Submitted by Diane Farsetta on
As "voters took to the streets in 19 states ... to protest paperless electronic voting machines" at "The Computer Ate My Vote" rallies, the high-tech industry lobby group Information Technology Association of America fought back.
Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on
Ed McGovern, a Democratic political consultant in the San Francisco Bay area, is helping local developer Glenborough-Pauls as the company fights environmentalists opposed to a controversial condominium project. The PR campaign, calling itself the "Know All the Facts Coalition," is using print advertising and bringing together union representatives, elected officials and government employees in an effort to stymie a petition drive that seeks to halt the project.
Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on
The New York Times recently attempted to contact former secretary of state Henry Kissinger to ask about allegations that he had used his influence inside the Council on Foreign Relations to quell a debate concerning him in the pages of its magazine, Foreign Affairs. Kissinger was "traveling and could not be reached for comment," responded his assistant.
Submitted by Laura Miller on
In Australia, McDonald's launched an unprecedented, multi-million dollar advertising and PR campaign to counter the release of the US documentary "Super Size Me," which follows filmmaker Morgan Spurlock on a month long McDonald's binge. Until recently, the fast-food giant chose to ignore the hit movie. But McDonald's now fears for its reputation.
Submitted by Diane Farsetta on
Russian oil company OAO Yukos has seen hard times since the arrest on tax evasion and fraud charges of its former chief executive, Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The company "is trading at a fraction of its value at the time of Mr. Khodorkovsky's arrest," and owes $3.4 billion in back taxes, according to the Russian government. "Company executives say Yukos could be driven out of business," writes the Wall Street Journal.
Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on
IGN FilmForce, a movie review website, took a look at the PR battle against Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock's documentary about the 30 days he spent eating nothing but meals from McDonald's. "Over the course of three days this week, IGN FilmForce came across three separate press releases, from three different organizations, all extolling the 'truth' about how the new documentary film Super Size Me distorts the fact," they report.
Submitted by Diane Farsetta on
Saying "he was seduced 'with a bacon-wrapped cheeseburger'," Florida millionaire Jody Gorran filed a lawsuit against Atkins Nutritionals and the estate of the late Dr. Atkins. Gorran required surgery to open a 99 percent blocked coronary artery after following the high-fat, high-protein Atkins diet for two years.
Submitted by Diane Farsetta on
How should the U.S. handle torture allegations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Cuba? The Army may use video games. The America's Army game, which is currently used "to train and recruit soldiers... could also be modified to include lessons on prisoner treatment." Reuters reports: "The PC-based game...
Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on
Low-carb diets, the demise of the McDonald's Supersize menu, and even mad cow disease have hurt the market for potatoes, so spud growers are fighting back. "The National Potato Promotion Board (NPPB) recently launched a $4.5 million campaign that mixes print advertising, public relations and partnerships with weight-loss groups to educate consumers about the healthy benefits of potatoes," reports the Associated Press. According to NPPB president Tim O'Connor, "There's nothing anyone can do about McDonald's deciding to eliminate its Supersize. ...
Submitted by Diane Farsetta on
As the anti-fast food documentary "Super Size Me" hits theaters, McDonald's is fighting back. "We're responding aggressively because the film is a gross misrepresentation," said a company spokesperson. Helping defend McDonald's are "global nutritionist" Cathy Kapica and the corporate-funded American Council on Science and Health.
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