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December 6, 2007 News for marketing professionals   Breaking News  Facebook CEO apologizes for handling of ad-tracking program Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday issued a public apology, in the form of a blog post, for not allowing members the choice of opting out of the social networker's new ad-tracking program, Beacon. The launch raised concerns among members and privacy groups, and also among some marketers who said they were told Beacon would be an opt-in program. NYTimes.com (12/6), Mediaweek (12/5)   Company News  Crispin runs with new concept for Nike account For its first major TV and print campaign for the Nike running shoe account, Crispin Porter + Bogusky took a historic approach to running, in part as a means to separate its work from that of longtime Nike agency Wieden + Kennedy. "We didn't want it to feel like a Nike commercial in the beginning. We wanted the consumer to say: 'What is this?'" said Alex Bogusky, a chief creative officer at the agency. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (12/6) Report: MindShare to pick up LG global media business LG Electronics likely will hand its $350 million media account to WPP's MindShare, executives close to the deal said. The South Korea-based electronics maker recently consolidated creative chores at Publicis' Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (12/5) McDonald's rewards academic achievement with "food prize" McDonald's has partnered with the Seminole County School Board in Florida to support a program that provides free Happy Meals to students who have performed well academically or who have perfect attendance records. NYTimes.com (12/6), Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (12/5) Other News Sony brings Bravia "Bunnies" to U.S. Brandweek (12/5) GM trims in-game ads for 2008 Super Bowl Adweek (12/5) Omnicom CEO touts digital advancements Adweek (12/5)   Market Trends  WPP's Sorrell projects growth in 2008 WPP Group CEO Martin Sorrell anticipates that any general economic challenges that may emerge next year would be offset by ad revenues from the Beijing Olympics and U.S. presidential election. Sorrell also noted that worldwide marketing growth would likely offset any potential decline in the U.S. economy. Sorrel said: "If America sneezes, we don't catch influenza anymore. We catch a cold." Adweek (12/5) Studios wage PR war on striking writers The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has hired veteran political consultants to boost the public image of Hollywood studios. A recent full-page ad in the Hollywood trade papers trumpeted the "new economic partnership" offered to the striking writers. Los Angeles Times (12/6) Newspapers see positive online signs for 2008 Newspaper executives from The Washington Post Co., McClatchy Co. and Gannett Co., at the UBS investor conference in New York, said they remain optimistic about growth prospects for their online properties, despite challenging economic conditions affecting their print operations. Forbes/Associated Press (12/5)   Interactive  Report: Digital shops lack lead-agency mojo Interactive shops aspiring to take over lead-agency duties need to keep in mind the bigger marketing picture and develop expertise in old as well as new media, and to bring on board staff who grasp the interrelation between the two, according to a report by Forrester Research. Adweek (12/5) Shop online without the scams The Wall Street Journal explains how consumers can avoid falling prey to scam artists when shopping online. One tip is to avoid deals that look too good to be true -- especially those on auction and classified ad sites. The Wall Street Journal (free content) (12/5)   AAF Spotlight  AAF Announces 2008 Mosaic Career Fairs Interested in a marketing, public relations or advertising career? The American Advertising Federation (AAF) invites you to attend the 2008 Mosaic Career Fairs, in Chicago, Anaheim, Calif., and McLean, Va. In 2007, nearly 450 college students from across the country and representatives from 75 top advertising, marketing and media companies participated in the Mosaic Career Fairs, sponsored by Gannett, USA TODAY, Leo Burnett USA and The Walt Disney Company. The Mosaic Career Fairs feature career development workshops, panel discussions with industry professionals, one-on-one resume and portfolio critiques, a recruiters expo with some of the country's top advertising, marketing and media companies and on-site interviewing. For more information, go to www.aaf.org/mosaicfair or contact Tricia Ward at tward@aaf.org. Learn more about AAF -> Home Page  |  Membership  |  Calendar of Events  |  News  |  Job Bank   SmartQuote  I regard a great ad as the most beautiful thing in the world." --Leo Burnett, member, Advertising Hall of Fame     Subscriber Tools       Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy Advertise Senior Account Director:  Dena Malouf (202) 407-7837 Download Media Kit   Read more at SmartBrief.com A powerful website for SmartBrief readers including: Industry Home Readers' Choice Search Archive Grab our News Widget Get this RSS Feed Publish your Press Release Download the SmartBrief Android app       Recent AAF SmartBrief Issues: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 Tuesday, December 04, 2007 Monday, December 03, 2007 Friday, November 30, 2007 Thursday, November 29, 2007     Lead Editor:  Adam Mazmanian Contributing Editor:  Robert DiGiacomo     Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005     © 1999-2011 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information