Prodo News

Report highlights reading interests of teens

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

A new report has highlighted the reading preferences of young teenagers, it has been revealed.

Commissioned by the organisers behind the National Year of Reading, the report has found that above anything else, young teens prefer to read Heat magazine, reports the Guardian.

Entitled, Read Up, Fed Up: Exploring Teenage Reading Habits in the UK Today, the report also found that the top-ten list of favourite things to read also include the magazine Bliss, in addition to reading the lyrics of songs on the internet.

The survey's findings included the results of a poll of 1,340 individuals.

"I think the diversity of the list is really encouraging," said Honor Wilson-Fletcher, the director of the National Year of Reading, an initiative that focuses on reading in England.

"I read everything from Jane Austen to Grazia magazine and if you asked adults the same question we've asked teenagers you wouldn't expect James Joyce and Dostoevsky to be there."

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

ITV1 to broadcast McCann interview

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

The only televised interview with Kate and Gerry McCann is to be broadcast on ITV1, it has emerged.

With a running time of one hour, the interview will be broadcast to coincide with the first anniversary of their daughter's disappearance.

"Amid all the controversy, what should be remembered is that a little girl is still missing and her family is trying its best to find her," said Steve Anderson, the executive producer of the programme.

"We have been with Kate and Gerry McCann as they have pushed for a better system across Europe to help stop child abduction."

The programme currently has a provisional title of Madeleine McCann.

It is known that Madeleine's parents will not receive any financial remuneration for their participation in the programme, although a donation will be made to the Find Madeleine fund, established after her disappearance on May 3rd 2007.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

French president applauds UK media

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

France's president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has offered praise to Britain's media.

Applauding the UK's coverage of his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Mr Sarkozy commented that the most recent coverage was a great improvement on the earlier exposure received in both the UK and France.

"I was very moved by the welcome she got. I thought it was well deserved. There had been so many things ... I am happy to see that justice has been done," said Mr Sarkozy, in a report by the Guardian.

"She has honoured our country, not just for her outward appearance, but because beyond her looks she is a woman with convictions, sensitivity and humanity."

Indeed, the coverage of Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy has even been described by officials in France as "Carlamania".

In some quarters of Britain's media however, pictures were printed of the former model posing naked.

Mr Sarkozy yesterday also offered praised to prime minister Gordon Brown, for the decision to ratify the latest EU treaty.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

YouTube to provide new data on video consumption

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

Web 2.0 service YouTube is to offer enhanced levels of feedback to content creators over the viewing habits of users.

Although only available to the individual responsible for the uploading of the content, the new feature will provide information concerning how the material came to be viewed and in which countries or territories a particular video is more or less popular.

Information concerning lifecycle popularity will also be provided, reports the Times.

"One way of thinking about YouTube is as one of the world's largest focus groups," Nick Jakobi, a product manager in Zurich for Google.

"This service will give marketers and our other partners a greater level of insight into how that focus group is engaging with their videos."

A representative from the company also confirmed that other data could be made available, which might include information such as the popularity of a designated piece of video content with a particular age group.

YouTube was purchased by Google in 2006.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

New backing behind social network application standard

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

A number of information technology firms have given their support to an open platform for the creation of social networking applications.

In addition to Yahoo!, backing for the platform - known as OpenSocial - has been provided by MySpace and Google.

A number of different sites will make use of the technology, including Plaxo, MySpace and Yahoo!.

It is believed the platform will improve the ease with which software firms and individual users can develop applications for use within social networking environments, reports Computer Weekly.

"We are at a stage where technology in social networking could change the way you work," said Gary Barnett, research director at analysts Bathwick, in a report by the publication.

However, the website claimed that Ray Valdes, research director of Gartner, noted: "There are still important business interactions and relationships that are not captured in corporate IT systems."

Launched last year, OpenSocial was initially developed by Google.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

'Most' UK homes use multichannel television

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

The majority of Britain's households now contain multichannel television capabilities, it has been claimed.

According to reports, the number of households across the country with access to this type of television has increased by 1.6 per cent since September 2007 to 86.7 per cent, reports the Guardian.

"Coverage is lower in hilly and mountainous regions and where networks are much more expensive to build and population density is much lower," said communications regulator Ofcom, in a report by Digital Spy.

"Coverage is also lower in areas that are more exposed to international constraints ... in the Meridian and Anglia regions."

The organisation has confirmed that over the last quarter of 2007, 524,500 new households adopted digital television capabilities.

Multichannel television can be accessed in a number of different ways, including via cable and Freeview, a digital terrestrial television service managed by DTV Services.

The shareholders of Freeviews management company include BSkyB and the BBC.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

ASA criticises insurance advertisement

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

An advertisement promoting insurance has been criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Released by Friends Provident in the form of a mailshot, the advertisement drew criticism from the ASA on the grounds that it was designed to look like medical data and could therefore mislead.

"We concluded that the envelope should have stated clearly that it contained marketing material to avoid giving a misleading impression of its contents and causing distress to recipients," said the ASA.

A total of three individuals complained to the ASA about the marketing campaign.

The company's advertisement was delivered to recipients within a brown envelope, embossed with the statement: "X-Ray film, please do not bend."

Established in 1832, Friends Provident is a financial services group with a presence on the UK's FTSE 100 stock index.

Originally established to help Quaker families in need, the organisation now operates in a number of different countries, including those in Europe and the Middle East.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Renault faces advertising ban

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

An advertisement from Renault is to be withdrawn following a ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The ASA decided that Renault's press advertisement contained environmental exaggerations, leading consumers to believe that the advertised product produced relatively lower emissions and was better for the environment, reports the Guardian.

It was also noted that the advertised product was not in the government's list of the ten most environmentally efficient cars, in terms of CO2 emissions.

"We noted the ad included information about the CO2 emissions of the car but we considered that that was insufficient to justify the overall impression created by the ad, in particular the image of leaves coming out of the exhaust and the 'eco-logical' claim," said the ASA.

Renault's advertisement was for its Twingo model and was also criticised for a lack of qualification in respect of the company's Eco2 scheme.

According to the CO2 rankings of the Department for Transport, Seat and Volkswagon manufacture the two best performing cars.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

China unblocks BBC website

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

Users of the internet in China are now able to access the BBC's website, it has been claimed.

Following restrictions on the ability of those in China to access the BBC's news website, it has been reported by the broadcaster's staff in China that full access has now been restored.

The BBC's website had been restricted by authorities for a number of years.

"We want BBC news to be as accessible in China as anywhere else in the world," said Steve Herrmann, editor of the BBC's news website.

"We will endeavour to continue working with the Chinese authorities to improve our access in other areas."

However, despite this apparent lifting of an unofficial ban, formal confirmation of the end of this apparent prohibition has not been disseminated by Chinese authorities.

