Precision Marketing articles from August 2003

Precision Marketing archives from August 2003

Postman faces jail as delivery scam exposed.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A postman who refused to deliver nearly 4,000 letters--most of which were direct mailings--faces prison after being taken to court by Royal Mail. Postie David Meek, of Cinderford, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to charges of delaying and...

Amex probes card upgrade 'error'.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... American Express is investigating claims that a number of its Green Card holders have linen sent unsolicited mailings encouraging them to upgrade to a Blue Card. The mailings thank customers efor requesting a Blue Card and ask them to...

Aspin joins top-level exodus at Royal Mail.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Royal Mail head of media development Brian Aspin has suddenly left the company, joining the exodus of Media Markets chiefs following the recent marketing restructure. e Aspin, who joined Royal Mail in the early Nineties, has must recently been...

Open Air Fundraising relaunches to meet debts.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Beleaguered face-to-face marketing agency Open Air Fundraising has relaunched under a different guise in a bid to pay off its debtors. It was forced into administration elast year. OAF's assets were bought by its parent company, investment...

Thomas starts Web audits to slash ID fraud.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Information Commissioner Richard Thomas is tackling global online identity fraud by turning up the heat on websites that fail to comply with the Data Protection Act. eThe Commissioner has vowed to extend website auditing to stamp out...

The Business and Johnston Press sign CCB.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Business newspaper and regional publisher Johnston Press are launching relationship marketing drives in a bid to boost their subscription bases. Both groups have appointed CCB to implement the push, using its Subsman and CanvassPlus...

New scheme to track outdoor ads.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... BSkyB is backing a media-tracking innovation which aims to provide clients with a better picture of direct response rates to outdoor campaigns. Direct response analyst firm Mediahawk and International Poster Management (IPM) have teamed up...

Cheapflights selects first customer chief.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Cheapflights.co.uk, the online Travel business, has appointed its first head of marketing to spearhead customer acquisition and lead the company's recently launched US venture. Jenny Taylor, the former Opodo UK country manager, has been...

One Account rewards affiliate sites by results.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The One Account, the flexible mortgage provider owned by Royal Bank of Scotland, is aiming to build a clearer picture of its online prospects and channel marketing activity to the most effective sites. The company has hired RedEye, the...

Scots Friendly targets parents for savings plan.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Scottish Friendly Assurance is launching a nationwide test campaign for its child bond to raise parents' awareness of the need to save for their kids' future. The activity, devised by WWAV Rapp Collins Scotland, will feature inserts in a...

Parcelforce bids for staff loyalty with incentives.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Parcelforce Worldwide is rolling out its biggest ever staff incentive scheme to its UK salesforce. The Breakthrough Incentive Scheme has been designed by Parcelforce's retained marketing agency, KLM, using its profiling system. The...

Consumer group hires Ping to tackle mounting UK debt.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... DebtFreeDirect, the consumer advice group designed to help people overcome severe financial difficulties, is planning a raft of direct marketing to combat the UK's growing 800m [pounds sterling] debt problem. The company, which has...

Honda boosts database to enhance customer focus.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Honda Cars & Motorcycles (UK) is ramping up its database marketing as part of plans to develop a more customer-focused strategy. Honda has appointed Phonetics to handle all data-capture and fullfilment activity for its ear and motorbike...

Gadget Shop 'lewd' brochure passes censor.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Gadget Shop has escaped censure after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) dismissed a complaint about teddy bears shown in 'lewd' poses in its brochure. The ASA received a complaint from a consumer upset by the ad for Bad Taste...

Observer runs ambient cricket stunt for OSM.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Observer is embarking on an ambient media campaign to coincide with the second Test between England and South Africa this weekend. The stunt will see 20,000 copies of a special edition of July's Observer Sport Monthly (OSM) supplement...

