Corporate Social Responsibility

Carbon Neutral: A New Frontier for Spin?

by Jonathan Rosenblum — January 16, 2007 - 10:03am

Voluntary carbon trading markets in the United States have doubled in volume over the past year, demonstrating that companies and consumers increasingly seek to offset their role in creating greenhouse gasses by fostering reductions in carbon elsewhere. But the market lacks quality control and a reliable referee. Some companies may take more interest in pushing brand identity than good works.

Main Source: 
Christian Science Monitor, January 10, 2007

Philip Morris’s Project Sunrise: Wake Up and Smell the Efforts to Undermine Public Health

by Anne Landman — January 10, 2007 - 6:24pm

An article published in the medical journal Tobacco Control reveals Philip Morris' "Project Sunrise" (1995-2006), a long-term plan to bolster the social acceptability of smoking and ensure the company's future.

Main Source: 
Tobacco Control, Issue 15

One Hand Gives, The Other Takes Away

by Bob Burton — January 8, 2007 - 1:53am

One of the projects funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been to immunize children living in Ebocha, Nigeria. But at the same time the foundation owns shares in the French oil company, Eni, that pollutes the residents air and water by the open air burning of gas considered to be waste.

Main Source: 
Los Angeles Times, January 7, 2007

World Diamond Council Seeks to Sterilize "Blood Diamond"

by Jonathan Rosenblum — December 26, 2006 - 3:26pm

Concerned about consumer backlash, the World Diamond Council (WDC) has pumped $15 million into a public relations and education campaign to respond to the new movie "Blood Diamond." The film, starring Leonard DiCaprio, opened to generally good reviews and ranked among the top ten in popularity during the holiday season.

Main Source: 
Advertising Age (sub req'd), December 11, 2006

A Cause (-Related Marketing) for Joy?

by Diane Farsetta — December 15, 2006 - 5:53pm

"Large American nonprofits spend at least $7.6 billion per year on marketing and public relations," according to a consulting firm's analysis of U.S. tax data. "$7.6 billion annually in spending for advertising, communications, public relations and branding ... is not an insignificant business sector," writes Tom Watson. "Total spending on public relations in the U.S. reached some $3.7 billion last year. ...

Main Source: 
The Huffington Post, December 13, 2006

Detailed Corporate Social Responsibility Reports Rare, Publicity-Driven

by Jonathan Rosenblum — December 11, 2006 - 11:19am

Only a small proportion of annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports -- perhaps 15 to 20 percent -- provide "very thorough" accounts of real ethical problems faced by companies. Even that measure comes from within the CSR report industry, in interviews with writers Andrew Brengle of KLD Research & Analytics and Jeff Erikson of SustainAbility Inc.

Main Source: 
The Christian Science Monitor, December 4, 2006

It's Flacks v. Flacks Over Junk Food Marketing "Reform"

by Jonathan Rosenblum — December 5, 2006 - 2:59pm

"This was spin, and [the food industry] will have to get beyond that and make real changes or they'll get beat up again very soon." Perhaps a line from a nutritionist slamming the Better Business Bureaus' weak new voluntary restrictions on junk food marketing to kids? Instead, it's the president of MGP & Associates Public Relations, Mike Paul.

Main Source: 
Advertising Age, November 20, 2006

Sugary Deals Tempt Health Care Charities

by Jonathan Rosenblum — December 4, 2006 - 4:51pm

Public health charities are under intense pressure from potential or ongoing commercial sponsors to boost their budgets with product promotion schemes. For example, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) currently has a $1.5 million sponsorship deal with Cadbury Schweppes, maker of Dr. Pepper and the Cadbury Creme egg.

Main Source: 
The New York Times, November 25, 2006

Tobacco Lobby Aims To Stub Out Safer Cigarettes

by Bob Burton — November 13, 2006 - 3:43am

The Tobacco Manufacturers Association (TMA), a U.K.-based trade association, is lobbying against a European Union proposal to require companies to manufacture cigarettes that reduce the chances of causing a fire if not being smoked.

Main Source: 
The Observer (UK), November 12, 2006

Sponsored Police

by Bob Burton — November 13, 2006 - 3:26am

Corporate sponsorship is all the rage, even with the New South Wales Police. In 2002 a mother of three, Diane Brimble, died on board the P&O cruise ship Pacific Sky from a combination of alcohol and the drug gamma hydroxybutyrate. Her death was investigated by officers from the NSW Water Police. Eighteen months later, P & O was one of five sponsors of the opening of a new headquarters for the water police.

Main Source: 
Sydney Morning Herald, November 11, 2006
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