• by November 24, 2003

AGENCY BIG SHOT TO JOIN A&E, BUT WHICH ONE? THE RIFF AIN'T SAYING (FOR NOW) - The Riff hears A&E Networks is close to raiding a top media agency executive to be its new advertising sales czar. A&E, which has seen its programming, ratings and advertising sales presence flounder in recent years, is said to be seeking its very "own Joe Abruzzese," a reference to the impact the former CBS sales honcho has had since joining A&E rival Discovery Networks. Aside from attracting some new star power, the move signals the desire of A&E's Whitney Goit to step out of the day-to-day sales arena. Goit, who essentially created the original A&E sales organization, stepped back in a couple of years ago when Arlene Manos left to run Cablevision's Rainbow Advertising Sales unit, but is known to be eager to move out of a sales role. A&E is said to have already made an offer to one top agency exec, who won't give a decision until his shop resolves an important media account review: Coca-Cola's massive media account. But the Riff ain't tipping any hands here as to which shop - incumbent or contender - this media topper is from.

THE FRONT PAGE? SAY IT AIN'T SO, MORT - The Riff was coming into Manhattan through the Port Authority bus terminal this morning - not our regular route, mind you - when a lovely young lady offered us a free copy of Mort Zuckerman's New York Daily News. Naturally, we thought this was odd, since the Daily News is one of those dailies that still prides itself on having paying customers. Of course, we know that some paid subscription papers - even toney ones like the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times - occasionally give out free copies to elite commuters at high-end commuter hubs like airport shuttles, but we didn't think New York's Port Authority was one of those. But on closer inspection, we noticed something even more unusual. Today's freebie Daily News was a "special promotion" edition brought to readers by Verizon Wireless. And just to prove it, both the front and back page of "New York's Hometown Paper" was transformed into an ad for the wireless carrier, though you'd have to look twice to notice even that. The front page ad was depicted in an almost exact replica of the Daily News' editorial format, including a banner headline reading: Verizon Wireless is America's #1 choice! The Switch Is On! But as dicey as it might seem for the Daily News to turn its front page into an ad, what the Riff really wants to know, is exactly how much Verizon had to shell out to blow sports coverage off the back page the day after a New York Jets win.

THE MAG MAY BE PENNYWISE, BUT FEEL FREE TO POUND HIGH-END VODKA UNTIL FEELING FOOLISH - Magazine shindigs are often associated with opulent settings, gourmet food, open bars and obligatory chachkas. But what must print planners and buyers be thinking about invitations they've just received to Budget Living magazine's first anniversary/holiday party? Velveeta and Triscuits? Doubtfully. The mag had a pretty good rookie year by all accounts and is likely to break from editorial form with a decidedly more lavish event than it might advocate for its readers. After all, the party will be held Dec. 3 at New York's trendy Flatiron District haunt Deep and the invite does promise an "open bar" with Vodka courtesy of Budget Living advertiser Skyy, plus all the "finger-food you can get your hands on." And just in case you might have expected otherwise form the pub's budget-minded marketing team, they're also guaranteeing guests will receive "goodie-filled gift bags galore!" So where's the budget connection? Attendees also qualify for special "event-only discount" on new artwork being unveiled by artist/architect John Pawson courtesy of Eyestorm Gallery.