, 2008... NEW YORK: Braemar Energy Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in tech opportunities in the energy sector, chose CJP Communications as AOR. Braemar is the latest addition to the firm's roster of clients in the energy sector. ...

News brief: Jaffe and Considine hired.(New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities)(Jaffe Communications and Considine Communication)(Brief article)
December 8, 2008... TRENTON, NJ: The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities hired Jaffe Communications and subcontractor Considine Communication Strategies for community and media outreach after a competitive bid. The one-year, dollars 120,000 contract,...

News brief: Travers Collins hired as AOR.
December 8, 2008... BUFFALO, NY: BakeMark USA, which manufactures and distributes baked goods and ingredients, hired Travers Collins & Company as AOR. The firm will oversee a total rebranding of the company. Travers Collins principal Robert Travers will lead the...

News brief: Linhart PR hired as AOR.
December 8, 2008... DENVER: Niman Ranch, known for its natural meat products, hired Linhart PR as US AOR. Linhart, which began work in September, aims to create brand awareness through media relations, community outreach, and strategic communications. ...

News brief: ID adds 'emerging platforms'.(appointment of Natalie Lent)(Brief article)
December 8, 2008... LOS ANGELES: ID added an 'emerging platforms' department to help clients navigate social and digital media. The agency recently hired Natalie Lent to lead the department. The firm also expanded overseas with a new London office. UK publicist...

News brief: More selects Kaplow.(Kaplow Communications)(Brief article)
December 8, 2008... NEW YORK: More, a publication targeting women 40 and over, selected Kaplow for strategic PR services. The firm will raise awareness of the publication and its editor-in-chief, Lesley Jane Seymour. -------------------- Did you find this...

News brief: Correction.
December 8, 2008... The November 24 market focus, 'Ride of their lives,' stated Stratacomm assisted with the opening of the promotional 'smart house' for Smart car. In fact, the agency helped plan an event at the 'smart house' for automotive media during the 2007...

News brief: 20 Influential Pros.
December 8, 2008... In the December 15th issue, PRWeek will run the names of the 20 influential pros highlighted in an illustration from our 10th anniversary issue. -------------------- Did you find this article useful? Why not subscribe to the magazine?...

News brief: Cision reorganizes divisions.(Brief article)
December 8, 2008... STOCKHOLM: Cision has reorganized its management team and European divisions to streamline operations and improve overseas business. As a result, Peter Granat, currently EVP of Cision North America, was promoted to European CEO as part of...

News brief: Jaffe Comms deal.
December 8, 2008... Dollars 120k - The one-year deal awarded to Jaffe Comms by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities. -------------------- Did you find this article useful? Why not subscribe to the magazine? Please call 08451 55 73 55 for...

Amazon offers gift tips with new holiday effort.
December 8, 2008... SEATTLE: Joining the wave of retailers that have launched holiday campaigns in the past few weeks, Amazon has enlisted six of its top reviewers to provide gift tips for customers during the holiday season. 'The Holiday Customer Review Team'...

Medis taps WS for IR services.
December 8, 2008... NEW YORK: Medis Technologies, creator of liquid fuel cell technology, selected Weber Shandwick for PR and IR services following a competitive search. The firm will conduct media outreach to reporters covering alternative energy and reach...

PN loses five senior executives.
December 8, 2008... NEW YORK: Five senior Porter Novelli executives, including chairman Helen Ostrowski, will be leaving the firm by the start of 2009. Ostrowski was CEO of PN from 2003 until January 1, 2008, when Gary Stockman was named CEO. She held previous...

Launch Pad: Stardoll, Alberta Ferretti bring high fashion to virtual audience.
December 8, 2008... Company: Alberta Ferretti and Stardoll Campaign: Philosophy-Stardoll partnership PR Team: Alberta Ferretti (in-house) and The Morris and King Company (for Stardoll) Launch: November 26 Budget: Undisclosed Idea: As with most...

News Analysis: Black Friday opens door to more outreach.
December 8, 2008... Post-Thanksgiving sales were solid, but retailers face a major challenge in maintaining momentum. Retailers won their first battle in the holiday shopping season as consumers came out in force for Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving....

