PR Week (US) articles from February 2008

PR Week (US) archives from February 2008

Target mulls media-policy shift.(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... MINNEAPOLIS: Target has restructured its communications department, allowing it to raise the number of available spokespeople and reconsider a long-standing nontraditional media ban. Target's current policy is not to take media requests...

PRWeekJobs.com e-mail error impacts 2,500 users.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: An e-mail transmission error caused by PRWeek's third-party vendor company, Adicio, resulted in user names and passwords of some registered users of PRWeekJobs.com to be sent to other users The problem also caused some of the 2,500...

Big Brothers Big Sisters starts recruitment drive.
February 4, 2008... PHILADELPHIA: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has launched its 'Campaign for Men,' a 13-month national effort to recruit males, especially blacks and Hispanics, to mentor boys in communities across the US. The campaign will address the...

Meet Minnesota lauds its region in rebranding push.(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... MINNEAPOLIS: Civics group Meet Minneapolis has embarked on a three-tiered effort to bolster the image of Minneapolis/St. Paul in the global economy. Karyn Gruenberg, project head for the Minneapolis/St. Paul More to Life push, said the...

Dan Klores Communications AOR for Drinks Americas Holdings.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: Drinks Americas Holdings (DAH), an owner, developer, and marketer of premium celebrity-backed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, has named Dan Klores Communications (DKC) its worldwide AOR The firm will continue to foster coverage...

Edekman acquires Imageland Russia.(Imageland Russia )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... MOSCOW: Edelman has acquired Imageland Russia and purchased a 50% stake in Imageland Ukraine, the firm announced last Monday. Deal terms were undisclosed, but it is expected to close on May 1. Both of the acquired firms are among the biggest in...

HLA hires FWV.
February 4, 2008... RALEIGH, NC: Healthy Living Academies (HLA) has hired French/West/Vaughan (FWV) to provide media relations support to help raise visibility for the organization. California-based HLA provides weight-loss programs for children, teens, and young...

Clinique taps Manning Selvage & Lee to assist PR.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: Clinique has tapped Manning Selvage & Lee to assist with PR, expanding on the firm's digital out-reach to college students for the cosmetic brand. In addition to the digital work, MS&L will conduct local and media outreach for several...

Republican National Convention chooses PR Newswire.
February 4, 2008... ST. PAUL, MN: The 2008 Republican National Convention has chosen PR Newswire (PRN) as its official wire service. PRN will provide simultaneous electronic distribution of news releases, media advisories, and convention materials to the estimated...

Rani Resorts names Imagine Global Communications as AOR.(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: Rani Resorts, a luxury-resort chain in Mozambique, has named boutique firm Imagine Global Communications its AOR for US outreach. The firm, which specializes in travel and tourism, will work to raise the profile of Mozambique as an...

Hill & Knowlton acquires majority stake in Rikes Communications.
February 4, 2008... HONG KONG: Hill & Knowlton has acquired a majority stake in Rikes Communications, a China-based financial communications firm. Rikes' clients include China Southern Airlines and Guangshen Railway. The firm specializes in financial...

Pierce Mattie PR AOR for LONDON.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: UK-based nail lacquer brand butter LONDON has tapped Pierce Mattie PR as its AOR. The agency will assist the brand in gaining exposure for its eco-friendly manicure and pedicure line

Latinvox renamed 'vox collective'.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: Latinvox, one of the US' leading Hispanic firms, has changed its name and focus. Now known as the 'vox collective,' the full-service firm, which provided such clients as Macy's and Verizon Wireless with Hispanic marketing support,...

HotNewz.TV sets out to reach college crowd.(Anastos Interactive Media )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: Anastos Interactive Media (AIM) has launched HotNewz.TV, an online interactive channel aimed at college students. The channel features news, personal advice, and direction on issues tailored to their generation. The Web site,...

