To the point: Caution black ice

Advertising should be funny and clever, but it also has to stand out. As a result, advertisers and agencies have always tried to blur the lines between editorial content and advertising. They believe that this can increase either credibility or attention—or, ideally, both. Depending on how subtle the approach is, this strategy can be promising. But if it’s too obvious, consumers will see right through it.

A code of conduct for journalists and the media was introduced a few years ago to prevent certain of these practices. The purpose of this was to ensure that it is always clear to media consumers which content is the responsibility of editors and which is commercially influenced, i.e. paid for by third parties. Since the introduction of the Code of Conduct, you can therefore read at the end of a car test (or at least you should!) that the new Supersport XL was driven during a press trip in Andalusia. Or that the stay in a 6-star hotel in Dubai was made possible by the travel agency Travel. An advertisement on an editorial page should be labeled "advertisement" and publicity reports must be declared as such. That's a good thing.

But it's not that simple. Migros has now come up with a funny and cheeky idea. "Anita Weyermann triplets!" This was the headline on the front page of Blick last Saturday. The Blick journos illustrated the lead story about the former top runner with a smiling Weyermann - and a Migros receipt. It reads: "3× wooden rattle, 3× xylophone, 1× earplugs". An allusion to the Weyermann headline. Then on Monday, the cover of Schweizer Illustrierte with Franco Knie: "Farewell to the circus". And another Migros receipt: "Farewell card, envelope, bouquet of flowers, handkerchief". Once again, an allusion to the Franco Knie headline. In both cases there was nothing about "advertisement", but the sender Migros was clearly recognizable and in my opinion the labeling was therefore not a problem. Or was it?

I spoke to a few people about it. Some found the idea charming and funny (not just advertisers and ad salespeople), some didn't understand what the receipt was all about (okay, there are idiots everywhere) and some (not just journalists) found it an unacceptable mix of editorial and advertising. I myself find the story funny, but at the same time dangerous, because it sends the wrong message and new desires are awakened. The idea works for Blick and SI and doesn't bother them, but it doesn't work for all media. And: not all brands have the likeability bonus of Migros and unfortunately not every advertisement is funny.

Pierre C. Meier, Editor-in-Chief [email protected]
 

ADB appoints Peter Balchin as new CEO

Advanced Digital Broadcast (ADB), a provider of digital TV receivers, has a new CEO. Effective July 1, Peter Balchin will take over the day-to-day operations of the company.

His predecessor Andrew Rybicki will then focus on his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors, as ADB announced on Thursday. Balchin has management experience and industry knowledge and has worked for companies such as Altech, Pace, Novatel and Nortel Networks, according to a statement. (SDA)
 

Last but not least: Disposing of parents made easy

Last week, a teenager named Tom gave his annoying father away as a gift. *Blick* reported on it. Now you can find out what happened to him.

And that's in the video here:

About the father to be given away View reported last week. Since today, Wednesday, there is now a parent flap at Stadelhoferplatz in Zurich, for the disposal of annoying parents. This is part of the guerrilla, print and online measures that TBWA has come up with for Pro Juventute's national awareness campaign on the subject of puberty. The campaign aims to de-taboo the challenge for parents of teenagers, so that parents dare to seek help and know where to get it. Because often teens would just want to dispose of their parents during this time. To prevent parents from unintentionally ending up in the parenting rut, they can seek advice from the Parents Club Switzerland. Video clips, advertisements, Facebook and the online platform inform parents about the support services. In addition, they receive telephone advice around the clock throughout Switzerland.

And if you get really close to the parent flap, you can hear it: the quiet sobs and whimpers of the parents who have already been disposed of. (uma)

zgl1_3

Responsible at Eltern Club Schweiz of Pro Juventute: Marianne Affolter. Responsible at TBWA\Zurich: Frederick Rossmann, Natasa Maricic, Danielle Bürli, Barney Rees (creation), Matthias Kies, Marion Schlatter (consulting), Simon Rehsche (strategy), Dennis Ledergerber (film), Christina Bürgin (art buying), Kilian Kessler (photography).

 

Comet launches smart picture show for Christ

Komet has conceived and implemented the first commercial for Christ. Until now, the jewelry chain has focused its advertising on print.

The 15-second spot presents itself as an animated version of the "Specials" flyer series created last year, which regularly presents new trends and highlights from Christ: "A rhythmic, fast-paced product show that puts you in a good mood," says the agency about the spot.

The commercial will be aired on May 23 and 24 on various channels and advertising windows in German-speaking Switzerland and can be here can be viewed.

Responsible at Christ Watches & Jewelry: Nicole Droesch (Head of Marketing/Communications), Stefanie Huber (Communications Planner). Responsible at Komet: Thom Pfister (CD), Roland Zenger (AD), Natalia Funariu (graphics), Martina Glaus, Tamara Nöthiger (DTP), Antonia Bekiaris, Elena Posch (text), Simon Schatzmann (head of consulting), Bettina Ammann, Miranda Bieri (consulting).Responsible at Cloudscape: Daniel Müri, Roger Tanner (Animation & Composing). Product Photography: Carmelo Agovino. Image processing: Straumann, Denz Digital.

Leo Burnett Switzerland: New built for HGC

Leo Burnett Switzerland has developed another ad concept for the ongoing campaign of Swiss building materials retailer HGC. This time, it focuses on drywall construction.

The subjects are intended to show that dry construction has a decisive advantage over conventional construction: "You can build much faster with it". Leo Burnett Switzerland has put this advantage in the limelight in a striking way.

In addition, HGC shows on the radio that its wall and floor coverings made of materials such as parquet, ceramics and natural stone give rooms a soul and make people feel especially comfortable, the agency says. "So comfortable, in fact, that even the most amazing contest prizes that can be won on the radio don't faze them."

hct1

Responsible at HG Commerciale: Elisabeth Arm (Head of Marketing), Daniel Zehnder (Head of Marketing Communications), Karin Ruetz (Marketing Planner). Responsible at Leo Burnett Switzerland: Sebastian Krayer (AD), Patrick Suter (CD and text), Johannes Raggio, Peter Brönnimann (ECD), Michael Gassler, Fiona Gottwald (consulting), Suzana Kovacevic (art buying). Recording studio: Hastings. Photography: Oliver Nanzig.

Radio spot 1

Radio spot 2

 

Rod: SBB campaign further developed

The SBB umbrella campaign is entering a new phase. Building on the theme «at home on the go,» the new ad concepts—once again developed by Rod Kommunikation—highlight the specific benefits of traveling by train.

Because instead of simply getting from A to B, an SBB journey offers much more in a mobile society, according to the campaign's motto. With the new motifs, familiar situations on the train are taken up and associated with a concrete benefit. For example, having time for oneself while watching a movie, comfortably looking out of the window over a coffee and arriving at one's destination on time, or using the journey to take a nap and arrive relaxed.

Jonathan Heyer is once again responsible for the photography. The campaign is in use as of now.

sbb1_1
sbb2
sbb3

 

Station: Website for festival "Pas de Problème!"

The "Pas de Problème!" cultural festival takes place in Schwamendingen. Station has supported this with a website.

The Website is intended to provide information and an insight into the cultural work and basic values of "Pas de Problème!". The website was designed by A.C. Kupper and produced by Station.

"Pas de Problème!" brings Africa - more precisely Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso - and Schwamendingen a little closer together, writes the agency. From June 13 to 23, cultural events will take place in the Ziegelhütte, including the heart of the festival: the theater "L'héritage". In addition to the theater, there will be numerous cultural events such as a poetry slam, children's theater, a grumbling tournament and brunch.

station1

Responsible at Station: Patrick Stoll, Thomas Bestvina (consulting), Annina Berweger (project management), Florence Ritter (concept), Karin Zürcher (design), Ismael Imholz (development). Responsible at Verein Pas de Problème: Genny Russo (overall responsibility), A.C. Kupper / Stella Giger (art direction). Photography: Genny Russo Photography. Texts: Brigitta Paulina Javurek. Project team: Roger Nydegger, Brigitta Paulina Javurek, Genny Russo, Lukas Piccolin.

 

Who's Who of the Swiss brand world

The Swiss brand world is doing well, with the value of the top 50 brands increasing by a further 3.6% compared to last year to 89.6 billion Swiss francs (Bilanz 10/2013). Numerous major brands have already registered for the Swiss Brand Congress.

These include Swisscom, the cantonal banks, Nestlé, Swiss, Sika, Mobiliar, SBB, Maurice Lacroix, Axpo and many more. The congress will take place in Zurich on June 13, 2013. The broad spectrum of brands at the Swiss Brand Congress reflects the special brand diversity of Switzerland, according to the press release. Whether banks, watches, cosmetics, telecommunications, insurance or chocolate, hardly any other nation can boast such a wide-ranging brand landscape.

The Swiss Brand Congress will take place for the fourth time on June 13 at the Dolder Grand Zurich. Brand building experts will provide insights and background information on current topics relating to successful brand management. Ten specialist forums invite discussion and exchange, including "Efficient data basis for strategic brand management", "Using the Swiss brand as an SME", "Competitive advantages through sustainability" and "Promise & delivery: achieving holistic brand and customer experiences".

The complete program of the Swiss Brand Congress 2013

 

The crew for more protection with Axa

Axa's property insurance for buildings has been revised. The agency Die Crew has developed a concept under the claim "More protection for your home!

The insurance company's strategy is to extend cover for the existing policy to CHF 100,000 for damage resulting from conversions and renovations. The agency implemented this in a mailing and brochures.

axa1

Responsible at Axa Winterthur: Daniela Gerber, Maria Zazo, Cristian Zani. Responsible at Die Crew Zürich: René Mosimann, Karsten Truelsen, Mauri Schianchi.
 

Bakom chief new director of the FOJ

The Federal Council has appointed Martin Dumermuth as the new Director of the Federal Office of Justice FOJ. The 56-year-old lawyer has been Director of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) for eight years.

In Dumermuth, the Federal Council has chosen an independent and strong personality to head the Federal Office of Justice, the Federal Department of Justice and Police announced on Wednesday. Dumermuth has a broad scientific background and many years of management and administrative experience. He will take up his new post on November 1.

Dumermuth succeeds Michael Leupold, who left the office at the end of April. Leupold will take over as head of the Aargau cantonal police in the summer. Until November 1, the current Deputy Director of the FOJ, Luzius Mader, will head the office on an interim basis. (SDA)

Teaser image: Keystone

Wirz distributes apples instead of brochures

Wirz Wietlisbach Dialog has recently sent apples on behalf of ERZ Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich to the management offices of large properties in the city of Zurich. The aim is to promote the city’s new organic waste subscription service.

"The new offer makes sense for the environment and a future worth living in the city of Zurich, which is why the dialog with the large administrations is extremely important. We wanted to make absolutely sure that we really reached the properties," says Leta Filli, Head of Communications at ERZ and responsible for the campaign. Jörg Bewersdorff, Creative Director at Wirz Wietlisbach Dialog, adds: "It was immediately clear to us that we couldn't send out traditional brochures here. We therefore printed all the messages on the wrapping paper used to protect the apples."

Responsible at ERZ: Leta Filli (Head of Communications), Brigitte Meyer (Project Manager Communications). Responsible Wirz Wietlisbach Dialog: Guido Wietlisbach (CEO Wirz Wietlisbach Dialog), Margot Voegele (Consulting Group Management), Stefan Dätwyler (Creative Director, Partner), Jörg Bewersdorff (Creative Director Text), Eric Fricke (Senior Art Director).

wirz1_1
wirz2_1
wirz3_1

Publicis: A sweet date with Frisco

Publicis has created a new TV commercial for Frisco. It is intended to celebrate life and enjoyment.

Every bite stands for more refreshment and more color in life, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsQBFoWoQg8

Responsible at Nestlé Suisse: Andreas Rodel (Marketing Manager), Cordula Glasmacher (Brand Manager). Responsible at Publicis: Thomas Wildberger (Chief Creative Officer), Tim Hoppin (Creative Director), Bruce Roberts (Senior Art Director), Christian Schirmer (Senior Copywriter), Ester Elices (Head Strategic Planning), Derya Derdiyok (Head of TV), Muriel Asté (Senior Brand Director), Olivier Pasche (Brand Director), Christine Rainford (Junior Brand Director). Production: Tuna Production. Directed by: Tim Keul.

 

get_footer();