Archers Direct blitz to push wider range.(news)(appointed marketing agency Liquorice to oversee its direct marketing activity)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Archers Direct, the direct selling arm of tour operator Cosmos, is streamlining its customer acquisition and retention strategy as it widens its product offering. Following a five-way pitch, the brand has appointed marketing agency...

Teletext brings lonely hearts service to Five.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Teletext is hoping to boost its database and improve understanding of viewers by targeting lonely hearts with a new dating service on Five. Matche5 will draw on the TV channel's growing viewing figures, and Teletext hopes it will be as...

AskJeeves spruces up client and user service.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... AskJeeves, the Web search engine, is revamping its website in a bid to lure visitors and create a more targeted service for advertisers. The company is upgrading its search results page as part of a drive to attract consumers of rival...

Canine Defence League rolls out door-drop drive.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The National Canine Defence League (NCDL) is embarking on its biggest marketing campaign to date as part of plans to encourage dog owners to get their dogs neutered. The campaign, devised by 141, will see door-drops sent out to nearly 2 million...

Royal Mail in promotional agency reshuffle.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Royal Mail is revamping its roster of sales promotion agencies to handle its 4m [pounds sterling] budget. The organisation has added Billington Cartmell to its roster, replacing Triangle Communications. Incumbent Claydon Heeley Jones Mason is...

Shelter uses Big Brother element for SMS appeal.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Shelter is rolling out a mock Big Brother press campaign encouraging people to donate to the charity. The campaign, which is being handled by Bluefrog, carries the strapline 'It's eviction night, you decide' and features two real people facing...

Budget Rent-A-Car in bid to bolster market share.(news)(to use direct marketing to strengthen its position in the UK car rental market)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Budget Rent-A-Car is launching a raft of direct marketing activity in a bid to strengthen its position in the UK car rental market. The initiative follows the company's appointment of Carat's Direct Communications department to the brief.

Kia seeks direct marketing agency in roster review.(news)(Kia Cars UK)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Kia Cars UK is searching for a direct marketing agency as it reviews its entire marketing roster. The overhaul is being overseen by marketing director Guy Jones. Kia currently uses Mustoe Merriman Levy for its above-the-line account.

Maritime goods firm to woo top brand owners.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Nauticalia, the upmarket maritime memorabilia catalogue, is aiming to attract top brands by boosting insert opportunities. The company has hired WWAV Media's Third Party Unit to oversee inserts in two annual mailings, as well as fulfilment...

Jack Daniel's push to pave way for major direct drive.(news)(marketing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Global spirits brand Jack Daniel's is launching a major data-capture drive as part of plans to bolster its direct marketing activity. The brand is planning activity worth around 2.5m [pounds sterling] throughout its 'birthday month' in...

Ovaltine in direct revamp to target mothers.(news)(integrated response campaign to be launched)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Ovaltine is ditching its traditional cosy bedtime image in a debut integrated response campaign. The hot drinks brand, which was sold by Novartis to Associated British Foods for 171m [pounds sterling] late last year, aims to create new...

John Aspinall Foundation upgrades mailing strategy for donor blitz.(news)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... John Aspinall Foundation, the endangered animal charity, is revamping its mailing strategy by overhauling its data and boosting personalisation. The charity has handed the task to Nova Direct Mail, which will run its A4 newsletter and aim...

EU states caught short as anti-spam laws speed up.(international)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Brussels: EU member slates that sign up late to new anti-spam laws will face fines, after the deadline for adopting them was brought forward. Only five member states had written the new regulatory framework into their statute book by the...

Ion Group sets up in South Africa.(international)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Cape Town: Ion Group, the Twickenham-based telemarketing company, has established an offshore contact centre through its new South African partner iiiServices. The venture will provide Ion's existing clients with an alternative to UK-based...

Horticultural Society taps US in preservation appeal.(international)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Washington DC: The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched its first international fundraising campaign to preserve some of the UK's oldest horticultural books. RHS, which is famed for its flagship gardens and scientific research,...

