AOL announced today they are dumping Gotham as their agency and will launch a review. Why? Suprise, surprise, AOL just hired a new EVP of marketing. If that's not the surest sign of a pending review, I don't know what is.
Unlike the Nextel review, Gotham was not invited to participate in the pitch. Just as well. Like I said below, the incumbent is rarely the victor. But you know what? The timing couldn't be better on this one, Mullen. Screw Nextel, go for the AOL account.
[via AdWeek]
--------
In typical advertising fashion, Nextel has launched an agency search just as incumbent Mullen's new campaign is kicking off. Seems as though the timing could have been better. Why is it that whenever a client wants to reconsider their marketing direction, the easy answer is a review? Why don't Nextel and Mullen work together and jointly evaluate recent marketing programs as they relate to current market conditions. That would seem to be a logical first step. If the two had a good working relationship, this could easily happen.
Interestingly, Nextel is saying that all is well with Mullen. So why is Nextel having this review?. Why have a review if the relationship and the business are fine? This whole thing is so obvious. Client's have a reviews because they are not happy with their current agency. All this talk from Nextel about things being fine with Mullen is just cover. Obviously, Nextel is not happy.
Mullen will, of course, participate. Too much is at stake. However, unlike politics, the incumbent rarely, if ever wins. It's always an uphill battle.
Having said all that, I hope Mullen wins. Just to prove the whole thing was a waste of time, effort, and money.
--------
The February issue will be the last.
Ad Age: BLOOMBERG PUBLICATION TO SHUT DOWN
--------
My blogging partner on MarketingFix, Rick Bruner, will be a speaker during the upcoming MSN IM Best Practices Tour. Check the story on his site for details and city dates. I'm going when it hits Boston.
Executive SummaryRick to Speak in 10 Cities for MSN 'I-Marketing Best Practices' Executive Briefing Tour
--------
Following last years somber 911 related superbowl half time show, this years show is shaping up up to be the typical naked belly fest that is it's tradition.
Gwen Stefani and the Chics will join pop country star, Shania Twain for the show.
Bono was certainly enjoyable and performed a truly emotional show last year that was so right for the time. This year we get back to our usual navel gazing activities with an all girl review.
That's America for you.
Entertainment Weekly: Entertainment Weekly's EW.com | EW.com News: No Doubt and Dixie Chicks join Super Bowl roster
--------
If you are an advertiser trying to reach the 18-34 audience, then reality television is the place for you. Wednesday's debut of Bachelorette had 17.4 million viewers and Monday's Joe Millionaire drew 18.6 million.
We certainly do like our trash TV.
Entertainment Weekly: Entertainment Weekly's EW.com | EW.com News: "Bachelorette" leads reality ratings stampede
--------
For those that don't have the Playboy channel, you can now get your kicks, albeit a TV13 version, from the new TNN. Didn't that used to be a country channel? Well, it's now it the 24 hour a day channel for guys.
They say the programming will consist of video games, men's health and finance but I'm sure there will be a hefty dose of Baywatch reruns and other jiggle shows.
Might be fun...if your a guy.
LA Times: The Guy's the Thing at Revamped TNN Channel
--------
Well, at least 22% of us. That's how many of us get our news from talk radio. This figure was just put out by Gallup and it is twice as high as it was four years ago.
"The growing trend of news in this country is interpretation ahead of the facts, of talk rather than information," said Amy Mitchell, associate director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism, a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to raising the standards of American journalism.
This is just so unfortunate.
LA Times: 22% of Americans get news from talk jocks
--------
The cheesy lingerie maker is back from chaper 11. It's re-tooling it's brand, introducing new product lines, and opening and remodeling stores. I can't wait for the ad campaign to start. Maybe we'll see a Victoria's Secret style runway show. Maybe if they were less sleeze and cheese and more elegance, they might gain a greater market share.
Oh but wait, some of us like that Frederick's sleeze and cheese...in the privacy of our own bedrooms of course.
In any event, look to see more red satin maid's costumes about.
DMNews: DMNews.com | News | Article
--------
If we are going to drive fat gas-guzling SUV's we might, we might as get fat on beef too. OK, OK...I admit it. I have an SUV and I eat beef. The shame, tha shame.
Maybe I should get a Toyota Prius like all the Hollywood stars are driving now. That would surely make Arianna Huffington happy.
AdWeek: Leo Burnett Touts Beef
--------
