7 chapters across the catalog
Analysis of the 9/11 collapse video identifies a woman assisting Hillary Clinton as Christine Falvo, the Chief Operating Officer of the Rubenstein PR agency. Contrary to internet rumors that she was a neurological nurse, Falvo is a longtime Clinton aide and friend. The discussion highlights the connections of the Rubenstein agency to high-profile figures like Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump, framing Falvo's presence as that of a concerned personal confidante rather than a medical professional.
Zug Switzerland, Disruption Movie, Corporate Social Media Leverage
The hosts note that many international NGOs are headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, a known tax haven. They discuss the movie *Disruption*, featuring Van Jones, as a recruitment tool for climate activism. They also examine "Meatless Monday" as a marketing opportunity for large corporations like Dole and Morningstar to leverage social media for brand image.
Mayors Against Guns, PR Strategy and Matthew Miller
The group Mayors Against Guns is revealed to be using the PR agency Vianovo, employing former DOJ official Matthew Miller to manage their media presence. Miller appears on news programs as an expert without always being disclosed as a paid spokesperson for the gun control advocacy group. The hosts highlight this as an example of "astroturfing" and coordinated media messaging.
NPR Velveeta Shortage Story and Native Advertising Critique
An NPR story regarding a "Cheesepocalypse" or Velveeta shortage is deconstructed as a blatant example of native advertising. The hosts point out that the source of the story was Kraft's own Tumblr page, launched during "Advertiser Week." They estimate the value of such a four-minute "earned media" segment on national public radio to be between $50,000 and $150,000.
Chertoff Group, Media Bookings, Rubicon Comparison
The Chertoff Group's heavy presence on Sunday news shows is highlighted as a coordinated PR effort. The hosts compare the group's influence and involvement in multi-billion dollar mergers to the fictional "Atlas McDowell" company from the series Rubicon.
An op-ed in Time Magazine by Dr. Oz titled "Give Frozen Peas a Chance" is exposed as a likely PR-generated puff piece. Identical text and photos appeared simultaneously under the byline of a "Dr. Nagual" on Newsvine. The articles, which defend industrial beef and frozen foods, contain word-for-word identical personal anecdotes about living in a vegetarian household, suggesting neither doctor actually wrote the content.
Media Stunts, Heinz Curry Ketchup, Star Suckers Revisited
Adam Curry shares an anecdote about an advertising agency asking him to participate in a fake legal battle over "Heinz Curry Ketchup" to generate news coverage. He uses this to illustrate how reality TV and modern celebrity are manufactured by PR firms. John C. Dvorak also recalls a past media controversy involving a column he wrote for the San Francisco Examiner about Seattle.
