Public Relations

Invasion of the Franchise Snatchers

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

While "attending an open meeting of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities," Bruce Kushnick saw "something odd. Three guys are standing in the back by the exit door and they keep shaking the hands of the speakers, most of whom testified that Verizon should get a new, statewide franchise." The three guys were Verizon employees, and many of the speakers were from groups that receive Verizon funding. Such telecom astroturf is spreading, warns Kushnick.

No
Main Source: 
Nieman Watchdog, May 7, 2007
Topics: 
Astroturf
Corporations
Democracy
Lobbying
Media

Tampa Testimony Against Media Consolidation, for Media "Convergence"

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

On April 30, "the Federal Communications Commission was in Tampa to hear from opponents and advocates of media consolidation," reports Pat Walters. "Since June, the FCC has been reviewing several planned changes to the rules governing media ownership.

No
Main Source: 
Poynter Online, May 1, 2007
Topics: 
Video News Releases
Corporations
Democracy
Fake TV News
Media
Race / Ethnic Issues
U.S. Government

Thailand Pays for a PR Coup

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

Thailand's unelected interim government, which was installed after a military coup in September 2006, is "increasingly unpopular at home" and "under attack abroad for overriding drug patents," reports Reuters. So, according to former army chief turned Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Thailand will "spend $600,000 on a three-month public relations campaign" to improve the government's poor image. "The money isn't much, but we have to do what we have to do," said Chulanont.

No
Main Source: 
Reuters, April 30, 2007
Topics: 
Corporations
International
Pharmaceuticals
Public Relations

UK Counter-Terrorism Leak Trail Leads to the Top

Submitted by Bob Burton on

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has rejected calls for an independent inquiry into three advance journalist briefings, prior to police raids in February that resulted in six men being arrested and charged with terrorism offences.

No
Main Source: 
The Guardian (UK), April 26, 2007
Topics: 
Journalism
Issue Management
Terrorism
International
Media
Politics

Government Contractors: Not Your Average Corporate Evildoers

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

"Fearing increased oversight from the newly elected Democratic-controlled Congress, the Coalition for Government Procurement (CGP), a trade group representing government product and service suppliers, is planning a PR and marketing campaign to promote its members as responsible companies and not stereotypical 'corporate evildoers,'" reports Ted McKenna. The CGP is also forming a new group, the Council on Responsible Contracting (CORC).

No
Main Source: 
PR Week, April 20, 2007
Topics: 
U.S. Congress
Corporations
Ethics
Public Relations
U.S. Government

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