Microsoft tops reputation list.
February 4, 2008... CHICAGO: Results from the 2007 Cision Corporate Media Reputation Index of US companies (formerly the Delahaye Index), show that Microsoft sits atop the corporate reputation scale. General Motors placed second, a significant turnaround for the...

USCorp touts mining industry.
February 4, 2008... LAS VEGAS: USCorp, a company with interests in land that can be mined for minerals, has tapped Martin E. Janis & Company (MEJ) for a national financial PR program. The effort aims to overcome stigmas associated with unlisted junior companies in...

Launch Pad: Microsoft launches products by turning IT pros into heroes.
February 4, 2008... Organization: Microsoft Campaign: HHH Comic Series/Microsoft product launch PR team: Big Mouth PR, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide Other marketing: Other Microsoft Web sites and word of mouth Launch: January 29 Budget: Undisclosed ...

News Analysis: Ledger death clouds 'Knight' marketing.
February 4, 2008... Warner Brothers unsure as to which character to focus on as blockbuster film's release approaches. Heath Ledger's face has dominated the marketing campaign for The Dark Knight since its summer launch, when fans surrendered their e-mail...

Newsmaker: McCormack stays calm amid Macworld clamor.
February 4, 2008... At 4pm on January 14, the first of more than 5,000 people started lining up outside San Francisco's Moscone Center to see Steve Jobs deliver the Macworld Conference & Expo keynote address at 9am the next morning. 'They sleep on the...

Companies: Organization Profile - SOA sees rewards of taking risk on PR.
February 4, 2008... Through the Society of Actuaries' branding push, an entire profession is now better understood. While not Alaskan crab fishermen, firefighters, or even stunt doubles, actuaries work in a sector that deals with risk every day - studying it,...

Companies: The Agency Business - Social-media know-how crosses practice lines.
February 4, 2008... Logic dictates that social-media issues fall under the purview of a PR firm's digital practice. It's clear, though, that the pervasive nature of social media is making an impact across practice borders. Corporate PR pros, who work with...

Editorial: Target on the mark as it rethinks media policies.(Editorial)
February 4, 2008... It is hard to truly grasp a company's position on an issue when its only public comment is a statement. When someone from a youth marketing blog recently queried Target about what they considered to be a questionable ad, Target's response came...

Op-Ed: Make sure 'authentic' equals 'real'.
February 4, 2008... The word du jour in the PR industry these days seems to be 'authentic.' We are told that our mission, in part, is to help clients find their 'authentic' voice; that companies need to behave in an 'authentic' manner to win and retain customers;...

Op-Ed: Social media's impact still growing.
February 4, 2008... This is shaping up to be another banner year for social media and a good time for everyone in marketing and PR to pay a lot closer attention to this fast-evolving medium - if they aren't already. Social media, loosely defined as consumers...

Opinion: Corporations must take lead in re-energizing green efforts.
February 4, 2008... Despite all of the hype in the past year - and a Nobel Peace Prize for Al Gore - green is not on the campaign radar at all this year. Not one candidate has stood out on this issue, and it has not even emerged along party lines. That's pretty...

Opinion: The imperiled annual report still valuable as a comms tool.(Report)
February 4, 2008... Somewhere right now a group of IR/PR corporate staffers are sitting in a conference room vigorously debating how best to handle their company's annual report. This year, the conversation has a bit of different flavor as a Securities & Exchange...

FACT FILE: Market news focus is shifting style from Wall St. to Main St.
February 4, 2008... In the news The Wall Street Journal is discussing major changes to its brand in the coming months. Rupert Murdoch is planning a physical move for the paper to his midtown News Corp. offices and expressed a desire to expand the paper's...

Media: Analysis - News lags on '08 gender, race reports.
February 4, 2008... The media has recently grappled with the unprecedented task of covering an election that, for the first time in US history, presents both a woman - Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) - and a black man - Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) - as viable candidates...