Although the BBC's main website was initially free from advertising, following a change in policy those viewing the site from outside the UK are now presented with advertisements.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Internet addiction 'a public health issue'

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

Addiction to the internet is now an issue of public health, it has been claimed.

According to comments made by Dr Jerald Block, the author of an article written for the American Journal of Psychiatry, internet addition is now a frequent phenomenon that should be formally regarded as a clinical condition.

Indeed, citing South Korea as a case study, Dr Block has highlighted that a total of ten individuals have died as a consequence of sitting down in an internet cafe for excessively long periods.

All of the individuals died after developing blood clots.

"I used to work with computers for eight hours, then get home and go online for seven hours. I would stay up till two or three in the morning until … I had to go to bed," said one resident of New York, in a report by the Guardian.

The source has admitted to being a former internet addict.

Among the identified components of internet addiction include feelings of depression when away from a computer, social isolation and under achievement.

In 2005, the Observer reported the emergence of internet addiction in China.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

New warning over internet use by children

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

Children in the UK are effectively being brought up on the internet, it has been claimed.

Research conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), an organisation established in 1986, has found that children across the UK are spending over 20 hours every week connected to the internet.

The study, entitled Behind the Screen: The Hidden Life of Youth, is due to be published in April.

One 16-year-old user of the internet told the IPPR: "My mum will ask sometimes 'Is it safe?' But she doesn't really know."

A 14-year-old school student, added: "We have restrictions at school but we can just get an administrator's account and take them off."

The organisation found that most of the time online was spent using social networking sites, such as Bebo and Facebook, a social networking site established in 2004, although brand loyalty is generally weak.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Starbucks launches new community website

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

Multinational coffee shop firm Starbucks has launched a new community website.

Released for the collection of feedback and suggestions, the new website is known as My Starbucks Idea and makes use of software provided by Salesforce.com.

Salesforce.com is a provider of customer relationship management software solutions.

"You know better than anyone else what you want from Starbucks. So tell us. What's your Starbucks Idea? Revolutionary or simple - we want to hear it," said Starbucks

"Share your ideas, tell us what you think of other people's ideas and join the discussion. We're here and we're ready to make ideas happen. Let's get started."

Comments and suggestions can be posted within a number of different categories, including merchandise and music, coffee and espresso drinks and atmosphere and location.

The new website follows a format used by a number of other companies, including Dell, whose website is known as Ideastorm.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Naked man features in new Visa advertisement

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:00 BST

A naked man is starring in a new television advertising campaign for Visa.

Screened for the first time yesterday (March 24th), the new advertisement features a man equipped with nothing but a pair of socks and a Visa credit card, reports the Guardian.

The new advertisement also carries the strapline, "life flows better with Visa".

"It is such a simple and intuitive idea. One of Visa's key benefits is that it simplifies life and this campaign demonstrates that," said Mariano Dima, executive vice president of marketing and payment solutions at Visa Europe.

The setting for the advertisement is an Argentinean salt plain and it is only revealed at the end of the advertisement that the man's predicament is a consequence of a stag party prank.

The advert was screened for the first time on Film4.

Established in 1958, Visa was originally known by the name Visa International Service Association.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Japan appoints cat to promote culture

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:30:00 BST

Japan's government has appointed a robotic cat as a way to promote the country's pop culture overseas, it has emerged.

According to reports, the cat - known as Doraemon - has been recruited by the country's diplomatic corps to help raise awareness of the country - his first job will involve the overseas screening of his film Nobita's Dinosaur 2006.

Scheduled to be shown at a number of Japan's overseas diplomatic offices, the countries where the film is to be aired include France and Spain.

In addition to highlighting the thoughts of everyday Japanese, Doraemon has also promised to enlighten foreigners to the lifestyles and future aspirations of Japan's citizens.

"Doraemon, I hope you will travel around the world as an anime ambassador and deepen people's understanding of Japan so they will become our friends," said Masahiko Komura, Japan's foreign minister.

The animated character originated in a manga cartoon series created by Hiroshi Fujimoto.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

International dispute 'hits Facebook'

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:30:00 BST

The dispute between Israel and Palestine has moved online.

According to reports, the long-running dispute has made its way onto social networking site Facebook, with some Jewish settlers objecting to the site identifying them as living in Palestine, rather than their preferred choice of Israel.

However, under international law, Israel's settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are generally considered to be illegal.

In response, Facebook now allows some settlers to specify their home country as being either Palestine or Israel.

And a number of groups have appeared on the social networking site in defence of the Palestinian cause, including one entitled 'It's not Israel, it's Palestine'.

"We only support 18 cities in the West Bank at this point, so most settlements are not yet supported, though we certainly intend to add them," said a representative for Facebook.

Channah Lerman, the creator of the Facebook group 'Facebook - stop discriminating Yesha!', added in a report by the Guardian: "What I hope even more is that people keep on fighting against mentioning these towns in Palestine".

The current state of Israel was created in 1948.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Starbucks adopts new measures to win back customers

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:30:00 BST

International coffee chain Starbucks is introducing a number of new measures in an attempt to win back dispirited customers, it has been claimed.

According to reports, the firm is introducing new state-of-the-art coffee brewing machinery, designed in a manner that enables customers to see staff preparing their drinks.

The new coffee machines are being introduced at a cost of £5,500 per machine.

"I humbly recognise and share both your concern and your disappointment in how the company has performed and how that has affected your investment in Starbucks," said Howard Schultz, chairman of Starbucks.

"I promise you this will not stand."

Mr Schultz made his comments at the company's recent annual meeting.

Starbucks has also confirmed that it will revert to an earlier policy of grinding coffee beans instore.

Established in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks operates across 42 different countries.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Not enough done 'to protect children online'

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:00:00 BST

A number of internet service providers (ISPs) have been criticised for their efforts to protect the safety of children using the internet.

Jim Gamble, chief executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, an organisation established in 2006, has complained that the actions of some ISPs are insufficient, reports the Guardian.

However, Mr Gamble has declined to specifically name the ISPs concerned.

"I am a father of three children and I am not having them [ISPs] hiding behind my organisation if they are a danger to children. There comes a time when enough is enough," said Mr Gamble.

"We talk about the industry as this large single entity but it isn't like that. Most of the industry partners are very good, some are mediocre, some are just not good."

It was also admitted that the type of ISPs referred to are in the minority.

In related news, Mr Gamble has also called for the introduction of a new criminal offence, making it illegal for an adult to engage in online sexual activity with a child avatar.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

ITV to relaunch online television player

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:00:00 BST

The UK broadcaster ITV is to relaunch its alternative to the BBC's iPlayer.

ITV's catch-up television service is to be relaunched with a new advertising campaign in an effort to increase user numbers and there are also plans to precede the campaign with an overhaul of the site, reports the Guardian.

"If you've missed an ITV programme over the last month, use our Catch Up service to watch it now," said ITV.com, a website containing details for all of ITV's channel's programming slots.

