Day: May 13, 2003

I came across an interesting press release on a (non-scientific) survey of 120 Financial journalists that investigated how they are using the Internet. (92% visit web sites, only 37% visit press rooms).

I thought they might have more information on their web site, so I went up to Thompson Becker International [FLASH Warning]. Not only is there no more information on the survey, not only are they using a horrendous Flash intro – and Flash for navigation, but there is no mention of the survey on their web site…. This is not good communications practice. If you’re putting out a press release make sure you have it on your web site with any additional information. This is not advanced PR advice here.

I am delighted to add Thompson Becker to the growing Flash Hall of Shame.  Today, I am also adding Cordiant, Incepta and In Context. 

Just in case you thought things were getting back to normal, recent results from some of the major advertising-PR conglomerates make for difficult reading. 

Of course these results could be indicative of a fundamental flaw in the belief that bigger is better – particularly in the PR agency business – but all the same it’s a lot of practitioners who have lost their jobs.We’re not out of the woods yet.

Interpublic have made over 1,400 people redundant and today Larry Weber has stepped down not to mention their recent loss for Q1.

Incepta [FLASH Warning] has made a loss of �30 million.

Cordiant [FLASH Warning] has troubles of it’s own with debts of �250 million.  As reported yesterday, it looks certain that Financial Dynamics will buy it’s way out of the group and the UK Guardian has an interesting timeline on Cordiant’s downward spiral.

FYI…Meanwhile here’s an interesting piece from last year in the UK’s Daily Telegraph on the PR industry’s difficulties.