Newsmaker: Proposition 8 battle brings out the best in Karger.(Fred Karger)
December 8, 2008... After several decades working as a behind-the-scenes strategist, Fred Karger finally took the stage on July 18. That day, about 200 people gathered in front of the Manchester Grand Hyatt to protest hotel owner Doug Manchester's support of...

Editorial: Long-term PR goals pay off for organizations in the end.(public relations)(Editorial)(Brief article)
December 8, 2008... During hard economic times, the emphasis on ROI intensifies Clients want to see a definite return as they crunch numbers, and agencies want to prove their value amid sector-wide cost cutting. Yet, when choosing what to factor into ROI, there...

Op-Ed: Prompting confidence with investors.
December 8, 2008... In July 2008, the Dow closed at 11,215. In October, it checked in at 9,325. The week prior to Thanksgiving, in a cruel irony, it slid to 7,997.28 - the first dip below the 8,000 mark since 2003. The financial crisis that began in August 2008...

Op-Ed: Keys to client success in a recession.
December 8, 2008... In spring of 2007, I heard an economist speak about the housing market and economy for the coming years and what it meant for business owners. At the time it scared me to death, but it certainly made me think. I came back to the office and...

Opinion: Misuse of social networks will not win you friends in the press.
December 8, 2008... A few days ago, I received a friend request on Face-book. I admit, I wasn't as quick to join the social networking phenomenon as one would think, especially given that I've been writing about MySpace and Facebook as PR tactics for the past few...

Opinion: Obama's actions up to this point speak even louder than his words.(Barack Obama)(Viewpoint essay)
December 8, 2008... Barack Obama might become the most eloquent US president in at least a generation. He knows that power words help to educate, inspire, and motivate. But if actions truly speak louder than words, it is important also to evaluate Obama as a...

Opinion: Factfile - Cyber bullying verdict is yet another win for transparency.
December 8, 2008... - In the news After the recent conviction of a woman in a cyber bullying case that took place on MySpace, many in the blogosphere and elsewhere are mulling how the case might affect their use of social networks. Lori Drew (pictured)...

Media: Analysis - Abrams' controversial new firm fills niche.
December 8, 2008... Dan Abrams learned shortly after announcing the launch of his new consulting firm, Abrams Research, the sting of the working press. The aim of Abrams Research, which the former GM of MSNBC calls a global network of current and former media...

Media: Journalist Q&A - Sam Grobart, Assistant technology editor.
December 8, 2008... Outlet: The New York Times Preferred e-mail address: grobart@nytimes.com Web site: nytimes.com SAM GROBART, a former 'go-to gadget guy' at a number of magazines, is now assistant technology editor at The New York Times. He speaks...

Media: Research - Coverage gained by health stories.(Survey)(Brief article)
December 8, 2008... CONDUCTED BY: The Kaiser Family Foundation, the Pew Research Center Sample: 3,513 health stories in 48 outlets (January 2007-June 2008) Goal: To see to what extent health stories are a part of national news KEY FINDINGS 16.3% of...

Media: Roundup - College sports score in numerous markets.
December 8, 2008... Whether it's the intense speculation about this year's college football bowl season and which teams will play in the BCS championship game, or the heightened prominence given to March Madness, otherwise known as the NCAA Basketball Tournament,...

Media: Critical hit - 'Post' helps reignite Milk-Bone brand.
December 8, 2008... Name: Tim Schramm, SVP at Coyne PR (Parsippany, NJ) Placement: The Washington Post, November 14 Pitch timeline: Less than two weeks Who is your client? What are its media goals? Tim Schramm: Milk-Bone, the dog snack maker owned...

Media: Media Ups and Downs.
December 8, 2008... - The Huffington Post raises dollars 25 million - a single investment from venture capitalist firm Oak Investment Partners - Meredith Corp. makes the move into social media by introducing BHG Recipe Saver, a widget that can be shared across...

Media: Inside Information - Growing ease of social media provides help to PR pros.
December 8, 2008... Given all the interest in social networking sites like Twitter and Tumblr these days, it can be overwhelming for PR pros to understand which sites are worth the investment. Tumblr, for example, lets users create multimedia blogs simply by...

40 Under 40.
December 8, 2008... In this special, PRWeek's editorial team profiles 40 PR professionals under the age of 40 who have accomplished much in their relatively short careers, indicating there are even greater things to come JENNIFER STEPHENS - ACREE VP OF...