"You can sort your results by clicking on the column titles. The "days left" column tells you for how long programmes will be available via Catch Up."

Among the possible changes include those to the navigation system, in addition to the introduction of features such as the ability to offer recommendations.

The iPlayer was launched by the BBC on December 25th 2007.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Social networking site announces new privacy controls

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:00:00 BST

A social networking site has announced details of a number of new measures for the protection of privacy.

According to reports, the social networking site Facebook has unveiled a number of new privacy features, including the ability to compartmentalise lists of friends, with more specific privacy features for each sub-group.

It will also be possible to control the amount of information visible to friends of friends and there are plans to introduce a new chatting service based around the instant-messaging format.

"We wanted to make our privacy page easier to use and provide users with more effective tools to manage how they share information with their friends," said a representative from Facebook in a report by the Telegraph.

Matt Cohler, vice president of product management at Facebook, an organisation with a history going back to 2004, added: "We want to be able to extend Facebook out into as much of your use of the web as possible."

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Army launches new recruitment campaign

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:00:00 BST

The British Army has launched a new recruitment campaign in an effort to increase staffing levels.

Launched yesterday (March 17th), at a cost of £2 million, the new campaign has already faced criticism, partially as the recruitment drive has been launched close to the fifth anniversary of Iraq's invasion, reports the Guardian.

"Young people generally, those who are seeking a challenge or a rewarding job and a bit of action and adventure, are attracted by the images they see coming back from places like Iraq and, particularly, Afghanistan," said Brigadier Andrew Jackson, chief recruiter for the British Army, an organisation created in 1707 after the unification of Scotland and England.

The launch also comes at a time when the activities of the military are coming under more detailed analysis.

The new campaign has been launched on an interactive basis and features a number of celebrity figures, including Jonny Wilkinson, a rugby player for England.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

China's internet users 'outnumber' rest of world's

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:00:00 BST

The number of internet users in China is greater than in any other country, it has been claimed.

Potentially of interest to those specialising in internet marketing, a team of researchers at analysis firm BDA, in Beijing, has confirmed that China's internet-using citizens now exceed the number of internet users in the US.

"Based on these sources, we can conclude that China has by now comfortably surpassed the United States as the world's largest internet population," said Bin Liu, an analyst with BDA.

Indeed, separate information released by the internet network information centre in China illustrates that, at the end of last year, the number of internet users in the country reached 210 million.

In related news, Reporters sans Frontieres has issued a report highlighting that a number of dissidents in China have been arrested with the assistance of foreign businesses.

"The hunting down of independent thinkers online is all the more effective as several major western companies have colluded with governments in pinpointing 'troublemakers'," said the report.

In China, internet censorship and surveillance is conducted under the Golden Shield Project - also known as the Great Firewall of China.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Cadbury launches advertising 'finale'

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:00:00 BST

Confectionary and beverage manufacturer Cadbury Schweppes is to launch the final instalment of a pre-Easter advertising campaign.

Featuring a total of 225 individual Creme Eggs, in addition to an assortment of mousetraps, the latest advertisement - due to be screened tonight (March 17th) - is the climax of 20 short advertisements that started their broadcasts on January 1st 2008.

The firm has confirmed that its advertising has been designed to target those between the ages of 16 and 24, reports the Guardian.

"I can't remember a campaign that Cadbury has done that has used shorter-time-length ads," said Philip Rumbol, marketing director for Cadbury UK.

"In many respects the clip length of the ads really has an online ethos at its heart."

Although the company's iconic chocolate egg has a history going back to the early part of the 20th century, it was not available in a form familiar to consumers today until 1971.

An edited version of the advertisement will also appear online.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Paolo Nutini joins Puma for advertising campaign

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:00:00 BST

The singer-songwriter, Paolo Nutini, is to work with Puma on a new advertising campaign, it has emerged.

As part of the collaboration, Mr Nutini will appear in a number of different advertisements, where he will be performing the song New Shoes.

Born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1987, Mr Nutini has already released a number of singles, including those entitled Last Request, Rewind and Jenny Don't Be Hasty.

The star will also feature in some of Puma's stores.

Mr Nutini will also work with the company to produce a documentary, in addition to making a number of personal appearances for Puma.

The song, New Shoes, appears on Mr Nutini's album, entitled These Streets.

"Puma enjoys creating campaigns that express movement, athleticism, innovation and energy," said Antonio Bertone, chief marketing officer for Puma, in a report by Mad.co.uk.

"The new Sportlifestyle campaign with Paolo goes above and beyond that concept by introducing his sound, style and personality to the mix."

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

It's never too late to revamp your image, companies told

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:43:38 BST

New businesses should not neglect long-term marketing strategies in favour of an initial attention-grabbing opening, the UK's leading PR advisory body has said.

While a big launch is an excellent way for new companies to get themselves into the public eye and build up an initial client base, there is no substitute for continual marketing, according to the Public Relations Consultancy Association (PRCA).

Richard Ellis of the PRCA comments: "Once you have identified who you are trying to reach, how you plan to reach them and what you plan to say to them, then put in place a plan of activities with costs and dates."

He also advises business owners to be SMART about marketing campaigns by assessing whether publicity-generating ideas are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound - with the employment of outside PR services a good way of ensuring this.

The PRCA was established in 1969 and accounts for approximately 70 per cent of all income generated by public relations consultancies based in the UK.

Prodo will shout about your achievements, get your brand noticed and deliver your message to the right people through powerful Public Relations.

Saab launches personalised direct mail push

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:23:50 BST

Saab has elected to go for the personal public relations touch when it markets its limited edition new model.

The carmaker will reject modern marketing techniques such as website promotion and e-marketing for a back-to-basics approach with a hi-tech twist for their direct mail marketing strategy for the new Saab Turbo X, according to precisionmarketing.co.uk.

Sales and marketing strategy manager for Saab (GB) David Pugh is quoted by the site as saying: "We've taken innovative design and engineering to new levels to create a truly special car and we needed communications to match."

With only 500 of Saab's jet black 30th anniversary model being produced in the UK, the company will target existing and potential customers in the 10,000-mailpack campaign.

The mailpack will reportedly contain a USB card, which will provide an interactive preview of the car's impressive styling as well as a film of the car's appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show and links to Saab's website.

Customer deliveries of the exclusive vehicle will begin in March 2008, with prices starting at £32,495.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Undelivered emails 'costing marketers £550m a year'

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:07:54 BST

Companies are losing an estimated 11 per cent of revenue through undelivered email marketing campaigns, it has been claimed.

While the recent DMA Email Marketing Benchmarking Report showed e-marketing delivery rates have improved, an estimated 14 per cent of online PR budgets are squandered on e-mails that don't get through, precisionmarketing.co.uk reports.

Marketing director of Adestra Paul Crabtree is quoted by the website as saying: "Deliverability is being largely underestimated by marketers, but it is absolutely critical."