Media: Journalist Q&A - Farhad Manjoo, Salon.com.
February 4, 2008... Name: Farhad Manjoo Title: Staff writer Outlet: Salon.com Preferred contact method: machinist@salon.com PRWeek: How do you explain The Machinist? Is it a blog that's looking at the intersection of technology and pop culture? ...

Media: Research - CCO analysis.
February 4, 2008... Conducted by: Weber Shandwick and Spencer Stuart Sample: 141 chief communications officers (CCOs) Goal: Compare CCOs at Fortune's Global Most Admired Companies with CCOs at other companies KEY FINDINGS: 75% of all CCOs said their work...

Media Roundup: Schools get creative to spur coverage.
February 4, 2008... In a major story on the dearth of higher education beat reporters at major newspapers, The Chronicle of Higher Education notes that the coverage of colleges and universities has often been reduced to being a part of the K-12 reporter's beat....

Media: Critical Hit - Hyperfactory takes 'Journal' mobile.
February 4, 2008... Who is your client and what are its media goals? Jennifer Abelson: The Hyperfactory is a mobile media and ideas company that acts as an advertising agency focused on mobile devices. They were looking to establish mobile as a critically...

Media: Ups and Downs.
February 4, 2008... Al Gore's Current Media files its intent to go public. The company hopes to raise dollars 100 million in an initial public offering The Washington Post Co. launches theroot.com, an online magazine featuring news, features, and video geared...

Media: Inside Information - Beauty blogs making fuller use of fashion-world videos.
February 4, 2008... PR pros are increasingly interacting with beauty bloggers, now that more are adopting video capabilities to provide a better look at how products are used. To cater to the growing number of blog readers and subscribers, beauty blogs are...

Cover Story: A strong connection.(Cover story)
February 4, 2008... LinkedIn's marketing and communications professionals work together to continually hone and spread the right message about the growing professional online network. Despite growing at a remarkable speed, LinkedIn has confronted some...

Market Focus: Keys to a good start.
February 4, 2008... Research is essential in the development of a campaign, offering useful information to be used during the launch and beyond. A more vivid picture and better sound quality are just two of the elements that high-def TVs and other home...

PR Technique: Keeping your press releases relevant.
February 4, 2008... In today's digital age, social media and video elements are essential. A recent survey of journalists by Atlanta PR firm Arketi Group found news releases are used by 90% of business journalists as sources for story ideas. However, as...

Campaigns: Quinny strolls with influencers.
February 4, 2008... Dorel Juvenile Group PR Team: Dorel Juvenile Group (Columbus, IN) and Duffy & Shanley (Providence, RI) Campaign: Quinny US launch Duration: June-December 2007 Budget: dollars 100,000 'We (are targeting) moms at the cutting edge of...

Campaigns: SNHD socks it to the flu in regional awareness effort.
February 4, 2008... SNHD PR Team: Southern Nevada Health District and B&P (both in Las Vegas) Campaign: 'Fight the Flu' Duration: August-October 2007 Budget: dollars 24,000 federal grant (advertising and PR) SNHD asked its agency to extend the 2007...

Campaigns: Innovative CulinaryPrep lets visuals prove its worth.(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... CCMS PR Team: Creative Culinary Marketing Solutions (Atlanta) and Keymer Group Strategic Communications (Jacksonville,FL) Campaign: Launch of CulinaryPrep Duration: August-December 2007 Budget: dollars 10,000 So when Creative...

PR Toolbox: Buoying product launches, image libraries, and more.
February 4, 2008... Product launches How do I develop a product launch strategy that works? Planning is key, says Meredith Bove of McCabe, Duval & Associates. The more the team knows up-front, the more it can contribute to strategy and the easier it is to...

Careers: Expert Advice - Aimee Steel, vice president Levick Strategic Communications.
February 4, 2008... I realize that internships are a great first foray into PR. What traits must I exhibit to land such a role? A: This is the question I hear most often, other than 'Is it a paid internship?' If you're not asking it, you should. I receive...

