JANUARY 6, 1990

Full News Archive

• Headline: HDM Mattingly Secures Major Account. Impact: The victory of HDM Mattingly over Myer-Grace led to an unprecedented boom in Australian advertising. This eventually resulted in a rise in inflatable kangaroo mascots during the 90s that still haunt shopping malls today.. Fact: Did you know that the $80 million Myer-Grace account was considered a jackpot? But given the state of retail today, it’s more like winning a free coffee at a gas station..
• Headline: The Media Business: Advertising Accounts. Impact: Ben Hogan Co. partnering with GSD&M sparked a chain reaction of sports brands hiring advertising agencies, leading to the absurdity of a toothpaste brand featuring a golfer as a spokesperson.. Fact: Fun fact: Ben Hogan wasn’t just a golfer; he was also a pioneer in awkward product placement. Who knew putting a golf club in a dental ad was a thing?.
• Headline: Medicus Intercon Acquires Agence M.K.. Impact: Medicus Intercon acquiring Agence M.K. resulted in a healthcare ad boom that inspired countless terrible jingles, some of which are still stuck in people’s heads today.. Fact: Did you know that healthcare advertising is the only industry where a catchy jingle can literally save lives? Just ask anyone who remembers the 'I’m Lovin’ It' ad for heart surgery..
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: Advertising. Impact: The chaotic urban landscape of Los Angeles inspired an entire genre of films featuring car chases, which in turn led to the invention of the traffic jam as a form of art.. Fact: Did you know that Los Angeles is the only city where a palm tree can serve as both decoration and a potential hiding spot for lost tourists? True story..
• Headline: BUSINESS PEOPLE; 2 at Fisher-Price Share Duties of President. Impact: Fisher-Price's dual presidency resulted in the creation of toys that were so complicated that kids had to hire consultants to figure them out, leading to a whole new industry.. Fact: Did you know that the resignation of R. Bruce Sampsell was the closest thing Fisher-Price had to a soap opera? Tune in next week for more drama over toy design!.
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: Advertising; New Diet Coke Spots. Impact: The debut of Diet Coke’s new commercials inadvertently led to a rivalry that saw soda consumption spike, thus forcing Pepsi to rethink its entire marketing strategy, involving more celebrity endorsements.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more bubbly than Diet Coke is the amount of money spent on celebrity endorsements? It’s like paying people to drink fizz!.
• Headline: THE LAW; Minority Critic Stirs Debate on Minority Writing. Impact: The debate around minority writing in law schools sparked a nationwide movement toward more inclusive legal practices, ultimately resulting in a law that forced courtroom dramas to include more diverse characters.. Fact: Did you know that the law debate was so intense it could have been mistaken for a Netflix drama? Where are the popcorn and the dramatic music when you need them?.