He continued to state that e-mail marketers who don't implement systems to ensure their online marketing makes it to inboxes may as well "flush away" that part of their e-marketing budget.

The loss equates to approximately £550 million in lost sales each year, according to the research assembled by the E-Consultancy/Adestra Email Marketing Industry Census.

Prodo can provide you with the technology, the creativity, the copy and the service to devise and run your Email Marketing Campaigns.

Google TV 'could hit UK screens'

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:08:35 BST

Google has announced that that its TV advertising service, currently being piloted in the US, could cross the Atlantic and hit the British market in the future.

The search engine giant has been testing its technology with America's second largest satellite operator Dish Network, in which it allows advertisers to see how many people are watching their adverts, reports the Guardian.

However, Google's head of product management in Europe, Mario Queiroz, suggested that it would consider opportunities in the UK if the US trials were successful.

The first port of call is likely to be with BSkyB, with which Google already has a partnership.

Google currently provides the search feature on Sky.com but the satellite provider is keen to improve targeted advertising and the Sky+ personal video recorder set-top box would be a likely candidate for the technology.

Building on the search engine's successful Adwords service, Google TV Ads takes information from set-top boxes to calculate how many people are watching advertisements.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has banned Google from taking photographs of US military bases after details of one the camp's internal layout appeared on the internet.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

FT to offer free Facebook subscriptions

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:09:58 BST

The Financial Times (FT) is to offer free subscriptions via social networking site Facebook, it has emerged.

According to reports, the publication is to offer content to undergraduate and postgraduate students via a new Facebook application.

The new tool will enable students to share the facility with their peers and will allow users to submit an application for a free subscription on no more than four occasions.

"There is an increasing demand from university and MBA students for access to the FT's quality of insight and reporting and the new Facebook application will enable them to access that premium content for free," said Ien Cheng, publisher and managing editor of FT.com.

In recently weeks, the FT has also launched a new social networking site for senior executives, entitled FT Telecoms, Media and Technology Executive Forum.

The FT first appeared in 1888 as the London Financial Guide, before changing its name to the Financial Times less than six months later.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Ask.com 'waves white flag'

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:09:21 BST

Internet search provider Ask.com has surrendered in the battle over online searches.

According to reports, the website has decided to no longer compete with Yahoo! and Google for users and will instead seek to rebrand itself as a specialist in online queries.

The firm has confirmed plans to concentrate on a number of niche areas, including health, homework and recipes.

Established in 1996, Ask.com originally went under the name of Ask Jeeves.

"Everyone at Ask is excited about our clear focus and the trajectory-changing results it will deliver," said Jim Safka, chief executive of Ask.com.

"If we can do a better job of understanding who these customers are and answering their questions, we will grow."

As part of its rebranding process, the company has confirmed it will now seek to specifically target female users of the internet.

The firm also advised that eight per cent of its employees are to be made redundant.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Monkey gets new cinema role

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:51:54 BST

Television character Monkey is to appear on cinema screens in a new advertisement, it has emerged.

Dubbed A Tale of Two Continents, the new production will cover a history of tea and is planned for screening between March 21st and April 10th.

Previously, Monkey was the face of ITV Digital and is currently known for his work with the PG Tips tea brand.

"Inspiration for the style of the film came from the old public information films that used to run where a central character is used to portray a message in an engaging way," said Nicola Waymark, senior brand manager at PG Tips, in a report by the Guardian.

Thought by the Guardian to be reminiscent of a Michael Palin-style production, A Tale of Two Continents will feature Monkey in a number of different roles, including one as Shennong, a tea-drinking legendary former emperor of China.

Also known as the Emperor of the Five Grains, Emperor Shennong is believed to have lived around 5,000 years previously.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Re-launch for digital radio channel

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:46:33 BST

Radio station Jazz FM is set to be re-launched, available on DAB digital radio, according to The Drum.

It is reported that Jazz FM, run by GMG Radio, is looking to attract the audience who previously listened to The Jazz, the now defunct rival station.

GMG Radio chief executive John Myers told The Drum: "We have always carried on with Jazz FM online but we now hope that the gap left by The Jazz will enable us to win an increased audience to this new service."

He added that the company believes the station has a "promising future" on the digital platform.

Other GMG stations include Real, Smooth, Rock and Century FM, which operate across the UK and was recently awarded a two-year contract to MediaCom.

As part of the new contract, Mediacom will be using creative marketing to promote the 13 GMG stations with a multi-media approach nationwide, headed by Sean Healy and Nigel Robinson from Mediacom.

Prodo offers a full Online Public Relations service which will make sure you’re found by potential customers.

TfL seeks marketing agency for Oyster

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:45:22 BST

A marketing company is to be given the task of raising awareness of the Oyster products available throughout London, as Transport for London (TFL) searches for a suitable direct marketing agency.

It is reported by Precision Marketing that the four-year contract will involve identifying new marketing options and increasing sales in smaller shops such as newsagents and tobacconists.

Previous marketing on behalf of TFL was undertaken by iKyp and OTM London, when Oyster cards and advice were handed out at Gatwick Airport and on the Eurostar.

Meanwhile, Surrey Council has been influenced by the TFL scheme in launching a new integrated travel system, which has been dubbed Transport for Surrey, according to Transport Briefing.

It is hoped the new system will make public transport an easier option for residents and will persuade them to abandon driving cars into towns in favour of schemes such as the park and ride service.

Prodo will shout about your achievements, get your brand noticed and deliver your message to the right people through powerful Public Relations.

MySpace and MTV announce collaboration

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:27:58 BST

MTV and social networking site MySpace are to collaborate on a new chart programme.

Running on a weekly basis, the new programme will feature videos voted for by, not only viewers of the channel, but also users of a forthcoming MySpace website.

The new programme will be broadcast on MTV2 from March 16th and is entitled The MySpace Chart.

Philip O'Ferrall, vice president of digital media at MTV Networks in the UK and Ireland, said: "The audience for MTV2 and MySpace are incredibly similar."

Dom Cook, marketing director and head of music at MySpace in the UK, added: "The way that consumers are accessing music is changing and The MySpace Chart on MTV2 brings together two of the most important forces in this evolution."

First broadcast in 1981, MTV has a number of different sister channels, including VH1 and MTV2.

In contrast, MTV Networks Europe has a history going back to 1987.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Facebook 'most popular' social networking site

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:53:20 BST

Graduates and students in the UK still consider Facebook to be the most popular application for social networking over the internet.

Indeed, while data from Milkround.com shows Facebook, a site established in 2004, to be the leader of the most successful social networking sites, the organisation highlighted that users dislike all of the portals when it came to finding a job or making friends, reports Online Recruitment.

In the UK, the three most popular social networking sites are Facebook, Bebo and MySpace.

