Ethics

Why Blago Blitzed

by Sheldon Rampton — January 30, 2009 - 2:59am

There was a method behind now-former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich's decision to skip most of his impeachment trial and go on the talk show circuit, writes PR Week. "PR pros know," the magazine wrote, "that Blagojevich's goal likely wasn't to retain his seat as governor, but to defend his reputation and prepare for his next objective.

Main Source: 
PR Week, February 2, 2009

Finally, Blagojevich's Side of the Story

by Diane Farsetta — January 26, 2009 - 12:17pm

Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who was impeached and faces a federal investigation into charges he tried to sell the former Senate seat of President Barack Obama, has hired a public relations firm.

Main Source: 
Associated Press, January 24, 2009

Gadget Company Engages in Pay-for-Praise Online

by Diane Farsetta — January 22, 2009 - 3:38pm

"Amazon.com runs a side business called Mechanical Turk ... where people can go, register, and get paid to do little tasks that computers can't do," explained blogger and film student Arlen Parsa. While on the site, Parsa saw a request to review Belkin International's consumer electronics products.

Main Source: 
The Daily Background (blog), January 16, 2009

Fortune Frowns on Lying CEOs

by Sheldon Rampton — January 15, 2009 - 9:45pm

"An angry mob of investors and taxpayers is assembling, and they want to see some executives' heads on pikes," reports Fortune magazine's Roger Parloff. "The question for the courts will be, Who was just foolish with our money -- and who was lying, cheating, and stealing?" Under the law, corporate executives are guilty of securities fraud if they misrepresent the truth about their companies' financial condition.

Main Source: 
Fortune, January 6, 2009

Former Fleishman Hillard Execs Appeal Convictions

by Bob Burton — January 12, 2009 - 7:58pm

Former Fleishman-Hillard (F-H) public relations executives Doug Dowie and John Stodder are appealing their conviction for overbilling the city of Los Angeles on contracts with

Main Source: 
Los Angeles Times, January 9, 2009

Dead Celebrities Promoting Products From the Grave: Too Creepy?

by Anne Landman — December 30, 2008 - 3:42pm

People are questioning the propriety of a new TV and Internet ad that resurrects the voice and image of murdered Beatle John Lennon to promote the nonprofit One L

Main Source: 
Advertising Age, December 29, 2008

Felt Up in Heaven, or Down in Hell?

by Sheldon Rampton — December 20, 2008 - 1:17pm

"Journalists and many others (rightly) lionizing the late W.

Main Source: 
Editor and Publisher, December 19, 2008

New Federal Rule Permits Withholding of Medical Treatments, Information

by Anne Landman — December 19, 2008 - 4:11pm

The Bush administration has approved a new "conscience protection" rule that allows health care workers to opt out of administering any form of medical care they feel is objectionable on moral or religious grounds.

Main Source: 
Los Angeles Times, December 19, 2008

"Small" Change in Bailout Language Preserves Executive Pay

by Anne Landman — December 17, 2008 - 3:08pm

When Congress drafted the $700 billion financial bailout bill, they intended to limit Wall Street executives' sky-high pay. To do this, they included a process for reviewing executive pay, recovering bonuses based on unrealized earnings, prohibiting "golden parachutes" and punishing firms that break the rules.

Main Source: 
Washington Post, December 15, 2008

No Shame at NBC

by Sheldon Rampton — December 13, 2008 - 10:45pm

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has issued a statement strongly criticizing the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) for its continued use of retired Gen.

Main Source: 
Society of Professional Journalists, December 4, 2008
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