JANUARY 26, 1991

Full News Archive

• Headline: Media Business Acquisition Highlights. Impact: Ketchum Public Relations' acquisition of Group Public Relations P.L.C. set off a chain reaction that would eventually make PR firms the gatekeepers of public opinion, leading to the invention of the 'influencer' — a title so vague it could apply to your neighbor's cat.. Fact: Did you know PR stands for 'Public Relations' and not 'Public Ruckus'? Because sometimes it sure feels like the latter..
• Headline: Bozell Wins Esquire's Campaign Competition. Impact: Bozell's win in the Esquire campaign contest not only brought awareness to domestic violence but also unwittingly inspired countless marketers to use coffins as a metaphor for 'embracing life' — because nothing says 'live your best life' like a coffin.. Fact: Domestic violence campaigns have been likened to horror films, which is unfortunate because the real horror is that they’re necessary in the first place..
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; Accounts. Impact: The budget shift to Cole & Weber for Westin Hotels signaled a new era of marketing where hotels would compete not just on luxury but on the number of Instagrammable corners. Thanks to this, your vacation photos have never looked so staged.. Fact: Westin Hotels once claimed to have 'heavenly beds.' Spoiler alert: They don't come with a heavenly wake-up call..
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING; History Written Off at California S.& L.'s. Impact: The ad campaigns ignoring the savings and loan crisis paved the way for a society that believes if you don't talk about your problems, they don't exist. This philosophy later inspired countless reality TV shows.. Fact: Savings and loan crises are like bad breakups: everyone pretends they're fine until it all blows up in your face..
• Headline: THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING -- ADDENDA; 3 New Posts At Ross Roy. Impact: The creation of new positions at Ross Roy Group was the first step in a long line of unnecessary job titles that would eventually include 'Chief Happiness Officer' and 'Digital Overlord.'. Fact: In the advertising world, the more convoluted your title, the less work you actually have to do. It's a win-win!.
• Headline: Review/Film; How Evil Can One Person Be?. Impact: The gripping Dutch thriller raised questions about obsession and morality, leading to a surge in psychological thrillers that would eventually confuse audiences into thinking true crime was just a form of entertainment.. Fact: Thrillers often reveal more about the human psyche than we care to admit. Spoiler: We're all a little obsessed with something..
• Headline: SUPER BOWL XXV; First Downs Will Be Key. Impact: The Super Bowl XXV strategy debate over first downs foretold the modern era of sports analytics, where every inch gained is analyzed with the fervor of a presidential election.. Fact: First downs are the adult version of getting gold stars in kindergarten, only with a lot more shouting and far fewer cookies..
• Headline: Review/Film; When You're Gay But Must Beget an Heir. Impact: The film's exploration of legacy and familial expectations inadvertently sparked a wave of self-help books that would convince people that every problem can be solved with a good family therapy session — or at least a well-timed brunch.. Fact: Family dynamics are like poorly written sitcoms: always a little off but somehow relatable enough to keep you watching..