- Alchemy at Interpublic Group: the behemoth will realign its PR properties on January 1, fusing Weber PR and Shandwick to form the largest global and U.S. PR agency. The
new entity, known as Weber Shandwick Worldwide, will be posturing for world dominance in practice areas such as technology, public affairs and lifestyle/entertainment. The
holding company's third major PR brand, Golin/Harris, will continue to stand alone as a separate entity.
- No doubt influenced by the SEC's recent issue of Regulation FD (PRN, Sept. 11), Business Wire announces it will discontinue its practice of releasing information to
the media 15 minutes ahead of release to the public, Reuters reports. The move is designed to preclude Wall Street traders who subscribe to instant e-letters from gaining an
unfair advantage in the marketplace.
- Gallup research confirms that the Firestone tire recall has become one of the biggest stories of the year, rivaled only by the world's most annoying media saga ever, the
Elian Gonzalez epic. Eight in 10 Americans say they've followed Firestone closely. Of those, more than half suspect criminal behavior on the part of Firestone or Ford Motor
Co.
- Edelman acquires the London, Hong Kong and Sydney offices of The Rowland Co., a Saatchi & Saatchi business.