During the last week, there were news stories that reflected brand announcements, brand identity, product packaging, personal branding, strategic partnerships, and more.
SHUTTERFLY AND GETTY IMAGES
What could have been called a surprise by all marketers, two large photography companies made news. According to AP, "Getty Images is buying Shutterstock to create a $3.7 billion visual content company. The merger comes at a time when companies that use still images are facing increased competition from images generated by artificial intelligence. Getty Images CEO Craig Peters will serve as CEO of the combined business...Getty Images shareholders will own about 54.7 percent of the combined company, and Shutterstock stockholders will own approximately 45.3 percent. The combined company will operate as Getty Images, and will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the 'GETY' ticker symbol." Time will tell as to how this impacts the marketing world and if this merger was a smart move.
MATTEL RECOGNITION
The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) based in Washington, D.C., announced that Mattel will be honored with the inaugural Evelyn Y. Davis Corporate Changemaker Award at NWHM's Women Making History Awards Gala on March 20th. Mattel was chosen for this award to recognize the societal impact of its brands like Barbie on generations and its purpose to empower ALL to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
According to NWHM Board Chair Susan Whiting, "Mattel is a trailblazer in challenging stereotypes and advancing gender equity through the power of play and storytelling - and has shown an unwavering commitment to empowering girls to see themselves as limitless, capable, and powerful."
According to Toy World Magazine, "Evelyn Y. Davis, the namesake of the Corporate Changemaker Award, and Ruth Handler, Mattel's co-founder, first corporate president, and Barbie's creator, both shared a vision of challenging how women are perceived in society. Evelyn was an advocate for transparency, accountability, and gender equity in the corporate world, while Ruth revolutionized the toy industry by creating toys that challenged traditional gender roles and empowered girls to dream big.
The Women Making History Awards Gala will celebrate extraordinary trailblazing women, such as those previously honored like Rita Moreno, Maya Angelou, and Katherine Johnson — all of whom have also been celebrated by Barbie with dolls made in their likeness — who have made profound contributions and inspire the next generation of leaders, change agents and history makers. By honoring companies like Mattel, NWHM hopes to encourage more brands to take meaningful action to advance gender equity and representation, creating a lasting impact for future generations."
POLITICAL CHANGE IN CANADA
According to Audacy, "In a political development that sent shockwaves across Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially announced his resignation on January 6th. After nearly a decade of leading the nation, Trudeau's decision marks the end of an era defined by bold policy initiatives, global influence, and moments of profound national debate. He did not elaborate on specific reasons behind his departure but cited a desire to allow new leadership to guide Canada into the future. During his time in office, Trudeau championed issues such as climate action, Indigenous reconciliation, and gender equality. However, his leadership also faced scrutiny, including controversies over ethics violations and criticism of his handling of economic challenges. His resignation has left Canada's political landscape in flux. Trudeau confirmed he would stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen, ensuring a smooth transition. As Canada braces for this dramatic shift, questions abound about the direction the nation will take. Will the next leader continue Trudeau's progressive policies, or will Canada see a pivot in its political priorities (like its neighbor to the south)?"
GULF OF AMERICA?
According to Politico, "Donald Trump said he will change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, because he said the new name has a beautiful ring. That covers a lot of territory. What a beautiful name. And it's appropriate."
This comment marked Trump's latest pledge (aka, crazy statement) to expand the United States' reach throughout the world, following statements about annexing Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal.
GREENLAND'S FUTURE
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen shared a message for Donald Trump that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Greenland is not for sale." To clarify further, the frigid island has been a territory of Denmark for hundreds of years, gaining rights to home rule in the 20th century. According to the Huffington Post, "Frederiksen noted that while selling off the territory may be a non-starter, U.S. investment in Greenland is more than welcome."
CANADA'S FUTURE
According to The Hill, "Some have shrugged off Trump's suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state as an old joke or mere posturing, while others dismiss it as a bad political idea, given Canada's blue leanings. But Trump has threatened economic force to annex the U.S.'s neighbor to the north. Together with talks of buying Greenland and controlling the Panama Canal, the comments suggest he's aiming to expand U.S. power after he takes office later this month. The concept, though, continues to be largely unpopular among Canadians. And with Trudeau exiting the political stage, it's unclear what impact Trump's remarks will have on the U.S.-Canada relationship under new leaders."
JENNA BUSH HAGER BECOMES A PUBLISHER
Jenna Bush Hager (one of President George W. Bush's twin daughters), who became a literary influencer when she launched a book club on the "Today" show nearly six years ago, announced that she plans to do more than just recommend books: She's now going to publish them. According to The New York Times, "Hager announced she is starting her own publishing venture with the Random House Publishing Group, called Thousand Voices x RHPG. Through the partnership, Hager will publish four to six books a year at various imprints within Random House, which is a part of Penguin Random House. She's looking to acquire books across a range of genres, including memoir, literary fiction, romance, and historical fiction...The imprint is a separate project from "Read with Jenna," and Hager won't select books for her club that she published. Her goal is to develop writers and support them." How will this venture impact Jenna's personal brand as well as her "Read with Jenna" brand? Time will tell.
META FACT-CHECKERS
Facebook, Instagram, and Threads plan to replace their (politically biased) fact-checkers with community notes, a move that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained would allow the social networks to return "to our roots around free expression. We're replacing fact-checkers with Community Notes, simplifying our policies and focusing on reducing mistakes."