India advancing in big data leaps.(international)
August 1, 2003... India: Although database marketing has been around for over two decades in India, it is receiving a renewed interest. The relationship marketing hype fuelled awareness of the direct marketing principles of customer-centricity, one-on-one...

Regionals bring on the subs to boost readers; in an increasingly competitive market, regional papers are beginning to feel the pinch. But securing subscriptions could be key to winning readers' loyalty. Emily Cubitt discovers what the publishers think.(news analysis)
August 1, 2003... Picking up your local newspaper on the way home from work used to be as much a part of the daily routine as putting the kids to bed. But with increasing online news sources and highly competitive price wars, circulation figures for the regional...

Real danger of milking the cash cows to death.
August 1, 2003... Attending the excellent Institute of Fundraising conference in Birmingham recently, I was struck by the frequent use of the word 'donor'. But what is a donor? This may sound like a stupid question; presumably a donor is someone who gives money....

Creativity is alive and well in door-drop ads.(letters)
August 1, 2003... I am going to change the habit of a lifetime and agree with, Mark Young's comment (PM July 11). Many clients have spent time and money, to discover the secrets of memorable creative work. I have had some great examples of top-class...

Other side of the call centre saga.(letters)
August 1, 2003... David Daly's piece 'Loyalty only comes with the personal touch' (PM July 11) did much to reinforce a negative perception of call centres. Let me now put across the other side of the story. In particular, I take issue with his disparaging...

Utilities firms missing e-trick.(letters)
August 1, 2003... The gas companies must be smarting from the media criticism they received this week after the inaccuracy of their billing was highlighted in a Government report. Aggrieved customers complained about having received up to two years of...

Why online 'cookies' can leave a sour aftertaste for brand owners: while EU legislation this autumn aims to restrict firms' surveillance of customer purchasing behaviour on the Net, there is still a compelling case for self-regulation.(Comment: Mike Williams)
August 1, 2003... The ability to personalise marketing communications is a major attraction for brands; building relationships, boosting response rates, and ultimately maximising sales. But personalisation is intrinsically linked to permission and privacy. ...

Field marketing a key ingredient.(letters)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... After reading your analysis on the recent DMA Census (PM July 18), I was surprised that an important part of the direct marketing industry was not mentioned. In the census, field marketing was included separately to direct marketing because of...

A nasty case of secrets and lies.(leader)
August 1, 2003... One of the most common complaints we receive from direct marketing agencies and supplier companies is that they do a lot of great work for major client companies, but they are still "not allowed to talk about it". Many are not even permitted to...

Creative critique.
August 1, 2003... ... is a weekly look at direct marketing initiatives by a panel of agency creatives. This week, Rebecca Rae and Leigh Roberts, creative directors at Craik Jones Watson Mitchell Voelkel, find a charity mailing that really pulls at the...

Near zero tolerance: while DRTV thrives on cost-effective niche viewing, many opportunities do not even register on Barb's radar. Coupled with the fact that many stations do not accept Barb figures, direct marketers need to find canny ways to minimise the risk.(Special report: broadcast media)
August 1, 2003... WHEN A TV PROGRAMME MAKERS' latest star vehicle bombs, with zero ratings, it means a one-way ticket to the doldrums of the schedule. With hundreds of channels now available, the surprise is that so few channels record such low scores. In June,...

Snared in the Web: e-commerce ventures have not yet fully taken up the concept of loyalty. But retention is just as important as acquisition for other media, so why, Danielle Greene asks, is this area neglecting a powerful relationship-building tool?(Special report: e-commerce)
August 1, 2003... AS A RELATIVELY NEW KID on the communications block, most commercial Internet activity has, to date, focused squarely on acquiring customers and building market share. But almost a decade into the channel's existence as a commercial route,...

Maternity titles provide inserts to target affluent.(list file)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Maternity wear mail order catalogue JoJo Maman Bebe is offering an insert opportunity through Isis Direct. The scheme is also available for sister title Jojo Family House, which contains gift ideas and kitchen and bathroom products. ...