"Despite suffering its first drop in traffic following 17 months of successive increases since July 2006 in January, Facebook is still immensely popular among students and graduates," said Mike Barnard, a representative for Milkround.com.

"It's clearly ahead of its competitors."

The study of more than 500 individuals found that, while 97 per cent confirmed they made use of Facebook, the site received a rating of two out five for the ability to network for employment purposes.

Moreover, low scores for professional networking were also awarded to Bebo and MySpace.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

ABC figures 'paint pessimistic outlook'

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:53:05 BST

The Audit Bureau of Circulations released figures yesterday that show a downward trend for regional daily newspapers, the Guardian reports.

Traditional steady-sellers across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all recorded slumps in sales, none bigger than Northern Ireland's biggest selling daily the Belfast Telegraph, which dropped 13.9 per cent.

Cardiff's South Wales Echo also recorded a heavy drop of 10.2 per cent, while Glasgow's Evening Times also experienced a 6.2 per cent slide in circulation, according to the statistics quoted in the Guardian.

There was better news, however, for independent newspapers, with the Monday edition of the Derry News posting a 21.8 per cent increase, while the Shetland Times can now boast that over half of the island's 20,000 occupants buy their newspaper - 11,438 in all.

The article also states sales among all of Irelands 17 weekly newspapers have shown an increase.

The ABC shares its name with a number of other organisations in other parts of the world.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Mars to bring back 'classic slogan'

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:07:06 BST

The Mars confectionary company is to reintroduce its famous media strapline.

Following an absence of 13 years, the company is to reintroduce the famous line "work, rest and play" in new television advertising campaign for the Mars Bar.

Owned by the Mars family, the company is a worldwide producer of food produce, including food for pets and confectionary.

"We have decided to echo the iconic strapline because it is so fondly remembered and just as relevant now as it ever was," said Caroline Jary, brand manager for Mars Bar.

Launching on Sunday (March 2nd), the new advertisement will last a total of 30 seconds and will feature a collection of bell-ringing monks.

The soundtrack to the advertisement will be provided by hip-hop act House of Pain.

First produced in the UK in 1932, the Mars Bar was intended as sweeter version of an American chocolate bar, entitled Milky Way.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Facebook removes online advertisement

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:35:12 BST

Social networking site Facebook has removed an online film advertisement in response to concerns over violent content.

The advertisement for the film Untraceable featured a Facebook profile page entitled "Kill With Me", which gradually revealed to members of the social networking community a scene from the film depicting torture.

Content in relation to the film has also been removed from another community site, known as Seesmic.

"There's that interesting question of whether people are desensitised to things on screen. They will watch these things, but won't say they watched them," said Dan Light, head of interactive at Picture Product Company, the firm behind the Facebook promotional material.

"My view is that if you are entertaining or stimulating the user then you go some way towards earning the right for their attention."

Developed by Loic Le Meur, an entrepreneur from France, Seesmic is currently still in the early stages of development.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

CIM 'pinpoints' importance of environmental sustainability

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:34:08 BST

Environmental stability is an important issue for company brands, it has been claimed.

According to the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), while high-quality products are important for a business, the customer identification of a business' values is also important.

The CIM also believes it to be important for companies to develop an established online presence as a way of creating a strong brand.

"Marks & Spencer and BT are proving how important the concept of sustainability is to a brand - customers don't just want a good quality product, they want to know what the company's values are," said Ray Jones, a representative for the CIM, an international organisation specialising in business development and marketing.

In related news, analysis firm Superbrands has released data showing Google to be the UK's strongest brand, ahead of companies such as Microsoft and British Airways.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Consequences of rebranding highlighted by CIM

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:33:25 BST

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) has outlined the consequences of business rebranding.

According to Ray Jones, a representative from the CIM, while it is possible that a business undergoing the process of rebranding can weaken and alienate its base of customers, it is also a possibility that the actual brand could be weakened as a result.

Despite these potential pitfalls however, Mr Jones believes there are a also a number of potential benefits, including aiding entry into new markets.

He also highlighted that rebranding can also enable a business to recover after a difficult period.

"Re-branding can help you recover from a crisis, or simply create a fresh start," said Mr Jones.

"It's worth remembering though that re-branding isn't just about designing a new logo - it's a major strategic move."

Operating in a number of countries, the CIM specialises in both marketing and business development.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Secretive marketing tactics 'an enticing proposition'

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:52:04 BST

Adopting a secretive approach to the release of new products is an enticing strategy, it has been claimed.

Charles Arthur, in a report by the Guardian, has highlighted that Apple's strategy of withholding details of forthcoming products until the very last moment is more effective that the more open methods employed by other firms.

Indeed, Mr Arthur believes that such an approach disables the ability to evaluate a product on its merits - in relation to other products in the marketplace - and instead enable the consumer to focus more exclusively upon the brand.

In making these points, the report highlights corroborative research conducted at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

"Pre-release hype makes people much more careful about what they buy," said Mr Arthur.

"If you tell them that something is coming at some point in the future, they will evaluate everything that's out there very carefully."

Until January 2007, the company was known as Apple Computer.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

FT to launch social networking service

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:56:41 BST

Media and technology executives are being given the opportunity to network through a new service launched by the Financial Times (FT).

The social networking offering will enable members to "make and maintain contact with peers and luminaries" in their chosen sector, according to the FT.

It is also pitched as a way to remain in touch with "key issues" facing other members and the sector as a whole.

There are three executive membership forums that are expected to launch and joining one of these will give individuals access to an online networking feature to put them in touch with other members.

According to the FT, these members will include "leading industry figures".

Other membership benefits include a year-long premium FT.com subscription, access to podcasts and presentation as well as discounts on conferences.

Jayne van Hoen, FT global conference director, commented: "Busy executives in the media and technology industries are increasingly networking, communicating and connecting online."

She added that the launch provides a "highly-targeted network" that executive in the fast-moving sectors can use to "connect and share their knowledge".

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Google voted UK's 'leading brand'

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:56:23 BST

Internet giant Google has topped the list of top 500 business superbrands for 2008, followed by Microsoft and BP.

The annual list compiles the companies whose brands are known to have the "finest reputations" in their fields and is put together by a council of senior business leaders and an independent survey of 1,500 professionals.

Ten-year-old Google and online auctioning site eBay (in 43rd position) are the only brands in the top 50 to have emerged since 1990.

The average age of the other brands in the top 50 is 90 years, with the BBC - who topped last year's list - and British Airways remaining in the top ten.

Superbrands council chairman Stephen Cheliotis commented that British business opts for "what it knows and trusts".

In times of economic slowdown, this trend becomes increasingly important, he said.

"The next year will put even the strongest brands to the test as they defend their organisations from the challenges that await," Mr Cheliotis concluded.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Facebook sees 'first fall'

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:20:23 BST

Social networking site Facebook has experienced its first decline in UK user numbers, it has emerged.

According to data released by Nielsen Online, user levels for the social networking site declined by a total of five per cent between the final month of 2007 and January 2008.

Over the same period, social networking site MySpace also experienced a five per cent fall.

"One month of falling audiences doesn't spell the decline of Facebook or social networking," said Alex Burmaster, internet analyst for Europe at Nielsen Online.

"However, most of the leading social networks are less popular in the UK than they were a year ago. It was inevitable that early growth rates couldn't be sustained."

Despite the site's five per cent churn rate, last month Facebook enjoyed a user base of 8.5 million.

Established in 2004, Facebook is used in a number of different countries, although bans have been imposed by countries such as Syria and Burma

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

US news stories 'increase traffic'

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:57:20 BST

US-based news stories increased the amount of traffic received by UK-based online news providers during January, it has been confirmed.

According to reports by the Guardian, recently released data from the Audit Bureau of Circulations Electronic shows that traffic has been enhanced by a number of different news stories, including those relating to Britney Spears, the death of Heath Ledger and the US presidential primaries.

Indeed, compared with the visitor figures for January 2007, traffic for the online version of the Guardian newspaper increased by 25.5 per cent.

At telegraph.co.uk, viewing figures over the same period increased by 65 per cent.

"It is great that we have a number of UK media properties doing well online because it helps the editorial advertising market," said Emily Bell, director of digital content for Guardian News and Media.

In related news, the Guardian recently reported a strong slump in sales of the magazine New Statesmen.

Data from the Audit Bureau of Circulations noted that, over final two quarters of 2007, year-on-year sales dropped by 12.7 per cent.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Facebook enables user-data deletion

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:37:25 BST

Users of the social networking site Facebook can now permanently delete their user-data, it has emerged.

Introduced recently, the new option on the popular social networking website allows users to remove all of their personal information, in addition to the deactivation of user accounts.

Erasure is achieved through the completion of a form - accessible through the sites help page.

"I think it's only right and appropriate that Facebook lets its users delete their accounts without having to go through all the trouble that we had to go through before," said Jimmy Chung, in a report by Washington Square News.

"It's a cheap money-making tactic to make it almost impossible for its users to leave."

Mr Chung is a member of the Facebook group entitled How to permanently delete your Facebook account.

Previously, Facebook users were forced to follow a more laborious process, which included manual deletions and emailing the social networking site directly.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

BBC iPlayer viewing figures confirmed

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:35:01 BST

The BBC has released details of the number of programmes streamed or downloaded using its iPlayer.

According to data provided by the broadcaster, since the formal launch of the iPlayer on December 25th 2007, BBC programmes have been either streamed or downloaded on more than 17 million separate occasions.

The service, originally made available only to users of Windows XP, is now available to users of some other operating systems.

"We have seen good and consistent growth in the daily consumption of programming and it doesn't look to be in any way plateauing," said Ashley Highfield, director of future media and technology at the BBC, in a report by the Guardian.

"The real question is whether it is substitutional [viewing] or additive. We don't know but there is a reasonable amount of anecdotal evidence that it is additive."

As part of the release of the iPlayer, the BBC embarked upon an extensive advertising campaign.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Google announces UK advertising revenues

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:53:37 BST

Google has confirmed its UK advertising revenues for 2007.

While not yet the UK's largest accumulator of advertising revenue, Google has nevertheless confirmed total UK revenues for last year of £1.3 billion.

In contrast, for the first three quarters of 2007, ITV1 reported advertising revenues of £905 million, reports the Guardian.

Google's product portfolio is diverse and includes utilities such as Google Earth and Picasa 2.

"Thousands of advertisers use our Google AdWords programme to promote their products and services on the web with targeted advertising, and we believe AdWords is the largest programme of its kind," said Google, a company established in 1998.

However, last year's growth is lower than that achieved in 2006, when the company achieved year-on-year growth levels of 80 per cent.

Google's UK market represents 15 per cent of the firm's global income.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Offline marketing focus 'can reduce environmental impact'

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:52:45 BST

Businesses can reduce their overall offline marketing carbon footprint by being focused, it has been claimed.

Ray Jones, a representative from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), has confirmed that, in addition to benefiting the environment, when showing a degree of focus - and knowing who to target in a campaign - when marketing offline, a business can also generate financial savings.

"I think the days of when you just put leaflets through one's door willy nilly still happens, but now we are getting much better," said Mr Jones.

"Being focused you do save money, you do save carbon footprints - you're not sending out five million letters [when there only] needs to be 100,000."

Indeed, according to data released by the Direct Mail Information Service, every four weeks British consumers receive an average of 13.2 items of direct marketing.

CIM is an international organisation specialising in business development and marketing.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Media firms sign up to new code of conduct

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:41:48 BST

A number of providers of online content have agreed to a new code of conduct, it has emerged.

Backed by Ofcom, the new code of conduct has been developed by the Broadband Stakeholder Group, in partnership with the media industry and has been created as a way of providing parents with information on the appropriateness of content for child audiences.

The new code of conduct will apply to media streamed over the internet and to mobile handsets.

"In a world where consumers access content from an increasingly wide range of sources, the importance of enabling users to use media effectively and safely by exercising informed choices is growing," stipulate the guidelines, in a report by the Guardian.

Among the companies who have agreed to the new code of conduct include the BBC, Channel 4, Google and Yahoo.

The new guidance, entitled Good Practice Principles on Audiovisual Content Information, will not cover content created by users and posted online.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Gucci advertisement 'features smile'

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:35:10 BST

Hadley Freeman of the Guardian has noted a shift in the tone of the latest advertisement from Gucci.

According to Mr Freeman, in contrast with the more sombre expressions of most fashion models when placed in advertisements, the latest campaign from Gucci features a model, wearing not only a beautiful dress, but also a smile.

Established by Guccio Gucci in 1921, the House of Gucci is now owned by Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, a French firm specialising in luxurious brands and retailers.

"The facial expressions sported by models in a fashion advert tend to run the emotional gamut from 'stoned' to 'a bit cross'," said Mr Freeman.

"Which is strange, I've always thought. Considering the whole point is to try to convince a customer to spend a grand on a bag."

The Gucci name appears on a number of different products, including wallets, hats and belts.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Venus 'denied exposure' on London Underground

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:03:44 BST

Pictures of Venus have been banned from London's underground, it has emerged.

According to reports, posters featuring the iconic figure were due to be shown in the underground, as part of a campaign by the Royal Academy to promote a show on Lucas Cranach the Elder, a German artist alive between 1472 and 1553.

Under the guidelines laid out by CBS Outdoor, the firm responsible for the scrutiny of the underground's advertisements, the sexual representation of men, women and children - including semi-nudes and nudes when the sexual context is overt - is not permitted.

The decision to withdraw the poster was made by London Underground.

