Friday, June 24, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Rupert Murdoch....You Da Man
Ruperty Murdoch is certainly one of the most intelligent business men in the world. This may be my opinion but how can you argue with the enormous media empire he has built?
His company, News Corporation is among the largest, richest and most successful businesses in the world. Rupert got his start in 1952 when he inherited Adelaide News (an Austrailian mid-size daily) and the Adelaide Sunday Mail. He then started buying business after business. In between buying businesses, he started others. His parent company, News Corporation currently owns newpapers, television stations, movie studios, production companies and much more. In 1985, Rupert even became an American citizen if for no other reason than to be able to purchase even more American businesses. The American Dream comes true, for an Austrailian! (Lets not overlook the fact that he also owned the Los Angeles Dodgers at one time! America's Pastime!)
The News Corporation empire is true synergy in action. The subsidiaries are all tied togther and have the ability to self promote each other and build foundation for continued growth. I realize that some of you may feel that too big is a bad thing. You may ask, "when is enough enough?" or, "when is big big enough?" I can't answer that. But I do not have a problem with Rupert or his business continuing to grow. I have found nothing to show that he is breaking any laws. More power to him. Go Rupert Go!
His company, News Corporation is among the largest, richest and most successful businesses in the world. Rupert got his start in 1952 when he inherited Adelaide News (an Austrailian mid-size daily) and the Adelaide Sunday Mail. He then started buying business after business. In between buying businesses, he started others. His parent company, News Corporation currently owns newpapers, television stations, movie studios, production companies and much more. In 1985, Rupert even became an American citizen if for no other reason than to be able to purchase even more American businesses. The American Dream comes true, for an Austrailian! (Lets not overlook the fact that he also owned the Los Angeles Dodgers at one time! America's Pastime!)
The News Corporation empire is true synergy in action. The subsidiaries are all tied togther and have the ability to self promote each other and build foundation for continued growth. I realize that some of you may feel that too big is a bad thing. You may ask, "when is enough enough?" or, "when is big big enough?" I can't answer that. But I do not have a problem with Rupert or his business continuing to grow. I have found nothing to show that he is breaking any laws. More power to him. Go Rupert Go!
Monday, June 20, 2011
View from the Top(pers)
Looking at the most recent stories coming from WKU, I see what you should expect to see, self-promotion and announcements. This is a true combination of Public Relations and Journalism.
The self promotion (Public Relations) include making the announcement that our on-campus high school was voted to be among the top high schools in the U.S.. announcing student achievements and awards as well as other positive references to student/university accomplishments.
It serves us well to also make the public aware of what is happening on the campus (Journalism). The next scheduled Regents meeting, summer camps and Nursing courses.
Both types of stories are extremely beneficial to the campus, faculty and student body. The PR makes the public aware of the accomplishments we are acheiving. The journalism makes the public aware of the activities on campus.
While much of the WKU news will reach out into the community and be reported on, not everything will be deemed as newsworthy. This is simply a matter of priority for the outside reporting. Bowling Green and the surrounding communities are very dependant on WKU. It serves them well to stay on top of what is going on and report it to their readers. The community and the campus are linked together and by working together, each will be stronger. They can reach the Top(pers) past, present and future by working together!
The self promotion (Public Relations) include making the announcement that our on-campus high school was voted to be among the top high schools in the U.S.. announcing student achievements and awards as well as other positive references to student/university accomplishments.
It serves us well to also make the public aware of what is happening on the campus (Journalism). The next scheduled Regents meeting, summer camps and Nursing courses.
Both types of stories are extremely beneficial to the campus, faculty and student body. The PR makes the public aware of the accomplishments we are acheiving. The journalism makes the public aware of the activities on campus.
While much of the WKU news will reach out into the community and be reported on, not everything will be deemed as newsworthy. This is simply a matter of priority for the outside reporting. Bowling Green and the surrounding communities are very dependant on WKU. It serves them well to stay on top of what is going on and report it to their readers. The community and the campus are linked together and by working together, each will be stronger. They can reach the Top(pers) past, present and future by working together!
Automobiles--"Ours is the best!"
One of my favorite subjects to write about, talk about, and watch, is the automobile. While certainly not an expert on automobiles, I believe I probably know much more than the average college aged teenager. Enough about me and what I know, what do advertizers want us to know about the automobile?
Many of the commercial advertizing you see on TV for automobiles have similiar characteristics. You see a hot car, driving at high speeds, and performing like a dream. (Watch the small print flashed across the screen..."Closed track and professional driver...") These characteristics make the consumer believe, at least until they see the next automobile commercial, that "this must be the car for me"! The advertizers are trying to sell you that their car is the best looking, the fastest and has the best control of any car on the market. The truth is, while we all have our favorites, most cars built today are very similiar in construction, performance and design. It comes down to what appeals to each of us.
