Public Relations

Product Placements vs. VNRs

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.

Thanks for the Mercury

Submitted by Judith Siers-Poisson on

It isn't every day that a state's largest polluter is honored. It helps when the polluter -- and its buddies -- helped found and advise the group giving the award. The Maryland-based Wildlife Habitat Council gave biodiversity conservation awards to 21 companies, including the Lafarge cement plant in Ravena, New York. The award was for Lafarge's 150-acre Deer Mountain Nature Preserve. The honor was not publicized until the company came under fire for mercury contamination near a local high school.

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Main Source: 
Times Union (Albany, NY), May 21, 2008
Topics: 
Crisis Management
Front Groups
Corporations
Environment
Public Relations

Virginia Commonweath University's Secret Research for Philip Morris

Submitted by Anne Landman on

Tobacco spinAs CMD previously reported, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) operates a School of Medicine and a School of Public Health while enjoying a cozy relationship with the tobacco industry, especially cigarette maker

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Main Source: 
New York Times, May 22, 2008
Topics: 
Genetic Engineering
Third Party Technique
Corporations
Education
Ethics
Health
Public Relations
Science
Secrecy
Tobacco

Armey's Angry Renters

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

"AngryRenter.com looks a bit like a digital ransom note, with irregular fonts, exclamation points and big red arrows -- all emphasizing prudent renters' outrage over a proposed government bailout for irresponsible homeowners," writes Michael M. Phillips. In fact, however, "the people behind AngryRenter.com are certainly not renters.

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Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal, May 16, 2008
Topics: 
Astroturf
Internet
Front Groups

Drug Companies: Marketing Machines Gone Awry

Submitted by Anne Landman on

Prescription pillsNew York Times reporter Melody Petersen, who covered the pharmaceutical industry for four years, has now published a book titled Our Daily Meds: How the pharmaceutical companies transformed themselves into slick marketing machines and hooked the nation on prescription drugs.

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Main Source: 
Bill Moyers Journal, PBS, May 16, 2008
Topics: 
Corporations
Corporate Social Responsibility
Ethics
Health
Marketing
Advertising
Journalism
Pharmaceuticals
Propaganda
Public Relations
Third Party Technique
Science

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