People Moves: Nintendo of America.
February 4, 2008... REDMOND, WA: Nintendo of America announced that Denise Kaigler will join the company as VP of marketing and corporate affairs, effective February 18. Kaigler will oversee all aspects of corporate affairs, including corporate communications, PR,...

People Moves: DeVries Public Relations.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: DeVries Public Relations has announced several executive promotions. Former EVP Stephanie Smirnov is now president, filling a position that had been vacant for about a year. Former EVP Cliff Berman is now GM. Michael Thomas,...

People Moves: NHL.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: The NHL has named Michael DiLorenzo to the new post of corporate communications director, reporting to SVP of communications Bernadette Mansur. DiLorenzo founded Rising Tide Public Relations and has served as CMO for FASTHockey. He...

People Moves: Ogilvy.(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... WASHINGTON: Ogilvy has announced a number of new hires. Virginia Miracle joins its 360deg Digital Influence team as SVP and head of Digital Strategy. Adriana Gascoigne also joins Digital Strategy as VP Miracle will operate out of the DC office,...

People Moves: The Georgia Restaurant Association.
February 4, 2008... ATLANTA: The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) has promoted Kelly Hornbuckle to marketing and communications manager. She will be responsible for maintaining the weekly eNews and monthly eNewsletter, managing the organization's Web site,...

People Moves: Univision.
February 4, 2008... NEW YORK: Spanish-language media company Univision has named Monica Talan VP of corporate communications. Talan was previously SVP and partner at Fleishman-Hillard, based in its Austin, TX, office. Now based in New York, she will report to CMO...

People Moves: Gibralter Associates.
February 4, 2008... WASHINGTON: The New York office of Gibralter Associates, a business communications firm, has tapped veteran journalist Joe Peyronnin as senior adviser for global communications and new media. With more than 35 years of experience as a former...

People Moves: Koroberi.(Appointment of Anne Hainsworth )(Brief article)
February 4, 2008... CHAPEL HILL, NC: Koroberi, a full-service b-to-b marketing firm, has appointed Anne Hainsworth as PR director. Hainsworth is responsible for creating and implementing PR campaigns for the agency and its clients, as well as managing the firm's...

Welcoming the 'idol' Field.
February 4, 2008... Those aliens are getting sophisticated. Not content with your garden-variety crop circle, they're now honoring American pop culture in fields between the coasts. Well, not really. This one was created by Swanson Russell Associates, a...

Yahoo agencies mull business impact as Microsoft bid looms.
February 11, 2008... SUNNYVALE, CA: PR firms that work with Yahoo are cautiously considering how business could be impacted by Microsoft's potential acquisition of the troubled company. Yahoo's PR function is spread across several agencies, including OutCast...

OSD places dollars 6.5m ASY task up for bid.(Office of the Secretary of Defense )(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... WASHINGTON: The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has issued a pre-solicitation notice for PR and marketing work valued at as much as dollars 6.5 million for the controversial America Supports You (ASY) program. PR work for ASY,...

Sun extends Bite alliance.
February 11, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO and SANTA CLARA, CA: Sun Microsystems has extended its contract with Bite Communications in the US and EMEA, while simultaneously conducting an open review for its corporate PR work. 'We have extended the contract rather than...

Insmed education effort targets Congress, public.
February 11, 2008... RICHMOND, VA: Insmed, a developer of follow-on biologics (FOBs) and biopharmaceuticals, has launched a broad education campaign in its hopes to raise awareness of the importance of establishing a regulatory pathway in the US for FOBs. ...

Cuervo channels soccer to reach Mexican Americans.(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... NEW YORK: Jose Cuervo is targeting Mexican-American consumers with its new campaign, which taps into cultural identity through their love of soccer. Called 'Mexico, You Always Have It On,' the effort, which features Mexican soccer star...

Controversy over Major League Baseball steriods use.
February 11, 2008... WASHINGTON: Rational PR founding partner Patrick Dorton is serving as PR counsel on the team representing Roger Clemens (l) in the controversy over Major League Baseball steroids use. Also representing Clemens are attorneys Rusty Hardin of...

