In PRobecast episode #95, Topazers Paula Slotkin, Joanna DiTrapano, Renatta Siewert and Evan Siff join me in talking about the recent consequences of Four Loko being drank in excess, Google tightening privacy and Madonna’s fitness club launch. Here is the full list of topics:

‘America’s Got Talent’ still auditions although wife was missing – A contestant on America’s Got Talent’s wife was found dead in an LA hotel on Saturday morning. The contestant, Joe Finley, knowing his wife was missing still auditioned for the show. Apparently they both took ecstasy the night before and he thought his wife was just getting ice – although when he awoke she wasn’t there. What was this guy thinking? Do you think this will unfortunate incident will bring more viewers to the show?

Four Loko blamed in hospitalization of students - An alcoholic beverage named Four Loko – which is 12% alcohol and contains caffeine – is being blamed for 9 people being sent to the hospital after a college party. Should the alcoholic energy drink be the one to blame – or should it be the students (most of whom were underage) be the ones blamed? Should this beverage be pulled from the shelves?

Apple’s coverage on free iPad engraving – Apple is now offering free engraving on their iPads. It’s funny how this is news because if this was a client (not as big as Apple) we would say this was not going to get pickup. Yet, it’s Apple so it was picked up in mashable. These are the types of stories that we – as PR people – know that it’s Apple, that’s why it was covered, but this becomes a problem when clients see this story and say, “well, why can’t we get in mashable for engraving.”

‘Green’ product often not totally ‘green’ – According to a survey by TerraChoice, more than 95% of consumer products marketed as ‘green’ make misleading or inaccurate claims – saying they are green, but without any proof. The FTC is now proposing stricter rules when it comes to advertising products, warning companies not to blanket terms such as ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly.’ Do you consider yourself a person trying to live a ‘green’ life?

Google trying to ensure privacy – A few months back, we talked about how a Google employee in Washington State had been accessing teenagers Google accounts. It made a lot of headlines, shouldn’t Google – being the huge company it is – have started “tightening” up privacy a long time ago?

Can Madonna’s fitness chain survive? – Madonna is planning to launch a chain of gym in major cities worldwide. It seems there has been a flow of gyms (at least here locally) lowering their membership fees because of the economy. Can Madonna’s gym thrive?

Now it’s time for the PRobecast PR Power Ranking – which is when we go around the room and pick the story that we think ranks the highest PR-wise – meaning any aspects of PR could be the reasoning behind the pick. Is it the story itself, good data that was used, what’s getting the most pickup, was it a good PR move the company made, etc.

This week TerraChoice and Four Loko tied. TerraChoice for bringing to light the fact that many ‘green’ products are making statements without warrant and now the FTC is proposing stricter advertising. No consumer wants to be lied to.

Four Loko was tied to a very negative story. However, we didn’t think it was the product’s fault. So, while this story was definitely not pitched by their PR people – we all agreed that we all never would have heard of Four Loko if this story didn’t come out. So while it was connected with a bad situation – we don’t think it’s the companies fault and now we are aware of the product.

Who do you think deserves to win this week?

MP3 File

Share on Facebook

Technorati Tags: America's Got Talent, Apple, Four Loko, Google, iPad, Madonna, privacy, TerraChoice

Share/Save