Papa John’s Treading Water in Crisis
When Papa John Schnatter was ousted by the successful pizza company he founded, it may not have been an existential PR crisis, but it was certainly a walk through a proverbial minefield for the board deciding the company’s immediate future. First, Schnatter was on everything. He was, literally, the face of Papa John’s and at the center of nearly all marketing and advertising. And, then, he was not. Schnatter was gone, persona non-grata at the office and in the commercials. As he continued to proclaim his innocence, Schnatter, by default, kept the company in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Read MoreSimpsons Creators Respond to Criticism
The Simpsons is one of the longest running and most popular animated programs on television. The show has also spawned countless pop culture icons and references, even adding to our language in certain circumstances. The program has also built its reputation for smartly-crafted satire that, at times, cuts very close to the bone. When engaging in that level of satire, offending people can be par for the course. But there is one aspect of that offense that keeps coming back around and doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. That topic is Apu, the Kwik-E-Mart clerk that, some say, promotes negative stereotypes and is harmful to certain segments of the population. Some are even calling the Apu character…
Read MoreUrban Meyer on Hot Seat at OSU
The skinny on iconic college football coach Urban Meyer is that he is so driven to win his heart nearly gave out on him. A hero coach at the University of Florida, Meyer left the game “for his health” only to return a few years later, to helm the powerhouse Ohio State program. Meyer was back, prowling the sideline, focused and intense. But the rumors that plagued him at UF were still stuck to him at OSU. Meyer would do anything to win, up to and including “tolerating misconduct” from players and coaches as long as it meant winning the SEC and competing for national titles. Years ago, it was so cliché as to almost be assumed that many top-tier…
Read MoreBarr Trying to Battle Back After Firing
After several weeks of defiance, Roseanne Barr appeared poised and contrite in her first major network TV interview since being fired from her eponymous sitcom due to some tweets about former Obama advisor, Valerie Jarrett. It’s a new look for a comedian who has built her career stepping across the line with sharp satire and humor directed at social norms and political trends. Barr has always been edgy, even when her popular sitcom was not, yet, when Twitter users reacted with outrage over tweets deemed to be racist, Barr was quickly ousted by ABC.
Read MoreZuckerberg Missteps in Vow to Clean up Social Media
Social media giant Facebook is continuing in its very public bid to restore consumer and user confidence after having to admit statistically staggering numbers of “fake” accounts and posts, as well as companies that thrived on collecting supposedly private information. In its most recent announcement, Facebook says it will be cracking down on “misleading and inflammatory” posts or content that “may trigger attacks…” However, when pressed for specifics, CEO Mark Zuckerberg landed on an example he immediately wished to take back: Holocaust denial.
Read MoreParamount TV President Fired Over Racial Remarks
While it’s true that socio-cultural norms change with time and environment, there are always going to be some things one cannot say, in any context, in a business setting. Or, rather, you can say them, but it will lead to consequences. These consequences could be a loss of respect, a loss of opportunity to advance, the loss of a job, or, in affect, career suicide. In recent years, in-context comments or ‘jokes’ that would have been given a pass – if not a laugh – not that long ago, have led to major consequences for even some of the most powerful people in their professions. From Roseanne Barr to “Papa” John Schnatter, it’s become pretty clear that racial commentary is…
Read MoreIHOP Burger Gimmick Fails to Entice
Rebranding is serious business, even if the campaign you use to communicate the plan is delivered with tongue firmly planted in cheek. There are a lot of variables and multiple interlocking considerations. How will we communicate our reasons? How will longtime customers react? How will the target customers we want to attract react to the campaign? How will our staff and management communicate this change to their team? Will we have a single, cohesive vision and message, or will people adlib and create brand confusion? Will people love it or hate it? So many questions…
Read MoreIs Disney’s Pixar Pier Up to Snuff?
Disney California’s Adventure Park opened its doors to the eagerly-awaited Pixar Pier on the 23rd of June this year. Within the park, visitors can find a selection of wonderful Pixar stories and characters brought to life by exciting attractions like the amazing “Incredicoaster,” beautiful neighborhoods and Pixar-themed restaurants. Alongside a host of new entertainment, there are countless opportunities for tourists to learn more about the Pixar world on a waterfront Disneyland Resort. Pixar Pier is just one of the celebratory events that Disney are introducing as part of Pixar Fest – a celebration of all things Pixar running until the 3rd of September. One of the many highlights of Pixar Fest is the Nighttime spectacular “Together Forever” fireworks show at…
Read MoreFormer Obama Spokesman Joins United Air
The United Continental Holdings group is taking the next step in their reputation management strategy this month by hiring former President Barack Obama’s previous spokesman as a new chief communications officer. The industry veteran, Josh Earnest has the potential to play a significant part in United’s leadership team as the company struggles to maintain a strong position in the marketplace. Although United Airlines is suffering from a relatively bumpy experience reputation-wise, Josh Earnest could be the cure they’ve been looking for. Earnest has a lot of experience managing communications within an agile and volatile environment, making him a strong fit for the airline.
Read MoreWill Harley Regret Manufacturing Move?
If we’re making a list of quintessential American brands, there’s no doubt Harley Davidson motorcycles would be on it. The bike manufacturer has always promoted its products as uniquely American made and connected to a very American ethos. Even when some reviewers extolled other brands, customers bought Harleys to be part of that story. A recent shift announced by the company could create some consumer PR issues with that perception. In the wake of the announcement of a new round of European tariffs, some American companies are opting to move manufacturing overseas in order to avoid paying the new taxes on their goods.
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