Gruma chooses Lopez Negrete Communications as AOR.
February 11, 2008... HOUSTON: Gruma, a tortilla and corn masa flour manufacturer, has chosen Lopez Negrete Communications as its AOR. Work for Gruma's primary brands - Maseca and Guerrero - include wellness and nutritional education efforts, community and media...

FD provides financial communications services to Alliance Data Systems.
February 11, 2008... NEW YORK: FD is providing financial communications services to Alliance Data Systems. The loyalty-service and credit-card-transaction company is suing private-equity firm Blackstone Group (BG) to compel it to complete a dollars 6.4 billion...

PR Boutiques International formed.
February 11, 2008... NEW YORK: A dozen boutique PR firms from around the globe have formed PR Boutiques International to pursue and provide services to clients around the world. Founding members are Bridge Global Strategies; Campaignteam; C.J.'s World PR &...

Adaptec names Walt & Company as AOR.
February 11, 2008... CAMPBELL, CA: Adaptec, a storage-solutions company, has named Walt & Company its AOR. The firm was chosen for its strategic plan, domain and new-media experience, as well as its industry contacts. It will help position Adaptec in the evolving...

Touchpaper selects Affect Strategies.(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... NEW YORK: Touchpaper, a provider of IT business management solutions, has selected Affect Strategies to launch its PR campaign as it expands operations in the US. Affect will help Touchpaper refine its message in the US, position and promote...

Fisker Automotive names Rogers & Cowan AOR.
February 11, 2008... LOS ANGELES: Fisker Automotive, a privately owned 'green' auto company, has named Rogers & Cowan AOR. The firm will develop and manage PR campaigns promoting Fisker's hybrid Karma vehicle, as well as other Fisker cars

Christy USA and DOIE choose Spread PR as AOR.
February 11, 2008... NEW YORK: Christy USA, a British towel company founded in 1855, and DOIE, a line of sustainable bamboo and silk clothing by designer Sara Kirsner, have each chosen Spread PR as AOR. Spread is a fashion, accessories, and lifestyle firm based in...

Namco Bandai Games America select Weber Shandwick as AOR.(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... SANTA CLARA, CA: Namco Bandai Games America has selected Weber Shandwick as its AOR. The agency's California offices will support the brand on a national level following a competitive agency review. WS' consumer practice will launch an effort...

Joint initiative touts US parks to youth, families.(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... PHOENIX: National park officials and recreation-industry executives have launched a new event and technological initiative to get more kids and families to attend parks around the US. Announced at an 'Outdoor Recreational Village' set up...

ACS boosts multicultural push.(The American Cancer Society )(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... BOSTON: The American Cancer Society (ACS) New England Division has hired Colette Phillips Communications (CPC) to support its new multicultural outreach program. The ACS hopes to raise awareness for the resources it can provide among black...

MLB taps Peppercom for event.
February 11, 2008... NEW YORK: Major League Baseball (MLB) has hired Peppercom and its events division, Peppercommotions, to increase awareness about its authentication program and create excitement for National Baseball Card Day, to be held March 29. For the...

Launch Pad: Lifetime focuses on matters of the heart in new campaign.(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... OBJECTIVE: Heart disease is the number-one killer of women in the US. Lifetime Network hopes to address that issue this year with its Don't Skip a Beat campaign. Launched for American Heart Month, it aims to educate women about heart disease...

News Analysis: Endorsements retain electoral prestige.
February 11, 2008... Even in a digital society, the support of the right person, outlet, or group still carries great weight. Even before the race for president has narrowed down to one candidate on each side of the aisle, it is clear this is a race to be...

Newsmaker: Campanini helps Tenet survive 'perfect storm'.
February 11, 2008... Steve Campanini recalls his first dealings with Tenet Healthcare very well. First, it was his birthday. Second, the way in which he was summoned to the client company's headquarters, then in Santa Barbara, CA, was abrupt. On November 5,...