WOMEN OVER 50 AT GOLDEN GLOBES
According to Harpers Bazaar, "There was a time, not so long ago, when women aged between 40 and 60 all but disappeared in Hollywood. Bar a handful of exceptions – Meryl Streep and Judi Dench spring to mind – actresses who had laughter lines and grey hairs were at least temporarily aged out of the profession, sent back to the subs bench until they could come back and play an elder stateswoman or perhaps a grandmother. So how refreshing it was to see that women in midlife were being celebrated for their talent, style, and general fabulousness at the Golden Globes...Then there was the plethora of impeccably turned-out midlife women on the red carpet: Jennifer Coolidge (63), Salma Hayek (58), Angelina Jolie (49), Nicole Kidman (57), and Isabella Rosselini (71)...Take note, Hollywood: may this era of accepting the aging of women continue.
This year, many of the best actress gongs went to women over the age of 40, including Ali Wong (42), Fernanda Torres (59), Jodie Foster (62), Jean Smart (73), and Zoe Saldaña (46)...One of the most talked-about wins of the night was 62-year-old Demi Moore's. She took home best actress in a musical or comedy for last summer's epic body horror, The Substance. Collecting her award, she recalled being dubbed a "popcorn actress" by a producer three decades ago – classed as someone who, as she put it, could be in successful films that made a lot of money, but who would never have her talent critically acknowledged. Having worked in the industry for 45 years, the Golden Globe award was her first ever."
MCDONALD'S STRAWS
According to Audacy, "McDonald's move to switch to sustainable straws is stirring up frustration among customers who claim the new straws are altering the taste of their favorite beverages. At restaurants nationwide, the fast-food giant has phased out its classic white straw with a red and yellow stripe and replaced it with a clear alternative. Some customers say that the straws have a noticeable, unpleasant taste that ruins their drinks." And when drinking McDonald's famous shakes, the new straws crack, bend, break, and become unusable. Sounds like poor packaging.
HILLARY CLINTON RECEIVES HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR
According to Politico, "On January 4th, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 recipients — his last opportunity to give out the nation's highest civilian honor ahead of his upcoming exit from the White House. At the ceremony, he told the recipients, "You're leaving an incredible mark on our country with insight and influence that can be felt around the globe." Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received the honor.
According to Columbia University's Spectator, "In a citation read aloud prior to the presentation of her medal, a military aide described Clinton as someone who is guided by the Methodist creed 'Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can' and whose career has been dedicated to an eternal truth: America's ideals are sacred and we must always defend and live by them. Clinton served as a lawyer, first lady from 1993 to 2001, a New York senator from 2001 to 2009, and Secretary of State under President Barack Obama. She received the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2016, becoming the first woman to be nominated for President by a major political party. Clinton joined the Columbia University faculty in February 2023 and has taught the course 'Inside the Situation Room' since fall 2023."
KRISPY KREME AND POP-TARTS DOUGHNUTS
In what Krispy Kreme described as "Two Classic Treats, One Sweet Collaboration," in the brand's first collaboration of the new year, Krispy Kreme partnered with Pop-Tarts for the first time ever, unveiling an all-new Crazy Good Doughnut Collection. Beginning on January 6th for a limited time, fans can enjoy three classic Pop-Tarts flavors:
(1) Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry Doughnut: Unglazed shell doughnut filled with strawberry filling, dipped in shortbread icing, topped with shortbread pieces, sugar sprinkles, strawberry filling drizzle, and Strawberry Pop-Tarts Bites.
(2) Pop-Tarts Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Doughnut: Original Glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate icing topped with brownie batter flavored buttercreme, crushed Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Pop-Tarts Bites, and white nonpareils.
(3) Pop-Tarts Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Doughnut: Cinnamon sugar doughnut topped with brown sugar cinnamon cream cheese flavored buttercreme and Frosted Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts Bites.
UNITED AIRLINES AND WIFI
According to Audacy, "United Airlines has announced accelerated plans to roll out Elon Musk's Starlink satellite WiFi service on its flights, with initial testing set to begin in February. In a move to enhance in-flight connectivity, the airline aims to equip its entire fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025, allowing travelers to enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency Internet service in the air that they do on the ground."
FUBO JOINS DISNEY FAMILY
According to Fubo, "FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced on January 6th that they entered into a definitive agreement for Disney to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, forming a combined virtual MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) company. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV each provide customers the ability to stream a broad array of live broadcast and cable networks on their connected TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and other Internet-connected devices. Combining the businesses of Fubo and Hulu + Live TV — which together have over 6.2 million subscribers in North America — will facilitate an enhanced choice of programming packages and address a variety of consumer preferences at attractive price points. Disney will also enter into a new carriage agreement with Fubo that will allow Fubo to create a new Sports & Broadcast service, featuring Disney's premier sports and broadcast networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, as well as ESPN+. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers as separate offerings post-closing."
FUNERAL FOR JIMMY CARTER
The funeral for the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, took place on January 9th. As President Joe Biden said in his eulogy, "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter showed us what it means to be a practitioner of good works, a good and faithful servant of God and of the people. Today, many think he was from a bygone era. But in reality, he saw well into the future. A white Southern Baptist who led civil rights. A decorated Navy veteran who brokered peace. A brilliant nuclear engineer who led nuclear proliferation. A hard-working farmer who championed conservation and clean energy. The president who redefined a relationship with the vice president. And as you know, Jimmy Carter also established a model of post-presidency by making a powerful difference as a private citizen in America, and I might add, as you all know, around the world. Through it all, (he showed us how) to make every minute of our time here on Earth count...To young people, to anyone, in search of meaning and purpose, study the power of Jimmy Carter's example."
SUPER BOWL 59
The biggest football game of the year takes place less than a month from now - on February 9th! Which brand's ads are you looking forward to watching?
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: Hillary Clinton via Instagram and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
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