THIS WEEK IN PR NEWS | MARCH 6, 2015
Each week PRLab scours the internet to bring you the latest stories in public relations news. This week, Dunkin Donuts offents Liverpool Football Club fans, Apple gears up to launch its first ever “Smartwatch” and Hilary Rodham Clinton is put under fire for using her personal e-mail account. Check out the full stories below!
DUNKIN DONUTS’ SOCIAL MEDIA BLUNDER
The Story: Dunkin Donuts recently apologized for upsetting Liverpool Football Club fans after they revamped the LFC crest with doughnuts and cups of coffee.
What happened? Liverpool Football Club fans were enraged when Dunkin Donuts posted a tweet with their rendition of the crest next to the original. The biggest problem was replacing the flames on the original crest that symbolize the 96 fans killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster with iced coffee. Once the reaction came flooding in from fans, Dunkin Donuts deleted the tweet and later that day issued an apology.
The Story: Apple is gearing up to launch its first-ever “Smartwatch”, yet consumers do not seem to be excited about this product.
What’s Happening? Apple is set to release its first-ever “Smartwatch” in stores in April 2015. So far, consumers do not seem to be impressed with the idea of wearing technology. Brands like Samsung Electronics, Motorola, and LG have all tried similar products, but these watches did not generate sales and received negative feedback. These watches will have a starting price of 350 dollars and the most advanced will cost upwards of 10,000 dollars according to watch enthusiasts. Not only must you buy the watch, but the watch must be connected to an iPhone to fully function.
Why is this important? Apple has been known to take ideas that seem obscure and make them incredibly popular, much to analysts disbelief. This was the case for the iPad. Consumers were originally not interested in computer tablets until the iPad was released and not plenty of companies have followed suit. Could the Smartwatch be another one of these trends?
The Story: Recently Hilary Rodham Clinton has appeared under scrutiny for using a personal e-mail account instead of a government issued e-mail address.
What Happened? Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that Hilary Rodham Clinton had been using her private e-mail while conducting business as the former secretary of State. Clinton took to Twitter for her first public statement about the controversy saying, “I want the public to see my email. I asked State to release them. They said they will review them for release as soon as possible.” This controversy comes at a critical time with the 2016 election looming near.
Why is this important? Transparency is important in public relations and Clinton recognized that as she strode to protect her personal brand. By taking to Twitter and releasing a statement that her e-mails will be released, she is proving to the public that she is trustworthy and transparent.
FUN READS
THINGS TO KNOW
Amazon recently hired former Obama administration press secretary Jay Carney to oversee their public relations and public policy teams. Hiring a former White House insider does not come as a surprise given that Amazon has been working with lawmakers over Federal Aviation Laws regarding their use of drones.
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK
