Video News Releases

The UK and US: Similar Fake News, Iraq Occupations

by Diane Farsetta — February 15, 2006 - 7:17pm

In 2002, the British government "launched a little-known television propaganda service that seems to mimic the U.S. government's deceptive approach to fake news," writes David Miller.

Main Source: 
The Guardian (UK), February 15, 2006

Fake News without the Gatekeepers

by Diane Farsetta — February 6, 2006 - 4:06pm

It's "the most aggressive example yet in a growing trend of marketers utilizing broadband video downloading to bypass traditional TV outlets," writes Joe Mandese. During the ABC network's Super Bowl coverage, Anheuser-Busch debuted "Bud TV," a "direct-to-consumer network ...

Main Source: 
MediaDailyNews, February 2, 2006

Simon's Prediction: VNR Disclosure Will Increase in 2006

by Bob Burton — January 22, 2006 - 12:26am

Doug Simon, the President and CEO of D S Simon Productions, a major producer of video news releases (VNRs), optimistically predicts that in 2006 "TV stations will more willingly disclose sources of outside video they use on air during news and other programs." Last yea

Main Source: 
Bulldog Reporter, January 20, 2006

Parting of Ways at Medialink

by Bob Burton — January 6, 2006 - 9:34pm

Medialink Worldwide has announced that it is parting ways with J. Graeme McWhirter, who co-founded the company nineteen years ago and, until December 31, 2005, was a director and executive vice-president.

Main Source: 
Medialink Media Release, January 5, 2006

The Victory of Spin

by Laura Miller — December 7, 2005 - 10:16am
  • Topics: Crisis Management, Iraq, Public Diplomacy, Video News Releases, U.S. Government

    • More examples of the Bush administration's manipulation of news spilled out into U.S. newspapers last week. Raising further questions about how the White House continues to spin its "War on Terror," the Los Angeles Times reported on November 30 the U.S. military "is secretly paying Iraqi newspapers to publish stories written by American troops in an effort to burnish the image of the U.S.

    Fake News = Weakened Democracy

    by Diane Farsetta — December 2, 2005 - 7:17pm

    "The public's ability to participate in the rule-making process was undermined" when the administration of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger produced video news releases (VNRs) promoting controversial proposals, ruled Sacramento Superior Court judge Lloyd Connelly.

    Main Source: 
    San Francisco Chronicle, December 2, 2005

    Fake News: It's the PR Industry Against the Rest of Us

    by Bob Burton — November 15, 2005 - 3:42pm
  • Topics: Video News Releases, Ethics, Public Relations, U.S. Government

    • Be careful what you ask for. That may be the take home lesson for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

    Medialink Worldwide's Accounts Awash with Red Ink

    by Bob Burton — November 15, 2005 - 6:11am

    In its latest quarterly financial report, Medialink Worldwide, the world's biggest producer of video news releases (VNRs), has revealed that its losses are growing. In the three months to the end of September, the company had a loss of $1.3 million from continuing operations, compared to $596,000 for the same period in 2004.

    Main Source: 
    Medialink Worldwide, November 14, 2005

    The Fake News Hydra Still Bites

    by Diane Farsetta — November 4, 2005 - 6:06pm
    The mythical hydra

    "Reports of paid video's demise are clearly premature," writes O'Dwyer's, in a magazine piece on how the PR industry is weathering increased scrutiny over

    Main Source: 
    O'Dwyer's PR Services Report, October 2005

    One Step Forward (But Two Back) in the Fight Against Fake News

    by Diane Farsetta — October 21, 2005 - 7:30pm
  • Topics: Activism, Video News Releases, Politics, U.S. Government

    • "Myself and others felt violated by the first bill," said Doug Simon, the founder, president and CEO of D S Simon Productions, a major producer of the faux television news reports known as video news releases (VNRs).

    Simon was referring to the Truth in Broadcasting Act (S 967). In its original incarnation, this bill would have required a "conspicuous" disclosure to accompany any government-produced or -funded prepackaged VNR or the radio equivalent, an audio news release (ANR).

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