Marketing

Marketing with Meaning Still Means You're Selling Something

by Diane Farsetta — May 28, 2008 - 3:29pm

The WPP Group's online advertising firm Bridge Worldwide offers its clients what it calls "marketing with meaning." For ConAgra, the firm created the "Start Making Choices" website, which "conveys nutrition, exercise and other well-being tips from cardiologist James Rippe ...

Main Source: 
Advertising Age, May 26, 2008

Healthcare Privacy Laws Quietly Assist Fundraising

by Anne Landman — May 27, 2008 - 4:12pm

When a patient checks into a hospital or goes to see a doctor, they are typically handed a booklet called "Notice of Privacy Practices" and are asked to sign a document acknowledging that they received the information. Patients assume that these "privacy practices" are in place to protect their personal information and that doctors and hospitals will keep their information in strictest confidence.

Main Source: 
San Francisco Chronicle, May 27, 2008

Product Placements vs. VNRs

by Sheldon Rampton — May 23, 2008 - 3:20pm
  • Topics: Advertising, Arts / Culture, Video News Releases, Marketing, Media


    • The movie "Wayne's World" included an amusing spoof of product placements.

    We recently received an email from someone who asked, "What is the difference between a 'product placement' and a 'video news release' (VNR)? Is a VNR a type of product placement?" Since other people might have the same question, I thought I'd post my answer here.

    On SourceWatch, we have articles about both topics. As our article about video news releases explains, a VNR is a piece of video that is created (typically by a public relations firm on behalf of a paying client) and designed to look like a news segment for broadcast by TV news programs. It deceives audiences by creating the impression that the "news" they see on TV was produced by independent reporters, when in fact VNRs are promotional pieces designed to sell something for a client whose identity is not always disclosed. TV news shows often deny that they use VNRs, but Diane Farsetta, our senior researcher, has done extensive research in which she found numerous examples of the practice.

    "Product placement" is a separate but similarly sneaky practice of getting television programs and movies to display a company's product within their program.

    The Biggest Loser Is the Biggest Placer

    by Sheldon Rampton — May 20, 2008 - 9:05pm

    According to the Nielsen Company, product placements on broadcast television increased 39 percent during the first quarter of 2008. All told, there were 117,976 brand occurrences on cable and broadcast networks in the first three months of the year. The show with the most product placements was NBC's "The Biggest Loser," followed by "American Idol" on Fox, "The Apprentice" on NBC, "Deal or No Deal" on NBC, and "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" on ABC.

    Main Source: 
    Center for Media Research, May 16, 2008

    Chart(er)ing a New Course for Invasion of Privacy

    by Judith Siers-Poisson — May 15, 2008 - 1:04pm

    Charter Communications, one of the largest Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the U.S., recently sent letters to some of its 2.7 million customers with details of a new initiative. "Charter is billing its new web tracking program as an 'enhancement' for customers' web surfing experience. ... The pilot program is set to begin next month.

    Main Source: 
    Wired Blog Network: Threat Level, May 13, 2008

    And the Losers Are ... Kids

    by Judith Siers-Poisson — May 15, 2008 - 12:50pm

    On June 6, limos will be lined up, the red carpet will be rolled out, and decked out attendees will have their photos snapped by swarming paparazzi. But this isn't your usual Hollywood awards ceremony.

    Main Source: 
    New Mexico Media Literacy Project

    No Rush to Protect the Public

    by Judith Siers-Poisson — May 14, 2008 - 10:55pm

    Some U.S. Congresspeople want to limit direct to consumer marketing of drugs. Rep. Bart Stupak is head of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce investigative panel.

    Main Source: 
    Bulldog Reporter's Daily Dog, May 12, 2008

    Like Taking Candy from a Baby

    by Sheldon Rampton — May 10, 2008 - 5:56pm

    Consumer Reports Webwatch and the Mediatech Foundation have published a study of how young children interact with the internet, warning that "Publishers of many major children's Web sites should do a better job disclosing sales and advertising information to parents, especially as more kids at younger ages go online to play and meet friends." The study asked families to keep journals and use video cameras to track the way their children used sites such as Club Penguin, Webkinz,

    Main Source: 
    Consumer Reports Webwatch
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