Thursday, April 28, 2011

Latest Newspaper ABCes - 28th April 2011

The top three national newspaper websites all reported record average daily browser figures in March, swelled by overseas visitors and coverage of key news events such as the Japanese earthquake, the civil war in Libya and the Royal Wedding.

MEDIA WEEK STORY

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Waste of Space?


Whilst they were a great idea at the time, it has to be said, the XTP (Cross Track Projection) format has had a relatively sketchy existence since (the very dealyed) launch. The actual format is compromised and the quality questionable .. especially in light of progressive digital technology and the high quality formats now featuring in and around most under and overground stations.

That said, it seems criminal that such formats (unless the projector is broken of course) should not be used at all.

Surely, if they don't have paid for advertisers running campaigns - then pro bono campaigns should run instead.

There are plenty of charities that don't have enough funding to advertise at all, so giving them the opportunity to reach high footfall London audiences on busy commuter Underground platforms is surely worth consideration.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

It was only a matter of time


As part of a self-regulatory initiative launched by IAB Europe today, Online behavioural advertising, which basically means ads that can target people based on their past web activity, will be flagged by a privacy icon (as per picture above)when used in Europe.

So every time I get served another ad for yet another pair of pink converse boots, exactly the same as the one's I bought my niece online for Xmas, or another Ben10 omnatirix or Scooby Doo duvet cover much like the one's that I bought my nephew last month - I can be reminded of the power of the web tracking my online behaviour.

Ouch!



It's usually print and online media that suffer mishaps with the placement of ads in proximity to inappropriate editorial environments, but it appears outdoor has come a cropper too ... the above example of outdoor posting gone wrong shows a 48 sheet ad for Channel 5 drama 'Waking the Dead' placed on the flank wall of this co-operative Funeralcare building.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Stop Press ..... Old School Innovation


Fantastic creative use of media displayed in the Daily Telegraph today for HSBC.
The format they are calling the Ribbon Cut Reveal Creative - is added to their print creative format portfolio, which now includes scratch and sniff ink, die cut magazine covers, and translucent cover wraps on all of their sections.

In an age where paper press continues to struggle to keep up with new innovations across other media channels and compete with the growth of digitised press consumed online and on mobile tablets consoles and handsets ... it's good to see the Telegraph is continuing to create and deliver innovative solutions in paper.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Free Solar Forecast by HomeSun


Advertorial activity is currently running to good effect for our client HomeSun promoting 'Free Solar'

TV Weathermen back HomeSun

Michael Fish and John Kettley - two of Britain's top TV weatherman - have forecast that solar energy is the future. Backing the kind of solar power for homes offered by HomeSun, John said: "I'm impressed with the cost savings and environmental benefits of solar power and it's great that companies like HomeSun are able to give people the chance to enjoy the benefits of solar panels on their roofs for free.

"People can now take advantage of the weather by transforming sunlight into renewable electricity for their homes."

Meanwhile, both weathermen have joined a nationwide search, organised by HomeSun and FindaProperty.com, for Britain's Greenest home. Michael Fish, says: "I think more and more people want to make their homes green."

Click here to see full feature

Monday, April 04, 2011

On Your Marks....Get Set ..... Go!!!



Let the GAMES begin............... The outdoor auction games that is, as the bidding started today for outdoor inventory across all formats in and around the London 2012 Olypmics next year.

Bidding will take place from today until June 30th. Unsold inventory will go back on the open market from July 1st.

It will be interesting to see how media owners manage the sale of unsold inventory post the auction period and ensure they don't jeopardise relationships with key (outdoor) clients.

Link below to latest news story on this topic from MediaWeek

£250M auction for Olympics begins