Public Relations

Nuclear Waste on the Move

by Judith Siers-Poisson — September 23, 2008 - 10:45am

International Nuclear Services (INS) is looking for PR support for an unpopular issue -- transportation of nuclear waste. "INS was created out of the 'spent fuel services' business of Sellafield to provide a service to more than 20 global utility firms.

Main Source: 
PR Week (UK, sub req'd), September 18, 2008

PickensPlan Pushed by Patton Boggs

by Bob Burton — September 22, 2008 - 6:43am

In July, oil industry figure T. Boone Pickens launched the PickensPlan to promote "energy independence" from "foreign oil" for the United States. In the plan, Pickens promotes the use of wind power to generate 20 percent of U.S. electricity, and natural gas and biofuels for transportation. Pickens now has business interests from funds management, water projects and the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel.

Main Source: 
O'Dwyers PR Daily (sub req'd), September 19, 2008

Bolivia: The Spies Who Spun Me

by Diane Farsetta — September 18, 2008 - 3:21pm

In Bolivia, anti-government protests have led to dozens of deaths. President Evo Morales claimed the United States is supporting the violent groups and asked U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg to leave. The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), pointing to earlier reports that the U.S.

Main Source: 
Center for Economic and Policy Research, September 12, 2008

PR Driving "Carbon Neutral" Greenwashing

by Bob Burton — September 16, 2008 - 5:10am

The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) is alarmed about the extent of corporate greenwashing. The authority's chief executive, Frank Goodman, explained, "You are not allowed to say your product is good for the environment unless you can prove this.

Main Source: 
The Sunday Times (UK), September 14, 2008

Rebuff for Coal Power Giant

by Bob Burton — September 11, 2008 - 12:17am

The German power corporation E.ON has suffered a humiliating defeat in its attempt to have six Greenpeace protesters convicted of criminal damage for painting a slogan on the coal-fired Kingsnorth Power Station in the United Kingdom. The six argued that they had a "lawful excuse" for their action in trying to prevent further damage to the global climate.

Main Source: 
Reuters, September 11, 2008

Auto Association "Empowers" Consumers

by Judith Siers-Poisson — September 9, 2008 - 4:04pm

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade association of car and light truck manufacturers, has launched "EcoDriving," "a national campaign intended to empower consumers on an individual basis to reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions." The campaign will utilize social networking, events, and media outreach to "offers manufacturers an opportunity to show consumers they are part of the solution." Colorado Gov.

Main Source: 
PR Week (US), September 2, 2008

Absolving Your Sins and CYA: Corporations Embrace Voluntary Codes of Conduct

by Anne Landman — September 4, 2008 - 2:08pm
  • Topics: Corporate Social Responsibility, Children, Public Relations, Tobacco

    • "We do not want children to smoke," British American Tobacco (BAT) declares on its website. But the company that describes itself as the "world's most international tobacco group" routinely violates its own voluntary international marketing and advertising standards, according to a July 1, 2008 BBC-TV This World investigation. BAT was caught in Malawi, Mauritius and Nigeria using marketing tactics that are well-known to appeal to youth: advertising and selling single cigarettes, and sponsoring non-age-restricted, product-branded musical entertainment. (See also "Playing with Children's Lives: Big Tobacco in Malawi.")

    Chevron Plays the Victim

    by Diane Farsetta — September 3, 2008 - 1:33pm

    The second-largest U.S. oil company sees itself as a victim, and it's going on a PR offensive to explain why.

    Main Source: 
    East Bay Business Times (California, sub req'd), August 29, 2008
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