Companies: Organization Profile - Rivals unify their message in Green Grid.
February 11, 2008... Competitors join forces to discover solutions to the thorny complexities of energy efficiency. AMD aggressively tried to undermine Intel's market dominance recently by launching new processors that promise to revolutionize the industry....

Companies: The Agency Business - Digital acumen becoming company-wide skill.
February 11, 2008... When Jennifer Quermann entered consumer PR 15 years ago, pitching new business involved plans for paper press kits, press conferences, and lots of phoning. Even as late as 1998, as Web sites creeped into the mainstream, she and colleagues...

Editorial: It's time for agencies to stop hiding behind SOX.(Editorial)
February 11, 2008... Each year, PRWeek gears up for our annual rankings, which will be published in our Agency Business Report on April 21. We continue to wait in vain for revenue and staffing figures from the major holding company agencies. While many have...

Opinion: Comms advice for key players in Microsoft's bid to buy Yahoo.
February 11, 2008... Staffers at PRWeek, like the professionals in the industry we cover, often laugh at general interest and business publications' misuse of the phrase 'PR disaster.' Often, the disaster is financial, organizational, or occupational; PR is the...

Opinion: It's time that campaign staffs realize that sleaze isn't selling.
February 11, 2008... Anyone with the slightest appreciation of irony would surely have appreciated a recent editorial in The Wall Street Journal. It snottily reminded readers of Bill and Hillary Clinton's ruthless streak - the latest case in point was the former...

Fact File: Mercury level discussion fires up seafood sector marketers.
February 11, 2008... In the news Two recent sushi tests, one commissioned by The New York Times and another by environmental advocacy group Oceana, reported various levels of mercury in fish samples from 20 Manhattan stores and restaurants, and 26 US cities....

Media: Analysis - Newspaper gambit pays in 'super' win.
February 11, 2008... There were two elements of last Sunday's Super Bowl that seemed to defy logic. The first: New York Giants' wide receiver David Tyree quite literally caught a huge third-down pass by trapping a ball between his hands and helmet. The second came...

Media: Journalist Q&A - Charles Kaiser, Radar.
February 11, 2008... Name: Charles Kaiser Title: Press critic Outlet: Radar Preferred contact method: charles@charleskaiser.com Web site: www.radaronline.com/fullcourtpress PRWeek: How would you describe Radar's audience? Charles Kaiser: I think...

Media: Research: Global coverage of US primaries.(Brief article)
February 11, 2008... Conducted by: Influence Communication Sample: Newspapers in 118 countries Goal: To analyze international coverage of the US primaries KEY FINDINGS: 42% Percentage of media prominence for Sen. Clinton globally in January compared to...

Media Roundup: Woods' appeal taking golf mainstream.
February 11, 2008... Though never known for controversy, pro golf recently became enveloped in a scandal after a Golf Channel commentator made a joking reference to 'lynching' Tiger Woods. Golfweek magazine followed with a cover image of a noose. That debate...

Media: Critical Hit - KidsGive joins in the 'Family Fun'.(dialogue with Lisa Orman of KidStuff Public Relations)(Interview)
February 11, 2008... Who is your client and what were its media goals? Lisa Orman: Our client is KidsGive, (which was) launching the Karito Kids World Collection, a line of ethnically authentic dolls and books. They were looking to leverage both the trade and...

Media: Ups and Downs.
February 11, 2008... Reporters push back on Sen. Barack Obama's demands for off-the-record campaign plane interviews Mad Magazine enlists 10 Pulitzer Prize cartoonists for special issue 'tweaking' President Bush BusinessWeek announces plans to reward top...

Media: Inside Information - Tracking commenters getting traction within blog arena.
February 11, 2008... Comments have historically been a less important element of PR pros' new-media monitoring strategy. But blog editors have always appreciated commenters' contributions, finding the conversations that took place in blog comments could be as...