"Millions of people travel on the London Underground each day and they have no choice but to view whatever adverts are posted there. We have to take account of the full range of travellers and endeavour not to cause offence in the advertising we display," said a representative for London Underground, in a report by the Guardian.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

TV advertising views 'on the increase'

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:29:03 BST

UK television viewers watched a total of 2.25 billion TV ads every day during 2007, according to the latest statistics.

According to the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (Barb) research, the number of adverts viewed by the 16 to 24-year-old age group rose by 1.5 per cent, to 31 adverts per person.

"A lot of media commentators have been saying that TV is down the pan but that is just not true. The so-called 'connected generation' are watching TV," said Mike Parker, the head of strategic sales and commercial marketing at Channel 4, according to the Guardian.

The ABC1 demographic also viewed more adverts per day than during 2006, with a 3.6 per cent rise to 32 adverts per day, while the overall figure of 2.25 billion is a 3.9 per cent rise on 2006.

According to Barb, in the week ending January 13th, the average viewer spent more than 28 hours watching television.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

PR 'more important' when economy struggles

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:56:42 BST

Public relations (PR) is more important than ever when the economy is facing difficulties, according to a letter to the Financial Times.

In the missive, Lord Chadlington of Dean claims that "when the economy slides, transparency is increasingly demanded, making PR even more important than it is in good times".

Replying to statements made about marketing cuts following the fourth quarter Bellwether Report, Lord Chadlington, who has 40 years experience in the PR industry, suggested that consumer PR expenditure is underpinned in times of economic downturn, as clients turn to it to compensate for reduced advertising spend.

When the economy is experiencing a slide, he states that financial PR is used to help explain performance to shareholders or job cuts, while corporate PR is used to boost corporate brands. Digital marketing, the PR expert suggests, has changed the sector, with new opportunities provided by social networks, email marketing and blogs.

Lord Chadlington of Dean (Peter Gummer) is the chief executive of international public relations group Huntsworth and a Cambridge graduate with extensive PR experience.

The CIPR estimates that the UK PR market is second in scale only to that of the US, with turnover of more than £6.5 billion a year and employing around 48,000 people.

Prodo will shout about your achievements, get your brand noticed and deliver your message to the right people through powerful Public Relations.

Government launches new advertising campaign

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:14:58 BST

The UK government has launched a new spoof advertising campaign, it has emerged.

Featuring a David Attenborough-style voiceover, the new advertising campaign has been designed to promote substance awareness and features a faux wildlife documentary of a house party.

The advertisement has been designed to target those between the ages of 11 and 18 and will be distributed via the internet, reports the Guardian.

"Here in the suburbs we observe the human habitat after sunset," states the advertisement's voiceover.

"Even though dark, there is a surprising amount of activity ... the conditions suggest a social gathering or breeding colony."

Launched as part of the government's Frank campaign, the advertisement will appear on a number of websites, including Faceparty, Bebo and MySpace.

The Frank campaign also features a website, offering assistance and advice that includes an A to Z of drugs and information for those who are concerned about someone else.

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Media survey shows lifestyle 'soundtrack'

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:21:56 BST

The results of a new survey have found that children are living their lives to the background noise of television.

According to the results of a study by research specialist Childwise, out of every five children, four have a television within their bedroom.

The research studied those between the ages of five and 16.

"A lot of television viewing has lost the 'pay it attention' feel it used to have," said Rosemary Duff, research director for Childwise.

"It used to be less ubiquitous but much higher in its importance whereas now it is widespread but just part of the background, not just at home but wherever you go."

Indeed, the survey found a tendency for children to make use of a television set, not only before school, but also during their evening meal and when they have retired to bed.

Childwise specialises in children-related research in a number of areas, included those connected with food, drink and sport.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

BHF takes advertising online

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:21:48 BST

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has switched to online advertising in an effort to target a hard-to-reach demographic, it has emerged.

According to reports, the organisation has launched a series of online video advertisements, aimed at children between the ages of 11 and 13.

It is believed the new advertisements have taken their inspiration from the likes of Brainiac and Banzai.

"With junk food advertisers increasingly using their websites and advergames to target kids in their playtime, it's important that we can provide some basic balance in this arena," said Betty McBride, director of policy and communications for the BHF, in a report by the Guardian.

The advertisements have been created in a format designed to show children consuming junk food. Children are also introduced to products containing a number of ingredients and shown the effects they can have on the body.

Among the ingredients shown are sugar and salt.

The term junk food is believed to have been introduced in 1972 by Michael Jacobson, director for the Centre for Science in the Public Interest

Prodo can advise you on the best ways to drive carefully targeted customers to your website, making the most of your Internet Marketing.

Eradication of advertisements planned for French state TV

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:48:34 BST

France's state-run television could be free of advertisements before the end of the decade, it has emerged.

According to comments made by François Fillon, France's prime minister, legislation to ban advertisements is already being prepared and could become law as early as January 1st 2009.

Mr Fillon made his comments yesterday (January 13th) on French radio station RTL.

"In 2008 there will be a new audiovisual law which will allow to put in place this framework. ... I think we have to aim to achieve this by January 1st 2009," said Mr Fillon, in a report by Reuters.

The channels which will be affected by the new law are France 2, France 3, France 4 and France 5.

It is believed that the implementation of the ban will result in an annual revenue loss of approximately £600 million, reports the Guardian.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

UK firms reduce advertising budgets

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:47:45 BST

Many Britain-based businesses reduced their marketing budget levels during the final three months of 2007, it has emerged.

According to the results of data released for the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), during the final quarter of 2007, advertising budgets of UK firms were slashed at a rate not seen for almost 24 months.

The IPA was established in 1917 and its work draws in a number of different sectors, including the creative and digital industries and the media.

"The … survey reveals a marked deterioration in business conditions in the fourth quarter of last year, which companies responded to by trimming their marketing budgets, causing 2007 to finish on the weakest note for two years," said Chris Williamson, the author of the report to Reuters.

Dubbed the Bellwether report, the IPAs findings are the result of a survey of 250 individuals in marketing.

Prodo is an Advertising and Marketing Agency based in Cheshire, UK. We ensure your advertising delivers the results you want!

Social networking sites are 'new cultural hub'

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:47:59 BST

Social networking sites such as Bebo and Facebook have evolved into the centre of the UK's social sub-culture, it has been claimed.

A survey conducted by Future Laboratory and commissioned by social networking site MySpace has uncovered a number of findings that it believes have been previously ignored by what it describes as the "mainstream".

The study has been entitled MySpace 08: People. Content. Culture.

"It is a mass experiment in collaborative creativity and cross-cultural pleasure and enjoyment, where the end goal is a currency of a different … sort," said the report.

"Social networking is entirely about playing, experimenting and redefining our understanding of creativity," it added.

Among the findings of the report are that social networking sites are being used for activities such as disseminating ideas and project collaboration.

Future Laboratory specialises in a number of activities, including the forecasting of trends.