Mothercare's 550,000-strong file on market.(list file)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Mothercare, the high-street retailer for mothers and babies, has released its updated file of 550,003 names through Lloyd James List & Media Management. Mothercare offers a wide range of products to suit all needs and budgets. The...

Financial titles offer chance to lure investors.(list file)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Financial magazines Bloomberg Money and Investors Week have released an updated file of 29,000 subscribers through Listlab. Bloomberg Money deals with personal finance issues like share investments, pensions, fund management and online...

SPSS names Noel Coloe UK country manager.(Moving people: all change: the week's appointments and promotions making the news in the direct marketing industry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... SPSS, a provider of predictive analytics, has appointed Noel Coloe to UK country manager, heading up sales and marketing. Joining from iOra, where he oversaw clients including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Microsoft and BT, Coloe brings 17 years'...

Dowcarter appoints Rahim executive director.(Moving people: all change: the week's appointments and promotions making the news in the direct marketing industry)(John Rahim)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... John Rahim has accepted the post of executive director at Dowcarter. Formerly a group account director at www.agency.com, he is to be based at the company's London offices. Rahim will become responsible for the direction of key accounts in the...

TBG picks casino division account manager.(Moving people: all change: the week's appointments and promotions making the news in the direct marketing industry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Digital marketing solutions agency TBG has taken on Ed Stevens as account manager to oversee growth at the online casino division. Stevens, previously an online marketing manager at casino operator Stanley Leisure Group, joins to offer...

All Response promotes Cronin to media manager.(Moving people: all change: the week's appointments and promotions making the news in the direct marketing industry)(Liam Cronin)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... All Response Media has promoted Liam Cronin from senior planner/buyer to media manager. Cronin joined the direct response agency from Havas sister agency EHS Brann in 2002. In his new role, he will report to board director Colin Gillespie and...

Mtivity lures Julian Skeels to head R&D.(Moving people: all change: the week's appointments and promotions making the news in the direct marketing industry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Marketing management software firm Mtivity has recruited Julian Skeels as head of research and development. Skeels will oversee product development. Joining from Electronic Solutions, Skeels was a director of technology. Chief executive Matthew...

Nice work ... is a monthly column dedicated to those people who are happy at work. Don't think it's possible? Read on.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Name: Vaughan Lonsdale Company: Rocket Science Department: Creative Job title: Creative director Responsibilities: As well as board responsibilities, I'm accountable for the department's profitability. I also develop client...

Long haul flight to ditch the old bird.(diary)
August 1, 2003... You'll have to forgive us this week because we are feeling a little drained--both emotionally and physically--following a rather harrowing time spent trying to keep a gaggle of young ladieeeeeeees content. And, no, we're not talking about those...

Forthcoming events.
August 1, 2003... Charities Aid Foundation is presenting the Corporates & Communities Conference on September 10 and 11, focusing on the importance of corporate community investment (CCI). Funded by Barclays' community investment programme and supported by...

Unreserved reserves.(Soundoff: Hunter's tale)
August 1, 2003... It's been pointed out recently that I've eased off knocking my two 'favourite' agencies: Mother and EHS Brann. As it stands, I'm more than happy for Mother to keep pealing off layers of non-existent imperial clothing (re: Batchelors etc) and,...

FSA to pursue ban on cold-call mortgage sales.(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... The DMA (UK) appears to have lost its battle against the Financial Services Authority (FSA) over proposals to ban cold calling by mortgage providers. The FSA is now unlikely to change its stance on regulations--due to come into effect in...

Credit enquiry slams finance firms.(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... The financial services industry has come under renewed attack from Parliament over its credit-marketing techniques, amid mounting concerns that the UK's debt problem is spiralling out of control. The Commons Treasury Committee this week...