Regarding the timing of these automobile commercials, you will see them during sporting events. Who watches the most sports on TV? Men. Who is the person behind most sports car purchases? Men. This is not to slight women. Actually it is a compliment. Women will almost always find something more constructive for their time than a 2 hour sporting event on television. Women will also use their intelligence when buying a car. (Is the sports car really the best available option to get the kids to school and baseball games?)
I don't believe you will find much product placement in automobile advertizing. It may be a stretch but you may consider the Goodyear Tire that you see when the car spins to a perfect stop. You may pick up on the Bose radio when the driver reaches to turn on the radio, I am not sure these would qualify as true product placements because they are actually available on the automobile when you purchase it.
Overall I believe that automobile advertizing is quite effective. Have you seen the prices we pay for our cars and the sales numbers?!
Many of the commercial advertizing you see on TV for automobiles have similiar characteristics. You see a hot car, driving at high speeds, and performing like a dream. (Watch the small print flashed across the screen..."Closed track and professional driver...") These characteristics make the consumer believe, at least until they see the next automobile commercial, that "this must be the car for me"! The advertizers are trying to sell you that their car is the best looking, the fastest and has the best control of any car on the market. The truth is, while we all have our favorites, most cars built today are very similiar in construction, performance and design. It comes down to what appeals to each of us.
Regarding the timing of these automobile commercials, you will see them during sporting events. Who watches the most sports on TV? Men. Who is the person behind most sports car purchases? Men. This is not to slight women. Actually it is a compliment. Women will almost always find something more constructive for their time than a 2 hour sporting event on television. Women will also use their intelligence when buying a car. (Is the sports car really the best available option to get the kids to school and baseball games?)
I don't believe you will find much product placement in automobile advertizing. It may be a stretch but you may consider the Goodyear Tire that you see when the car spins to a perfect stop. You may pick up on the Bose radio when the driver reaches to turn on the radio, I am not sure these would qualify as true product placements because they are actually available on the automobile when you purchase it.
Overall I believe that automobile advertizing is quite effective. Have you seen the prices we pay for our cars and the sales numbers?!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Movies influenced by books
I searched the internet for the top movies in 2010. I found a Top 100 List at http://www.boxofficemojo.com/ and the order was based on domestic gross revenue. The top 10 movies and their gross are
1. Toy Story ($415,004,880)
2. Alice in Wonderland ($334,191,110) *
3. Iron Man 2 ($312,433,331)
4. the Twilight Saga: Eclipse ($300,531,751) *
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 ($295,001,070) *
6. Inception ($292,576,195)
7. Despicalbe Me ($251,513,985)
8. Shrek Forever After ($238,736,787)
9. How To Train Your Dragon ($217,581,231) *
10. Tangled ($200,821,936)
Out of the top 10 movies, 4 are based on books. Alice in Wonderland is based on a childrens book. The Twilight Saga series is based on a best selling book and appeals to both young and old. Obviously the Harry Potter series (books and movies) are among the most popular books/movies in recent history. How to Train Your Dragon was loosely based on the book of the same name.
While the majority of the top 10 movies were original, the fact that 40% were based on books proves that the oldest media in history is still extremely influencial in our lives. It makes sense for movie execs to jump on the back of a best selling book. The movie will almost always be a success. My pops always tells me, "you don't have to reinvent the wheel, just make improvements to the existing one."
1. Toy Story ($415,004,880)
2. Alice in Wonderland ($334,191,110) *
3. Iron Man 2 ($312,433,331)
4. the Twilight Saga: Eclipse ($300,531,751) *
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 ($295,001,070) *
6. Inception ($292,576,195)
7. Despicalbe Me ($251,513,985)
8. Shrek Forever After ($238,736,787)
9. How To Train Your Dragon ($217,581,231) *
10. Tangled ($200,821,936)
Out of the top 10 movies, 4 are based on books. Alice in Wonderland is based on a childrens book. The Twilight Saga series is based on a best selling book and appeals to both young and old. Obviously the Harry Potter series (books and movies) are among the most popular books/movies in recent history. How to Train Your Dragon was loosely based on the book of the same name.
While the majority of the top 10 movies were original, the fact that 40% were based on books proves that the oldest media in history is still extremely influencial in our lives. It makes sense for movie execs to jump on the back of a best selling book. The movie will almost always be a success. My pops always tells me, "you don't have to reinvent the wheel, just make improvements to the existing one."
| Alice in Wonderland (2010) | BV | $334,191,110 | 3,739 | $116,101,023 | 3,728 | 3/5 | 7/8 | |
| 3 | Iron Man 2 | Par. | $312,433,331 | 4,390 | $128,122,480 | 4,380 | 5/7 | 8/19 |
| 4 | The Twilight Saga: Eclipse | Sum. | $300,531,751 |
| Alice in Wonderland (2010) | BV | $334,191,110 | 3,739 | $116,101,023 | 3,728 | 3/5 | 7/8 | |
| 3 | Iron Man 2 | Par. | $312,433,331 | 4,390 | $128,122,480 | 4,380 | 5/7 | 8/19 |
| 4 | The Twilight Saga: Eclipse | Sum. | $300,531,751 |
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Magazines
The only magazines I read with frequency are either about cars or sports.
