THIS WEEK IN PR NEWS | FEBRUARY 27, 2015
Each week PRLab scours the internet to bring you the latest stories in public relations news. This week we cover Honda’s CEO stepping down, the State Department hiring its first-ever LGBT envoy, and how something as simple as snow can cause brand confusion. Check out the full stories below!
HONDA CEO STEPS DOWN
The Story: Honda’s president and CEO, Takanobu Iko, is stepping down after Honda’s recent airbag scandal.
What’s happening? Honda recalled a shockingly high amount of vehicles that were equipped with air-bags made by Japan’s Takata Corporation. There have been at least five deaths and dozens of injuries worldwide that are linked to this problem. Iko is going to be replaced with another Honda executive, Takahiro Hachigo, but kept on the board as an advisor.
Why is this important? While Honda made no mention of the airbag scandal in their announcement that Iko was stepping down, it is tough to imagine that they are unrelated. If we recall last week’s PR News, we can see the similarities between Anthem and Honda. Are all CEO’s doomed after a scandal, or can crisis communication save them?
To read more visit CBS News
STATE DEPARTMENT APPOINTS LGBT ENVOY
The Story: The United States just appointed an envoy to defend and promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
What’s happening? The State Department appointed Randy Berry to the role, working to reduce violence and discrimination against LGBT people around the world. Berry was a senior diplomat who previously served as consul general in the Netherlands.
Why is this important? In a world where in 75 countries where homosexuality and same-sex relationships are criminalized, it is important for the United States to take the first step in promoting human rights for LGBT people.
To learn more visit ABC News
BRAND CONFUSION SHOWCASED BY SNOW
The Story: The recent snow storms in Boston show how sarcasm often causes brand confusion.
What’s happening? The northeast has been hammered with snow recently. But it seems that residents of Boston are “loving” it. In fact, if you just skim the keywords that people are using in regards to the snow, you’ll find “enjoying” and “loving” to be at the top. Wrong. Often times, Bostonians are using sarcasm in their tweets when referring to “enjoying” the snow.
Why is this important? While the snow storms in New England are not a brand, it is important to recognize that consumers may be using sarcasm in their tweets about your products. It is easy for companies to monitor how many people are talking about their brand, and collect data that represents that. But, the most important part of data collecting is the interpretation.
To learn more visit AdWeek
FUN READS
THINGS TO KNOW
#TheDress is blue and black. If you have been on social media today, you might have seen the heated debate going on about whether or not the dress (see below) is blue and black or white and gold. WIRED.com put the silly debate to rest by explaining why some people see the dress as blue and black, and why some see it as white and gold.
The interesting part about all of this is, the company that sells the dress has said sales are up 347% today compared to expectations as people come to look at the dress and end up shopping for other items as well. Although this was pure accident, do you think brands will try to follow suit?
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK
