Marketing

They're Krafty

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

After "a major government-commissioned study found advertising contributes to childhood obesity" and two bills before Congress "proposed regulation of children's advertising," Kraft, "the nation's biggest food company," knew it "risked being depicted as a corporate villain." So, in January, the company "announced it would quit advertising certain products to kids under 12." While some criticized Kraft's continued use of cartoons and questioned whether the company should be able to decide "what's healthy and what isn't," policymakers praised Kraft.

No
Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub. req'd.), October 31, 2005
Topics: 
Advertising
Obesity
Children
Corporations
Health

Another Round, Mates

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

In Britain, where the pub industry has successfully lobbied for a relaxation of licensing laws, "The drinks industry is planning a ruthless campaign of economic incentives and psychological tricks to get customers to drink as much as possible when licensing laws are relaxed," report Gaby Hinsliff and Anushka Asthana.

No
Main Source: 
The Observer (UK), October 23, 2005
Topics: 
Ethics
Marketing

Toxic Sludge, Soda and Beer Are All Good for You!

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

After a survey found that only 10 percent of respondents rated PepsiCo as a company that was "concerned with my health," the soft drink company is launching "a new advertising campaign for its 'Smart Spot' products." Pepsi rates more than 200 of its products as healthier, "Smart Spot" foods, including diet soda and baked potato chips. Pepsi will also launch a pilot project, called "Perfect Storm," later this year, "in a major U.S.

No
Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub. req'd.), October 15, 2005
Topics: 
Obesity
Corporations
Health
Marketing
Race / Ethnic Issues

Celebrity Shills for Pills and Other DTC Concerns

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

prescription pillsThe Food and Drug Administration will hold a public hearing on direct-to-consumer (DTC) drug advertising, "more than two years after the last public hearing ... failed to produce any guidelines to regulate the $4 billion ad category," notes AdAge.

No
Main Source: 
Advertising Age, October 3, 2005
Topics: 
Advertising
Corporations
Health

And Now, a Hidden Word from Our Sponsor

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

The Wall Street Journal reports that Subway Restaurants "launched a new sandwich last night by having it written into the story line of NBC's 'Will & Grace'." Such advertising is increasingly spreading beyond television and movies, and into magazines and newspapers.

No
Main Source: 
Christian Science Monitor, September 29, 2005
Topics: 
Advertising
Media

McDonald's Has No Breaks Today

Submitted by Diane Farsetta on

"Earlier this year, McDonald's Corp. unveiled plans to enlist rap artists to produce several songs that would integrate the Golden Arches' iconic Big Mac sandwich into lyrics," as "part of the company's ongoing strategy to court the youth market, especially young men, through hip-hop," reports AdAge.

No
Main Source: 
Advertising Age, September 26, 2005
Topics: 
Corporations
Marketing
Media

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