I read every issue of Car and Driver. I like the fact they test drive and report on all the new cars before they hit the street. The writers are experts and know their stuff when it comes to cars. They give the specs on the engine as well as other information like mpg, transmission specs, top speed and report on the overall drive and ride of the car.
When possible, they have pictures of the cars they are reporting on. This is not always possible if the car is not available for sale by the time the magazine hits the streets.
The advertizing in Car and Driver is obviously relevant and centered on the automobile industry. If they are writing an article on a high performance sports car, you will often find advertizing for high performance tires and accessories located near the article. This makes sense since the article will be read by people that are interested in this type of vehicle and therefore will be interested in the products that are being advertized there as well. It would not make sensee to write an article on the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador that costs nearly $400,00, and then put an add for high mileage engine oil in the middle of the artical. (Although the Aventador is often the 4th or 5th car for its owner and they may have a high mileage slug setting somewhere behind the garage!)
In my opion, the types of advertizing and its placement is as important as the articles themselves and Car and Drive does a very good job
I read every issue of Car and Driver. I like the fact they test drive and report on all the new cars before they hit the street. The writers are experts and know their stuff when it comes to cars. They give the specs on the engine as well as other information like mpg, transmission specs, top speed and report on the overall drive and ride of the car.
When possible, they have pictures of the cars they are reporting on. This is not always possible if the car is not available for sale by the time the magazine hits the streets.
The advertizing in Car and Driver is obviously relevant and centered on the automobile industry. If they are writing an article on a high performance sports car, you will often find advertizing for high performance tires and accessories located near the article. This makes sense since the article will be read by people that are interested in this type of vehicle and therefore will be interested in the products that are being advertized there as well. It would not make sensee to write an article on the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador that costs nearly $400,00, and then put an add for high mileage engine oil in the middle of the artical. (Although the Aventador is often the 4th or 5th car for its owner and they may have a high mileage slug setting somewhere behind the garage!)
In my opion, the types of advertizing and its placement is as important as the articles themselves and Car and Drive does a very good job
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Newspapers
Being from Louisville, I am going to focus on the Courier-Journal, also known as the CJ.
Currently, the CJ is the 42nd largest newspaper in the U.S. based on daily circulation.
(...for the six month period ended September 30, 2010.[3] These figures are compiled by the Audit Bureau of Circulations.) Their circulation numbers have continued to decline like many newspapers through out the country.
This is due to many reasons. People are busier than ever and have less time to set and read a newspaper. You can turn on the radio or television and get immediate news updates. Some people say they no longer buy newspapers because they are bad for the enviroment when thrown away.
In my opinion, the CJ is loosing subscribers due to its reporting and positions on local and national news as well. There is no doubt that it is a very liberal rag.
The decline in circulation combined with the struggling economy means less advertizing as well. If you add the money lost declining circulation together with the money lost from fewer advertizers, the CJ has to be hurting. How long can they continue to loose money? The only thing that may save them is that they are owned by the Gannett company. They have deep pockets.
My Pops reads the CJ daily although he hates it. He uses the internet and watches the newschannels but is still old school and likes to read the paper. He said the paper is half the size it used to be. He said it would not surprise him if they reduce the number of days the paper is available.
One way the CJ can stay in business is to focus on their internet site more. They need to make the site more useful and informative. They also need to make their site easier to use.
Currently, the CJ is the 42nd largest newspaper in the U.S. based on daily circulation.
(...for the six month period ended September 30, 2010.[3] These figures are compiled by the Audit Bureau of Circulations.) Their circulation numbers have continued to decline like many newspapers through out the country.
This is due to many reasons. People are busier than ever and have less time to set and read a newspaper. You can turn on the radio or television and get immediate news updates. Some people say they no longer buy newspapers because they are bad for the enviroment when thrown away.
In my opinion, the CJ is loosing subscribers due to its reporting and positions on local and national news as well. There is no doubt that it is a very liberal rag.
The decline in circulation combined with the struggling economy means less advertizing as well. If you add the money lost declining circulation together with the money lost from fewer advertizers, the CJ has to be hurting. How long can they continue to loose money? The only thing that may save them is that they are owned by the Gannett company. They have deep pockets.
My Pops reads the CJ daily although he hates it. He uses the internet and watches the newschannels but is still old school and likes to read the paper. He said the paper is half the size it used to be. He said it would not surprise him if they reduce the number of days the paper is available.
One way the CJ can stay in business is to focus on their internet site more. They need to make the site more useful and informative. They also need to make their site easier to use.
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