Marketing

Rapper Mocks Direct-to-Consumer Drug Ads

by Bob Burton — July 30, 2007 - 1:00am

The New Jersey rapper, Sudden Death, has launched a free-to-play track which mocks the drug industry's direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA). The song, titled Pillagers, describes the experience of a man taking two dozen pills for various conditions being prescribed the notional drug Liquiplox that "relaxes the lining of your throat making it easier to take pills". "Liquiplox isn't for everyone.

Main Source: 
Pharmaceutical Marketing, July 23, 2007

Rebranding the Pentagon

by Sheldon Rampton — July 21, 2007 - 2:35pm

A recent marketing study commissioned by the U.S. military concludes that its "show of force" brand has limited appeal to Iraqi consumers. The 211-page, $400,000 study was written by psychologist Todd C.

Main Source: 
Washington Post, July 21, 2007

Reporting from Margaritaville

by Diane Farsetta — July 3, 2007 - 11:49am

The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority recently held its first "fam," or familiarization tour, of the year, "wooing about 35 meeting and event planners, people in the tourism business, travel journalists and their guests." Included in the junket were "pina coladas and a lobster dinner overlooking Gardner's Basin ... and tickets to see Jimmy Buffett.

Main Source: 
The Press of Atlantic City (New Jersey), July 2, 2007

Disclosure May Derail Doctors' Gravy Train

by Bob Burton — June 28, 2007 - 4:54am

Medicines Australia, the drug industry's peak lobby group, has lost a legal bid to protect member companies from being required to disclose details of hospitality they provide at "educational" events for doctors.

Main Source: 
The Age (Melbourne), June 28, 2007

Health Groups Dismiss Drug Ads Report As 'Biased'

by Bob Burton — June 23, 2007 - 8:39pm

A report by the European Commission (EC), which favours weaker regulatory standards on the advertising of prescription drugs, has been dismissed as biased by a coalition of consumer groups and health professionals.

Main Source: 
British Medical Journal, June 23, 2007 (Sub req'd)

Canadians, Beware: The Bugs Are Coming! (Or So Says Lysol)

by Bob Burton — June 21, 2007 - 2:21am

A B-roll video -- an unassembled video news release -- has been distributed to Canadian newsrooms warning consumers that "disease causing germs can be found lurking" just about everywhere in the home.

Main Source: 
The Hygiene Council, June 20, 2007

Fake News for the Whole Family

by Diane Farsetta — June 20, 2007 - 3:55pm

"Today's video PR campaigns must include both traditional and online components," counsels PR Week. "Leave nothing on the cutting-room floor ... put it on YouTube or another video-sharing site. ...

Main Source: 
PR Week, June 18, 2007

Greenwashing Zoos

by Bob Burton — June 20, 2007 - 3:36am

David Hancocks, a former director and architect of zoos in the United States and Australia, is skeptical of the conservation benefits often claimed by zoos. While many zoos tout breeding as a success story, Hancocks sees it as "merely basic zoo business: zoos must breed their animals to preserve their collections. Hardly any animals born in zoos are introduced to the wild." Despite this, he wrote in an opinion column, "They nonetheless loudly position themselves as leaders in wildlife conservation.

Main Source: 
Sydney Morning Herald, June 20, 2007
Syndicate content