Star Wars Joins The Disney Cosmos by Thom Forbes

A deal right out of Hollywood yesterday brings together two of the most successful juggernauts in entertainment history, both created by men with singular creative visions who drew broader success with groundbreaking merchandising: Walt Disney's legacy company is paying more than $4 billion to acquire George Lucas' film studio and other enterprises, lock, stock and blaster. ...Read the whole story

  • retail In Storm Relief, Brands Are First Responders by Sarah Mahoney

    Retailers have come to regard themselves as a sort of unofficial Red Cross, and this storm was no exception, whether it's Walmart offering behind-the-scenes help to state agencies, or Sears shipping portable generators and flashlights to East Coast locations. ...Read the whole story

  • entertainment Sandy Entertainment Losses Could Be Huge by Aaron Baar

    "With no power, there's no show," Paul Bassman, president of Doodson Insurance Brokerage in Dallas, tells "Marketing Daily." "Typically, the Broadway performances contain some sort of business interruption insurance. If they drag on, they could be making some claims." ...Read the whole story

  • retail This Just In: Toys R Us Introduces Tiny Newscasters by Sarah Mahoney

    Ads for the chain are always a little tricky, Peter Reiner, the chain's SVP/marketing, explains to "Marketing Daily," "because while it may be the kid who decides what toy is really important at the holidays, it's the parents who decide where to shop." ...Read the whole story

  • sports Panini Expands Its Relationship With The NBA by Karl Greenberg

    Italian-based licensed memorabilia company Panini has extended its four-year-old a partnership with the NBA. The new deal puts Kobe Bryant in the spotlight around a collectible card platform that includes a special Kobe Bryant Anthology collection of cards. ...Read the whole story

  • automotive Ford Focus Gets Big Placement In New 'Need for Speed' by Karl Greenberg

    "Having our vehicles in games gives consumers the first chance to drive and experience our vehicles before they go off to a dealership," said Brian McClary, Ford Social & Emerging Media Analyst. He adds that the ROI is strong. ...Read the whole story

  • food Gluten-Free Still Going Gangbusters by Karlene Lukovitz

    Gluten-free foods and beverages saw annual compound growth of 28% between 2008 and 2012 in the U.S., and will reach an estimated $4.2 billion this year, according to a new report on GF foods and beverages from research publisher Packaged Facts. ...Read the whole story

  • my turn Halloween - When Scary Clients Arise by Len Stein

    Trick or treat! It's Halloween, when ghostly-ghoulish clients arise from their resting places to drive fear into the hearts of earnest PR practitioners. ... ...More

report Cause-Related Comfort? Tone Of Voice Is Everything by Sarah Mahoney

In the hours leading up to Hurricane Sandy, I get a lovely email from USAA, which sells me homeowner insurance. It tells me how to ... ...More

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