Industry signs up to mail recycling target.(direct mail recycling)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... The direct marketing industry has welcomed a "long overdue" agreement between the DMA (UK) and Government to reduce direct mail waste and improve the country's poor recycling rates. The deal between the DMA and Department for the...

DMA pressures parties to avert postal strike.(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... The DMA (UK) is urging Royal Mail and postal workers to reach an agreement over pay conditions and avert a national strike that could plunge the direct marketing industry into crisis. The threat of industrial action moved a step closer this...

RSPCA splits up direct business to reduce costs.(Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals splits its direct marketing account between numerous specialist agencies)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... The RSPCA is moving its 5m[pounds sterling] direct marketing account out of WWAV Rapp Collins, splitting it between numerous specialist agencies to create more cost-effective campaigns. Charity marketing specialist Whitewater will take the...

Top jockey ties up sponsorship deal with LBM.(news)(Richard Guest )(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Grand National winning jockey Richard Guest has signed a unique sponsorship deal with direct marketing agency LBM. Guest, who won the National in 2001 on Red Marauder, has joined forces with the agency, which claims to be the largest...

Wealth manager eyes top earners.(news )(Watercress Associates )(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Wealth management specialist Watercress Associates is ramping up its direct marketing to attract a wider group of customers. The company, which provides expert financial and investment advice to high net worth individuals, recently...

Ferries unite in Web data-capture launch.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Ferry operators are increasing pressure on beleaguered airlines by launching a joint data capture initiative to bolster awareness of cheaper sail-drive holidays. P&O, SeaCat, Hover-speed, Irish Ferries, SeaFrance, P&O Irish Sea, Stena...

Bennetts in DRTV offensive to entice bikers.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Bennetts, one of the UK's leading motorbike and scooter insurance companies, is investing 3m[pounds sterling] in its biggest DRTV campaign to date. Sheffield-based agency Dig For Fire and Manchester-based PSA will handle the brief, which...

Taylor Nelson direct agency in manager buyout.(news)(Multi Resource Marketing Promotional Services)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Direct marketing agency Multi Resource Marketing Promotional Services has undergone a management buyout from Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS). The deal, worth an undisclosed sum, follows an eight-year period in which the agency was under the...

Web host eyes pole position in direct initiative.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... 1&1 Internet, the UK's second largest Web-hosting company, is vying to snatch the number one slot from Host Europe through a raft of integrated direct marketing. The company, which offers businesses the technology to build and maintain...

Wilmot sues Kleeneze over 'exclusive' right to buy DMG.(news)(Gillian Wilmot)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Gillian Wilmot, former managing director of mail markets at Royal Mail, has begun legal proceedings against Kleeneze, claiming the direct marketing group reneged on a deal to sell her part of the business. Wilmot has called in lawyers,...

FoE lures donors in local pollution inserts assault.(news)(Friends of the Earth campaign)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Friends of the Earth (FoE) is focusing on the impact of pollution on individuals for its latest inserts campaign, as part of plans to boost donor recruitment. Marketing agency Blue-frog has been appointed to develop a raft of creative...

Iceland leaflets guilty of 'unfair' price claims.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Frozen foods giant Iceland has been rapped by advertising bosses over misleading leaflets about prices at rival store Kwik Save. The retailer objected to two leaflets that stated 'Iceland Save, Save, Save--bags more for your money than Kwik...

Bupa appoints Equifax to boost database drives.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Bupa, the UK's leading independent healthcare organisation, is stepping up its database marketing to boost customer relationships. The health insurance giant has appointed Equifax to implement a database management solution, ensuring it has...

Debt recovery firm faces probe over shock email.(news)(Chamberlain McBain is to be investigated)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Debt recovery company Chamberlain McBain is to be investigated by advertising chiefs after launching an email campaign depicting a child injecting himself with drugs. The Scottish-based company's ad features the strapline 'Recovered? You...

