There's an old cliché that what's old is new again, and that seems especially true in the world of marketing and advertising. In the 19th century, giant illustrations painted on the sides of buildings were commonly used to advertise beer. Now boutique ad agency Strawberry Frog wants to do a variation on that theme to promote client's Heineken beer. The effort is part of the marketer's global "Meet you there" campaign and calls for a series of artful posters that can be used as print or outdoor executions that will also be sold by Heineken. Each poster centers on the …

In the "truth in advertising" vacuum cleaner war, Dyson has won a battle against rival Hoover, but the struggle continues. The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has told Hoover, owned by Maytag Corp., to tone down claims that its WindTunnel and Fusion Upright vacuums perform better than Dyson's competing household vacuum. However, the ruling left a few doors open for Hoover. For example, the company can still contend its vacuums have superior sucking power--but only when clearly talking about performance on carpets. Hoover was also told to quit claiming that its Fusion cleaner suffers "no …

Volkswagen is trying a radical, potentially risky approach in its new advertising efforts for its Jetta model. In two TV spots designed to highlight the vehicle's safety, the automaker employs graphic realism to depict an auto accident in which the Jetta is violently smashed into by another car. Airbags pop out, and the spots end with shots of stunned passengers, the damaged Jetta and the slogan: "Safe happens." A VW spokesman said the ads are so realistic that the company has received calls from viewers asking if any of the actors were hurt. The ads leave an impression, no doubt, …

A newly formed company is using a familiar face to send its message out to consumers. The company, TD Ameritrade, was formed in January after the Ameritrade Holding Corporation, a brokerage firm, completed the acquisition of TD Waterhouse USA from Toronto-Dominion Bank. A new, multimedia advertising campaign begins Monday to introduce the company to investors, and its spokesman will be actor Sam Waterston, well-known to TV viewers as prosecuting attorney Jack McCoy on the popular series "Law & Order," a role he has played for the past 11 seasons. Waterston had also served as the spokesman for the TD Waterhouse …

It's not uncommon for famous rock bands of previous eras to get back on the road for a reunion tour. But the '70s glam band KISS, known for its flamboyant makeup and wild stage act, is trying something different to resuscitate its name--it's getting into the personal care product business. This fall the band will launch a line of products built around a fragrance to be supported by a marketing plan that includes print and TV advertising. Promotional events that include a sampling campaign of KISS masks, blotter cards, scented tattoos, stickers and car fresheners. Print contains the message, "You'll …

Earlier this month, Euro RSCG Chief Ron Berger made considerable waves at the American Association of Advertising Agencies management conference when he criticized several industry leaders in a controversial speech. One of those leaders was Association of National Advertisers President and CEO Bob Liodice, who now weighs in with a rebuttal on his ANA website. Liodice was chided by Berger for encouraging clients to hire several ad agencies to help them with their marketing plans; Berger contended that a single, full-service agency could just as easily do the job. But Liodice stands his ground in an open letter to Berger. …

Entrepreneurs involved in startup who don't think they have to allocate funds for marketing had better think again if they want to succeed. That's the message in a provocative essay from Steve McKee, president of McKee Wallwork Cleveland, an ad agency specializing in working with fast-growth companies and businesses whose ad budgets are under $10 million. "As crazy as it may seem, it's common for entrepreneurs to overlook the need for major marketing investment from day one," McKee writes. " 'We're just starting up,' they think. 'We need to get on our feet and then we'll have the money to …

Miller Lite is returning to the tried and true advertising world of celebrity endorsers in a new campaign breaking next month that carries the theme "Man Law." The effort includes spots featuring male personalities like Burt Reynolds, Eddie Griffin, ex-NFL star Jerome Bettis, WWE wrestler Triple H, rodeo star Ty Murray and Aaron Rolston (who cut off part of his arm to save himself during a mountain-climbing accident). The new ads, along with two other Miller Lite campaigns that will be launched at the same time, are all part of the brewer's attempt to compete more effectively with market leader …

Always on the lookout for new advertising venues, marketers have found another one. But unlike so many other so-called emerging media outlets involving high-tech distribution platforms, this one is decidedly old school--comic books.  Leading marketers joining the trend include General Motors, Nike, and Chrysler.  In July, GM’s Pontiac will play a highly visible, promotional role in a new, six-part mini-series from DC Comics called Rush City, while the famous Nike "swoosh" logo has been popping up in scenes from Marvel Entertainment titles, such as New X-Men.  And Marvel, home of Spider-Man, Captain America and Sub-Mariner, may feature Dodge's new …

Advertising a product on the radio is one thing, but owning your own station is quite another. That's what spirits marketer Bacardi is doing with plans to launch an ad-free, global radio station that will be broadcast 24 hours a day via the Internet and cell phones. Dubbed Bacardi B-Live, the initiative will launch in the U.K. next month and roll out internationally throughout the year. The company's goal is to extend the brand's association with music beyond regular events. "Thanks to developments in mobile and 3G handset technology it is possible for brands to take their music properties beyond …