Sony Camcorder Controversy: A Snapshot of Crisis Variance
More proof of the varied forms crises can take is the fresh controversy out of which Sony Electronics is digging itself. The company has been hit with queries about its new Handycam.
An unknown number (if tinkered with) have a "night shot" feature which allows the user to see through clothing with the aid of a filter, but the company's decided not to recall the approximately 1 million cam corders that have already been sold or are in the hands of retailers.
The company found out earlier this month about the unintended use after a story broke in a Japanese magazine and, since then, news bites have crept into the American media's coverage. Based on the press, the company has decided to remove the feature from its production line, but the company can't stop how buyers use the already released camcorders, says Rick Clancy, senior VP of corporate communications in the U.S.
"It wasn't intended for this purpose and we can't speak for how individuals use this," Clancy adds. Reports are that sales of the camcorder have exploded, but Clancy says Sony doesn't release its sales figures. (Sony, 201/930-6432)
GPC Buys Harley
Marcom firm D.R. Harley Consultants Limited, Ottawa, has been acquired by public affairs and management consulting house GPC Communications, Ottawa. Founder Dale R. Harley becomes VP of GPC, responsible for GPC's national government communications practice.
His partner, Alan Arbuckle, will be a senior counselor. Darwin Kealey is president of GPC. (GPC, 613/238-2747)
APCO Partners with Deepak
Public affairs firm APCO Associates, Inc., Washington, D.C., has formed an alliance with Deepak Talwar & Associates of New Dehli, India, to buttress APCO's counsel to the government of India. (APCO, 202/778-1260)
PRSA Executive Committee Changes Name
The Public Relations Society of America's Executive Committee of the Education and Cultural Organization Section has changed its name to Counselors to Higher Education.
It has also refocused its mission to provide communications and advocacy for colleges, universities, research and related organizations, according to Richard George of PRSA.
The branch will mirror PRSA's mission, providing professional development services, conducting research and fostering industry dialogue. (PRSA, 212/460-0310)
Personnel News
- In a newly created position, Debora S. Foster has been appointed director/corporate communications for H.J. Heinz Company, Pittsburgh. Foster joined Heinz in 1974 in the communications department of Heinz USA and was most recently GM/corporate communications. (Heinz, 412/456-5780)
- In another new slot, Mary McGeachy is named VP of communications for the Magazine Publishers of America, New York. She was president of McGeachy & Associates, a media consulting firm whose client list included The Conference Board. (MPA, 212/872-3720)
- Consultant C. Richard "Dick" Yarbrough, who after retiring from BellSouth in 1993 served as MD of communications for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, has been recruited by Burson-Marsteller as a senior counselor. He'll work with technology clients as well as provide overall corporate and public affairs strategic input. (BM, 212/614-4565)
Account Win
Seattle-based DeLaunay/Phillips will conduct a public education campaign for the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission. The project is for the state's new drinking and driving laws. (D/P, 206/340-6138)
New Service
The Delahaye Group, Portsmouth, N.H., is now providing media analysis clients 24-hour access to reports through its Internet-based Delahaye Select service. Clients log onto a secure Web site and gain entree to data about their communications programs. (Delahaye, 603/431-0111)
Media Relations
As you plan this month for all your holiday pitches, we're offering PR NEWS readers a special discount on MediaMap's hot-off-the-press "1998 Holiday Gift Guide Planner," which includes high-tech, business and consumer placement opportunities in nearly 40 key magazines, including holiday feature deadlines and profiles of the key editors to contact. For a copy of the $135.00 report delivered to you this week, contact GiRan Rawat at grawat@ phillips.com or call 301/340-7788, ext. 2230.