New Deal
Bozell Sawyer Miller Hired to Provide PR for Clinton
Even though Americans might wonder about the effectiveness of Clinton's PR given the White Water debacle, the Paula Jones brouhaha and recent debates about the Democratic party's fundraising practices, Bozell Sawyer Miller Group, New York, is still jumping on the president's PR bandwagon.
The firm announced Oct. 8 that it has been chosen to lead the PR campaign for renewal of the president's trade negotiating authority.
They'll assist in legislative endeavors to furnish the White House with authority to negotiate trade agreements that can be ratified or rejected - but not amended - by Congress. (Bozell Sawyer Miller Group, 212/445-8127)
On the Radar Screen
In Wake of E-coli Scare, Firms Promote Lysol
PR kudos to Medialink Worldwide Inc. and Robert Marston and Associates who found a way of putting a timely, and well received, spin on the recent Hudson Food Co.'s E-coli controversy (25 million pounds of ground beef were recalled).
The two plugged the disinfectant Lysol for client Reckitt & Colman Inc., makers of the household cleaner. Medialink produced and distributed an audio news release with food safety tips, and according to spokespeople, the piece had the desired effect. More than 200 broadcasters, with an audience reach of about 5 million, took the bait. (Medialink, 212/682-8300)
Hewitt Warns Against News Masquerading as Entertainment
If you've always wanted to get inside the heads of journalists, sample this cerebral offering from "60 Minutes" Producer Don Hewitt, who delivered the keynote address at The Institute for Public Relations Research and Education's annual dinner in New York on Oct. 9: Hewitt warned that crossing the line between news and entertainment is "bad broadcasting."
Based on that, we suggest that when you're approaching "60 Minutes" for coverage, you present a fact sheet with bullets: resources, such as market research and surveys; sources' and experts' names; and juxtapose what you're pitching against other similar trends and industry issues. Also have available highly schooled spokespeople; celebrities just won't do. (IPRE, 212/593-5883)
New Ventures/Business Changes
CARMA International, a media content analysis firm, has launched offices in Paris and Brussels. Hugh Grace, formerly a deputy managing director of the Confederation of European Paper Industries, will head the Brussels office. Grace has 12 years' experience as a lobbyist and public affairs specialist. Sylvie Testard-Ramirez, whose previous experience includes work at the PR agency Information et Enterprise in Paris and as a freelance journalist in Brazil, will oversee the Paris venture. (CARMA, 202/842-1818)
Marcom house Scott Anderson Group, Omaha, has changed its name to Anderson Partners. Scott Anderson, formerly president of SAG, was named CEO and Mark Hughes, formerly executive VP, was appointed president. (Anderson Partners, 402/341-4807)
Penny Pfaelzer, formerly senior VP at Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart, has formed PfaelzerJohnsAmen&Dean, an L.A. consultancy specializing in strategic marketing communications and PR. Along with spearheading the new company, Pfaelzer brings former OA&R client Korean Air on board. (PJA&D, 818/716-6863)
The Washington, D.C. office, of Ruder Finn will be heading the February 1998 opening of the Discovery Channel Store: Destination Washington, D.C. flagship store at the new MCI Center. Ruder Finn will supply Discovery Channel with PR support in these key areas: media relations, event management, consumer marketing and community partnerships. (Ruder Finn, 212/593-6400
Burson-Marsteller has acquired The Mead Point Group, a management consulting firm in Greenwich, Conn., and London. Under the agreement, the Mead group becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of BM, a member of the Young & Rubicam family. (BM, 212/614-4452)
Effective Nov. 1, the Public Affairs Council's new address will be: 2033 K Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20006. Phone: 202/872-1790; fax: 202/835-8343.
Hill & Knowlton has opened an office in Ft. Lauderdale. Heading the new office is Ellen Crane. (H&K, 954/713-2813)