Is Eminem Selling Out?

He has hit albums. He has a $120 million movie. Now he is endorsing a line of clothing that will bear his name. You know what they say about cool: as soon as you are....you aren't. Be careful Marshall.

PageSix.com: PageSix.com: Celebrity News: EMINEM INKS SHADY RETAIL DEAL
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Advertising Agencies Become Advertainment Agencies

It was destined to happen. With all this talk of advertainment, product placement and the like, it was only a matter of time before an ad agency jumped on the band wagon to take the ride.

Taxi, one of Canada's most successful independent advertising shops, announced the launch of chokolat, the first "branded entertainment" agency in the country.

National Post: Agency spinoff to meld entertainment and marketing
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Coke Gets "Real" With New Advertising Campaign

Staring the likes of Penelope Cruz, Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Mya, and Common, Coke launches a campaign which is all about being real and true to oneself.

In a statement, Esther Lee, chief creative officer of Coca-Cola North America, said, "These ads convey what consumers told us it means to 'be real.' Being true to yourself, plugging in to life and connecting with others, with a natural optimism. Creatively, the upbeat tone of the campaign reflects the heart, fun and desire that are core characteristics of Coca-Cola."

AdWeek: Stars Shine in Coke Campaign

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WB's High School Reunion Premiere grabs 5.2 Million Viewers

While UPN is struggling to survive, the WB is doing just fine. With it's recently launched "High School Reunion" reality show, the WB had it's highest rated preniere for the time slot.

MediaLife: 'High School Reunion,' reality most steamy
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UPN to Die?

UPN isn't looking so hot these days with Buffy ratings sliding and the new Star Trek, while critically lauded, has not caught on the way the network would have liked. Now UPN is talking to Fox about an affiliation deal to stay afloat.

Daily News: Viacom looking for Fox's help to pump up UPN
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Prime Time Television Without Commercials

The WB is launching a new television show called Live From Tomorrow which is variety show targeted to their traditionally young audience.

Big deal, you say?

The new new thing about this show is that it will have no commercials. It will be supported entirely by in-show product placement. The show is scheduled to begin next Summer.

I think this is a great move into the uncharted new world of advertising. I've said before, traditional advertising is dying. If executives at media companies do not begin experimenting with new forms soon, they will be left in the dust by those that do. Whether blatant product placement and sponsorship deals becomes the new way, is irrelevant. What is relevant is that change is happening. Media companies need experiment now, not later. WB should be lauded for this effort.

Ad Age: SPOT-FREE SHOW NEARS DEAL WITH WB
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Superbowl Advertising Line Up to Include Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan returns to the Superbowl advertising world after having been absent since 1997. He will be back in spots for Gatorade and Hanes.

Jordan will team with Jakie Chan for the Hanes spot. The Martin Agency created the spot.

For Gatorade, MJ will will play against his younger self in a special effects laden spot created by Element 79 Partners.

Great to see you back, Michael.

USA Today: USATODAY.com - Jordan heads band of famous faces in Super Bowl ads

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