Pop Idol pools data to overhaul voting process.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... ITV talent show Pop Idol has vowed to tighten voting procedures by centralising SMS, telephone, interactive TV and online data handling into one company. iTouch, the mobile phone services provider, has been appointed by Pop Idol owners...

Heart charity targets UK number one spot.(news)(British Heart Foundation awards Target Direct campaign)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has awarded its 2m[pounds sterling] direct marketing account to Target Direct following a four-way pitch. The agency takes over from DMS, which declined to repitch after working with the heart and...

Presents Direct plans debut e-marketing strategy.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Mail order catalogue Presents Direct is embarking on its first online marketing programme to boost its customer base of cash-rich, time-poor consumers. The brand, which targets affluent women approaching middle age, plans to partner several...

Avis rethinks below-the-line activity.(news)(to provide a greater focus on its Internet offering)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Car rental giant Avis is understood to be reviewing its below-the-line account to provide a greater focus on its Internet offering. The review follows the resignation of director of sales and marketing Matt Andrews in June. Perspective Red Cell...

Coca-Cola hands TMW online account.(news)(Tullo Marshall Warren)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Coca-Cola Enterprises is ramping up its online marketing with the appointment of Tullo Marshall Warren to its e-business brief. The company is embarking on a raft of activity including business-to-business Web development, intranet enhancement...

Volkswagen rolls out Touran mailing blitz.(news)(direct mail campaign to promote new vehicle)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Volkswagen is launching a two-phase direct mail campaign to promote the new Touran, a compact multi-people vehicle (MPV), through Proximity London. The mailings target families and will go out to over 200,000 prospects and cold lists.

Silver Spoon relaunches Crusha with gaming push.(news)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Silver Spoon UK is relaunching its Crusha milkshake mix brand with an interactive TV and online game. The game, 'Crusha Cows', which is being developed by specialist play agency 3RD sense, will be accessed through interactive TV ads and...

Grey specialist purchases data software firm.(news)(Millennium Communication Group is acquiring Pushbutton Software)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Grey market specialist the Millennium Communication Group is expanding its direct marketing by acquiring a database and software management company. Pushbutton Software, based in West Yorkshire, has been snapped up to complete Millennium's...

Thistle Hotels plans online assault to expand database.(news)(email acquisition drive)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Thistle Hotels, London's largest hotel group, is undertaking its most aggressive online strategy to date with the aim of increasing its database from 50,000 to half a million customers by the end of the year. Arnold Interactive has been...

Fiat launches Ulysse with holiday-themed push.(news)(direct marketing campaign for vehicle launched)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Fiat is unveiling a holiday-based direct marketing campaign to promote the launch of its new Ulysse people carrier marque. The initiative, devised by Arc, will see mailings sent to both prospects and existing customers. Packs contain a...

Rural pressure group targets specific UK regions.(news )(Campaign to Protect Rural England appoints Whitewater for campaign)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is embarking on a direct marketing initiative to lure donors and boost its supporter base. The push, which is being devised by newly appointed Whitewater agency, will comprise direct mail,...

US DMA warns of $1.5bn loss from anti-spam laws.(international)(Direct Marketing Association)
August 8, 2003... Washington DC: The US DMA has hit out at a proposed amendment to anti-spamming legislation, warning it could cost the industry up to $1.5bn (931m[pounds sterling]) in lost legitimate email transactions. The proposals advance cross-party...

Tele-body sues FCC over Do Not Call.(international)(American Tele-services Association is suing the Federal Communications Commission over register)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Washington DC: The US telemarketing sector is launching a renewed attack on the Do Not Call register, accusing a federal communications agency of 'regulatory overkill'. Trade body American Tele-services Association (ATA) is suing the...

Russian minister fights mass emails with 'joke' calls.(international)(Andrei Korotkov bombards American Language Center with phone calls after spam)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2003... Moscow: A Russian communications minister has bombarded an English language school with automated calls after he received hundreds of unsolicited emails promoting its courses. The American Language Center, an English-teaching college based...