Scion Targets College Kids in Video Game

Scion has seen some tough times recently after their manufacturing plants in Japan were ruined by tsunamis.  In order to increase production and purchasing of the brand, Scion has come up with an iPad application targeting college students.  The application is a game that takes the player through progressively harder levels in attempts to gain $1,000 off the purchase of a new car.


This is an interesting and possibly profitable media investment for the company.  College students are very techno-savvy and play computer games every day.  College students are also continuously seeking ways to save money, especially on big ticket items like a new car.  If I were in the position where I needed to buy a new car, I would be extremely interested in the Scion because of the discount.


Check out more:
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=150407

Lady Gaga on Modern Family

Lady Gaga will be mentioned during an episode of the television show "Modern Family".  The pop culture icon has been in the media limelight since the beginning of her career.  The use of her in a "Modern Family" episode is great for the show to stay up-to-date and current with it's target market.  Lady Gaga is known nationally and references to her on the show will be understood by all viewers.


For shows catering to younger audiences, it is important for the writers to stay current about what is going on in pop culture.  Using references to popular celebrities and trends will continue to draw in the younger audiences who are interested in the most popular things.


Check out the article:
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/TV_This_Week_47/Lady-Gaga-everywhere-girl-as-herself.asp

Luxury Brands on Facebook

Facebook is growing in popularity each day.  As more people connect to this online site, brands are feeling the pressure to create Facebook pages to engage in conversations with consumers.  Many fast-moving consumer good companies post frequently to Facebook and communicate with consumers who post on their pages.  Luxury brands are not doing this.

Known for their exclusivity and snooty behavior to the public, many luxury brands do not allow fans to post on their Facebook pages.  If these companies do allow postings, none of them are responding to consumer comments.

Against all rules of media, luxury brands are not communicating with the public trying to gain new customers and are still growing in popularity.  Facebook fans of luxury goods almost double those of other consumer brands.  The reputation of luxury goods seems to be enough for the brands to prosper, even in a failing economic market.  The appeal of purchasing designer and luxury items does not require interaction or connections to consumers via Facebook.

Read more about this topic:
http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/luxury-brands-remain-aloof-facebook-131538

Bin Laden's Media Push

When news broke out about Osama bin Laden's death, newspaper and television stations websites saw a massive explosion in views within hours of the news breaking.  Circulation for newspapers on the following morning almost doubled in New York City and were spiking all over the country.


Media people are well prepared for breaking news and know exactly what to do to keep consumers of the information happy.  They are prepared for spur of the moment surges in website viewership and the need for more copies of newspapers to circulate after an important event takes place.


News on an international scale like the death of Osama bin Laden gives news networks a great media opportunity.  Specials on 9/11 and Al Queda are popping up all over and consumers are watching and reading about it.  News like this gives media people a great opportunity for profits.


Check out the article:
http://adage.com/article/mediaworks/media-media-race-cover-bin-laden-death/227330/

Magazine of the Year

The National Magazine Awards gave the most prestigious and sought-after award of the night to National Geographic, recognizing the literature as "Magazine of the Year".  So what does this mean for media?


Well, as magazine of the year, National Geographic has a large circulation and readership base.  Upon researching the magazine I found that monthly circulation reaches about 8.5 million people.  National Geographic prints in 28 different languages and 1 of 4 readers of the magazine are located outside of the United States.  Each edition of the magazine captures a different natural phenomenon intriguing to anyone that picks up the latest copy.  The magazine has high potential for media buyers working with international clientele.  However, media people need to keep in mind who is reading the magazine.  


As a subscriber to the magazine myself, none of this information surprises me.  As a photographer myself, I enjoy this magazine solely for the amazing photographs within the pages.  I have been receiving the magazine for years now and have yet to read through an article completely.  The only advertisements I pay attention to in National Geographic are for new cameras or photography equipment.


I am only one person of the millions of readers of National Geographic.  But I think extensive research would have to be done before a company would seriously consider advertising with the magazine.


Check out this article to see the other magazine winners!
http://adage.com/article/mediaworks/national-geographic-named-magazine-year/227459/

Too Cool for Facebook?

Facebook is continuously growing in popularity each day.  Brands from all industries are creating fan pages to connect with consumers online.  A study conducted recently showed that fast moving consumer goods were more likely to allow postings and respond to them than luxury goods.

Why is that?

Luxury goods want a reputation of exclusivity and elusiveness.  Consumers of luxury brands buy these products to feel like they are members of an elite group of people.  Luxury brands do not feel the need to communicate via Facebook because they have proven they don't have to.  All of the marketing rules tell brands to talk to consumers and get feedback, luxury brands are an exception to this rule.

In the long run, luxury brands will always be popular regardless of customer service and communication with consumers.

Check out the article:

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/luxury-brands-remain-aloof-facebook-131538

Lexus Gets Technical

Lexus created a short-film to be played on the side of the Roosevelt Hollywood hotel.  The film showcases the new Lexus Hybrid zooming around on the side of the building.  The 3D effects are amazing.  A mix of guerrilla marketing and creativity connects the Lexus brand with innovation and new technology, as intended by the creators (Pearl Media).  Besides all of that, this was a really interesting video to watch.


Creative and interactive works like this will engage consumers.  They will stop and be entertained by the show while also recieveing information regarding the brand.  Technological advances that allow for shows like this to take place offer a great opportunity for reach to new consumers.


Watch the show!

Mom's New Role for Advertisers

A mother's role in the household is changing.  They are taking on new and more important responsibilities than in the past.  The busy lifestyles of these moms require quick and trusted information when making big decisions like choosing a healthcare provider for their children.


Interestingly enough, more mothers are learning new and useful information via the Internet.  Whether it's Facebook postings or a personal e-mail, women trust these sources when making decisions for their families.  More women are sharing their opinions and posting them online.


Advertisers need to keep in mind the female audience when creating new advertisements for clients, especially via the Internet.  They are a growing market and are part of big decision-making for their families.

Check out this article:
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=149655