As Edward M. Liddy, American International Group's chairman and CEO, appears on Capitol Hill today to take the heat for millions of dollars' worth of bonuses doled out to employees, public relations pros are shaking their heads at the company's blundering crisis management in a business that's built on trust. Eric Dezenhall, CEO and co-founder of Dezenhall Resources, a communications consultancy, tells Ad Age's Michael Bush that most consumers are not going to be able to see past the bonus issue, let alone want to listen to the company's reasoning for handing them out. "Contrary to …

Geico CMO Ted Ward talks with Kenneth Hein about why Kash -- an odd-looking stack of money with cookie monster eyes -- is drawing such a rabid following. It comes down to good timing, as do most things. Ward admits Kash is not his, or his CEO's, favorite Geico character, nor are the cavemen. (It's the gecko, as it would be for all persons of discernment). Back to Kash, lots of people are writing e-mails and sending letters, according to Ward. "They all want him to talk," he says. But, as usual, Geico is one counterintuitive move ahead …

Apple yesterday gave a sneak peek of 100 forthcoming software updates for the iPhone, Jefferson Graham reports, including a feature where developers can bring in extra revenue with sales of extra levels of game play; magazine, newspaper and e-book subscriptions; even music purchases that can be played within the game. "There are other business models developers want to support, and we've been listening," says Apple svp Scott Forstall. Among the consumer-friendly features coming to the iPhone are the ability to copy blocks of text from an email and paste it elsewhere; the ability to connect iPhone apps to …

A new World Bank report underscores a "worrying" trend toward protectionism as countries rush to shield their ailing domestic industries during the global economic crisis, Anthony Faiola reports. It says that at least 17 of the 20 major nations that vowed at a November summit to avoid protectionist steps have violated that promise. It also comes one day after Mexico vowed to slap new restrictions on 90 U.S. products in retaliation against Washington for canceling a program that allowed Mexican truck drivers the right to transport goods across the United States. "Leaders must …

About 40% of consumer surveyed by GfK Roper Consulting during mid-2008 and early 2009 said they'd be willing to do without cable or satellite TV, Arik Hesseldahl reports. Only 37% said they were getting good value for the price they pay. When asked to identify the last nonessential thing they'd be willing to give up, 15% said their cell phone or BlackBerry. The only item that ranked higher on that list, at 16%, was "driving where I want, when I want." Younger consumers felt even more strongly about mobile devices -- 23% said their phone would be the last …

While demand for its Big G cereals, Betty Crocker dessert mixes and Totino's pizza increased as consumers ate more at home, General Mills' third-quarter profit fell 33%, hurt by higher product costs and marketing expenses, Andria Cheng reports.