Weak outlook anticipated for SMEs

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:39:44 BST

The prospects for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be gloomier in 2008, it has been predicted.

According to comments made by Richard Dodd, the head of media and campaigns at the British Retail Consortium, while it is certainly the case that all retailers are expecting a difficult six months in 2008, the prospects for SMEs will be more fragile.

"Conditions will be tougher, certainly in the next six months, than they were last year because customers' personal finances are under severe pressure," said Mr Dodd.

"We are still feeling the effects of the interest rate increases. Obviously we had a cut in December … but it remains to see whether we will get one [in January]."

However, although Mr Dodd confirmed his belief that SMEs are less able to benefit from economies of scale, he offered hope by highlighting that smaller businesses can enhance their prospects through the targeting of niche markets, in addition to offering clients additional services.

New predictions for online advertising in 2009

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:49:21 BST

New predictions have been announced over the future performance of e-marketing, it has emerged.

According to reports by the Guardian, e-marketing in the UK will next year surpass the spending levels of television marketing.

These findings are the result of a study conducted by media-buying agency Group M, an organisation with offices in a total of 81 different countries.

"[Britain] is a special case. Its TV share [of all media spend] is depressed by the BBC and there is still a large and healthy print sector and Britons are among the world's heaviest internet users," said Adam Smith, futures director for Group M.

"Most of the growth is coming from search advertising," he added.

Simon Hetherington, internet marketing director at Chester-based agency Prodo, said: "Search advertising includes banners, affiliate marketing, pay per click and search engines optimisation, which, unlike traditional non-interactive television advertising, delivers quantifiable returns on investment, a benefit that has led to its meteoric rise in popularity. However, the obvious benefits over traditional media channels is tempered by the bewildering array of options available, which has led many small businesses to waste a great deal of money online."

"At Prodo one of our key roles is to ensure that marketing budgets are spent as effectively as possible using the right channels, at the right time, to achieve the best possible return," he added.

ZestADZ to sell advertisements on Facebook Mobile

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:57:29 BST

Mobile advertising space platform ZestADZ is to sell advertisements on Facebook's mobile platform, it has emerged.

According to reports by BusinessWire India, the move by ZestADZ will allow developers of Facebook mobile applications to integrate advertisements into their products.

"Mobile social marketing is extremely important space for us to be in and we're getting started with facebook, which is very popular in India", said Asif Ali, chief technology officer for mobile-worx, a Los Angeles and Chennai-based firm specialising in mobile software.

"We hope that this launch [will] enable both advertisers and publishers to capitalise on the phenomenal growth of mobile internet in India," he added.

Facebook's move to a mobile platform in order to exploit the potential for advertising revenue is further evidence that the web is no more limited to PC's and laptops, according to north-west based agency Prodo.

Simon Hetherington, internet marketing director Prodo, added: "At Prodo, we spend a large proportion of our time analysing trends in internet marketing in order to ensure our clients stay ahead of the curve. However, marketing on mobile websites is still in its infancy and for many companies getting found on Google under their chosen key phrases would be a step in the right direction. That's why we create strategies that ensure marketing budgets create the maximum exposure per pound of spend."

Ad-free site offers 'challenge' to Facebook

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:04:50 BST

Social networking site Facebook is to face a fresh challenge from a new ad-free social networking site, it has been claimed.

According to reports, the new site - dubbed Badoo - offers users social networking functionality for a fee.

Payment is made by users wanting to place their profile at the beginning of a moving list.

Other social networking sites, such as Facebook, finance their operations through online advertising.

"We wanted to be advertising free in order to have a 'clean' site so our users weren't subject to adverts which we know can be a turn-off," said Neil Bryant, managing director of Badoo, in a report by the Guardian.

"With Badoo, users don't have to add friends - they have immediate access to get their profile in front of the site's entire online community," he added.

Badoo is available in a number of different languages, including Italian, Spanish and German.

Direct marketing needs 'complimentary approach'

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:50:42 BST

The Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) has confirmed that small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should adopt a complementary approach to direct marketing using the internet and post.

According to comments made by James A Matthewson, a representative for the IDM, an organisation established in 1987, in addition to adopting the complimentary principal when making use of postal and internet direct marketing techniques, SMEs may wish to consider making use of other marketing techniques.

Indeed, Mr Matthewson advised that factors will ensure that the use of the internet as a marketing tool will continue to develop over the course of next year.

"My view is that channels should be used in a complementary way. Email and direct mail have been proven by the likes of Boden to be very effective when used together," said Mr Matthewson.

"Integration of marketing is key - testing channels to identify what they do best is a smart way to approach it," he added.

Pippa Adams, managing director of Chester-based marketing firm Prodo, further added: "Consumers are now much more switched on when it comes to traditional direct marketing techniques and it is more important than ever that we combine learning from paper-based direct mail into email marketing."

"Jacob Neilson, rated e-newsletters as probably the single-highest return on investment action you could take to improve your website presence and if done well, using opted-in data email marketing, will certainly become the predominant form of marketing over the coming few years," she added.

Christmas TV advertising experiences 'surge'

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:02:45 BST

Television marketing campaigns for Christmas have risen significantly over the course of 2007, it has been claimed.

According to reports by the Guardian, this year's festive television marketing spending has risen by more than £10 million.

"What retailers have been looking for with short-term spend is shows with big ratings - for us that means Coronation Street, The X Factor and Emmerdale, for example, so that they can reach a big audience quickly," said Gary Digby, the managing director of sales at ITV.

Indeed, reports suggest that nervous retailers concerned about a downturn in sales have spurred the growth over the Christmas period.

The Guardian also noted that advertising revenues at GMTV over the month of December will increase by 3.7 per cent.

GMTV was launched in 1993 as a replacement to TV-am.

CIPR developing environmental guidelines for PR firms

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:20:00 BST

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is developing environmental guidelines for PR firms, it has been announced.

A consultation on the Environmental Sustainability Communications Best Practice Guidelines is currently underway and is expected to end in February.

The CIPR stated it has as a professional responsibility to provide best practice advice in the area of 'green' business reporting.

Director general of the organisation Colin Farrington said that organisations in all industries, including the PR industry, are coming under pressure to report on their environmental impact.

"This has led to an explosion in green claims, some of which are misleading," he commented, before adding that credibility depends on accurate information.

Once completed, the guidelines will be available to download on the CIPR website.

In August, the Guardian reported that Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's are all searching for new directors of corporate social responsibility to boost their 'green' image.

Emma Bithell. PR Director of Chester based Prodo comments: "2007 has seen a definite surge in interest across the UK on green issues. With this increased awareness organisations are now under more pressure than ever before to be eco-conscious, and PR firms are no exception. Corporate social responsibility needs to be at the front of any organisation's agenda - no matter the size. We for one are delighted that the CIPR are offering structured guidelines for PR firms."