JANUARY 10, 1991

Full News Archive

• Headline: Changes in Advertising and Public Relations. Impact: The rebranding of Gallagher-Widmeyer Group to the Widmeyer Group sparked a trend of unnecessary name changes in the corporate world, leading to an explosion of marketing jargon that still haunts us today. If only they had stuck with 'Gallagher-Widmeyer'—maybe we'd all be less confused about what exactly a 'public relations firm' does.. Fact: This name change probably caused at least three meetings where someone said, 'Let's circle back on this brand messaging,' which is a phrase that still makes people cringe..
• Headline: Australia’s New Tourism Campaign Unveiled. Impact: By trading in the crocodile for a shark, Australia inadvertently set the stage for a worldwide obsession with shark-themed everything. Little did they know, 'The Great White Shark' would not only promote tourism but also inspire countless horror movies and a questionable number of reality TV shows.. Fact: Greg Norman's transition from golfer to tourism mascot likely led to more golf courses being built near beaches, which probably means more sunburns and bad hats..
• Headline: Advertisers Benefit from Package Deal. Impact: The collaboration between The New York Times Magazine and U.S. News & World Report to offer package deals sparked a frenzy of ad agencies trying to combine everything into one package, leading to an era where even your grocery store has a 'buy one get one free' on organic kale.. Fact: In this era, the term 'full-page ad' became synonymous with 'let's waste a lot of paper for a mediocre return on investment.'.
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; Seagram Tests Beverage With a Softer Campaign. Impact: Seagram's introduction of sparkling water with a hint of alcohol accidentally spawned a million hipster drinks that now clutter menus everywhere, leading to a worldwide trend of overpriced, unnecessarily complex cocktails. Thanks a lot, Seagram.. Fact: Sipping on this drink while pretending it’s 'healthier' than regular alcohol probably caused more existential crises than any 90's sitcom ever did..
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; Eric Mower Acquires Blair. Impact: Eric Mower acquiring Blair Advertising created a ripple effect of agency mergers that eventually led to the rise of mega-holding companies. This means your favorite ad might now be created by a conglomerate that also owns your favorite snack food. Yum.. Fact: The acquisition likely led to many late-night brainstorming sessions where someone said, 'Let's synergize our brand strategies,' and it’s been downhill from there..
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; Accounts. Impact: Carrier Corp.'s decision to switch ad agencies led to a bizarre competition among agencies to create the most ridiculous campaigns, culminating in an industry where air conditioning units are marketed like luxury cars. Who knew HVAC could be sexy?. Fact: Just imagine the pitch meetings where agency reps tried to convince Carrier that their air conditioners could be the next big thing in 'lifestyle branding.'.
• Headline: They Bring a Smile, Then They Brighten It. Impact: The introduction of Philippe Starck's trendy toothbrush turned oral hygiene into a fashion statement, forever changing the way people view dental care—now it’s not just about having clean teeth, but having the cleanest, most stylish teeth.. Fact: This means that somewhere, someone is judging you based on your toothbrush choice, and yes, that is as ridiculous as it sounds..