The magazines market seems to lack sparkle. Consumers are purchasing fewer titles, and are complaining of unoriginal content. Although giveaways are successful in attracting impulse purchase, they do not help to build long-term readerships wit
Pepsi is teaming up with the clubbing brand Cream in a text messaging music promotion targeting the youth market. The summer promotion launches next week and will appear on 35 million 330ml and 500ml Pepsi cans and bottles. Consumers are invited to text a “blag” – an excuse for getting into a nightclub – to […]
Do I detect a hint of bias towards the tobacco advertising industry – and the media which carry their ads – in your editorial stance? The article by Iain Murray (MW June 28) and now the letter from tobacco apologist Josephine Graffikin (MW July 5) would seem to suggest that this is the case. Taking […]
McVitie’s is recruiting a marketing controller to head its Cake Company team following the departure of James Turton. Turton left to join Pretty Polly, where he replaced Sharon Harrison as marketing director. Harrison quit the hosiery and lingerie giant on July 1. McVitie’s, part of United Biscuits, is understood to have reviewed its marketing team […]
Dorothea Arndt looks at the costing concept of pay-for-performance ads on the Net and tells us what marketers can expect from this new approach.
The Diary had a brush with fame this week as it went visor-to-visor with Germany’s second-best racing driver, Ralf Schumacher. Journalists were invited to challenge Ralf in a virtual race around Silverstone, organised by Compaq. Ralf duly arrived, but his face suggested: “I’m contractually obliged to be here. Please don’t touch or talk to me.” […]
Gillette European group director for business development Peter Clay has been promoted to the global position of vice-president of premium systems, with responsibility for the Mach3 and Venus brands. Clay will be based at the company’s headquarters in Boston, US. Previously, he was based in Boston as the marketing director of grooming products, before becoming […]
MyVillage, an Internet company targeting local communities and businesses, has unveiled more than 30 websites. Building on established sites for Notting Hill, Chelsea and Kensington, the new additions include Mycamden.co.UK, Mytowerhamlets.co.UK, Mywestend.co.UK, Myfulham.co.UK and Myhampstead.co.UK. The Notting Hill-based company hopes to launch more than 60 London area sites before introducing the network to the rest […]
Reuters UK has appointed Beeb Ventures to build advertising on its Reuters.co.UK and newly launched Kalends.com sites.
BT’s fixed-line residential business is planning to launch a range of products aimed at the gaming and mobile phone markets, in addition to its Internet and digital TV packages. Angus Porter, managing director of BT Consumer, BT Retail’s consumer division, is seeking partners to develop products for the company’s 20 million-plus residential fixed-line customers. Because […]
The Times and Sunday Times are to become the first UK newspapers to charge for website content that is currently offered free. According to Silicon.com, they will become part-subscription sites, in an attempt to claw back News International’s new media investment. The first step in the project, a £10 yearly fee for access to The […]
The Committee of Advertising Practice has told food companies that they risk being censored by the advertising industry watchdog if they claim organic products are safer or tastier than conventional food.
WCRS is understood to be on the verge of landing the creative account for Martini Vermouth. Bacardi-Martini put the brand up for review after parting company with HHCL & Partners two months ago (MW May 17). HHCL said the two parties decided to end their relationship on the Martini brand after failing to reach agreement […]
British Sky Broadcasting is launching an enhanced set-top box, with “personal video” capability. The box will be priced at about &£300. The launch of Sky+, the UK’s first integrated personal television recorder and digital TV service, will be supported by a &£5m marketing campaign using press and outdoor advertising. Some industry experts had expected the […]
WH Smith head of marketing Andy King has been snapped up by Mothercare as marketing director.