Looking to build what will be a very visible Viacom broadcasting center in the city, sources say that WBBM-Ch. 2 general manager Joe Ahern has identified at least three high-profile spots in a search for new studio space.
High on the list is the Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonald’s at 600 N. Clark St. The TV station would be part of a mixed-use development that would also include a flagship McDonald’s. The full-block site is owned by McDonald’s, which recently was approached by a joint venture of two Chicago firms–Mesirow Stein Real Estate Inc. and Northern Realty Group Ltd.
The other proposed sites include Block 37 on State Street and in the two-building Prudential Plaza complex downtown, where it already has some radio studio space.
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Ahern is said to be looking at “glitzy” plans that would include storefront studios for its TV and radio stations.
Sharpie ad scores point: Consider it product placement in reverse.
A few weeks ago, Sanford Corp., the maker of Sharpie felt-tip pens, found itself unwittingly in the middle of a controversy.
After San Francisco 49ers receiver Terrell Owens scored a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks, he pulled a Sharpie out his sock and autographed a football for his financial adviser.
The Bellwood-based company has since been looking for a way to capitalize on the brouhaha.
Sharpie will try to do so Sunday when it airs an ad during NFL programming that pokes fun at the situation without naming Owens or the National Football League.
The ad, titled “Hand-off,” opens in a high school locker room where a coach is giving a pre-game pep talk. He earnestly tells his players that they must leave their mark on the game of football–but not on the football.
At that moment, the coach holds out his hand and the players reach into their socks to give up the Sharpie pens they have hidden.
The ad, which continues the brand’s “How do you use your Sharpie?” tagline, will also run during “Monday Night Football” on ABC and again next weekend during football programming
The ad, by St. Louis-based Momentum, shows the lengths advertisers will go to take advantage of controversies that spark major league buzz. In some cases, the more controversial the better.
Owens’ move angered his opponent’s coach, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, who called the stunt “shameful.”
“We wanted to have a little fun with it,” said Bob Daenen, Sharpie brand manager. “What continues to surprise us is the continued buzz.”
Companies have more closely aligned their products with hyped-up events to try and get a “double hit” of exposure.
Sharpie’s football spot comes as the company, a division of Freeport, Ill.-based Newell-Rubbermaid, is set to extend the Sharpie brand.
Two more products will hit shelves in December, including a Sharpie Metallic writing instrument and the Sharpie Super Twin Tip, which has a fine point on one side and a chisel point on the other.
Competition in the writing instrument category has heated up in recent years following a return to the writing of personal notes.
More OMD changes: Page Thompson, chief strategy officer of OMD USA, was named chief executive officer of OMD North America, reporting to worldwide CEO Joe Uva. Monica Karo, managing director of OMD West, adds the title of chief strategy officer. Also, Mike Drake, head of OMD in New York and a 28-year veteran of BBDO, said he is leaving the media-buying company.
On the move: BBDO Worldwide said Andrew Robertson, currently president and CEO of BBDO North America, has added the new position of president, BBDO Worldwide. He continues to report to Allen Rosenshine, chairman and CEO of BBDO.
Account action: Chicago-based Columbus Foods, which markets Sorrento Olive Oil and Butcher Boy Vegetable Oil among others, hired DiMeo & Co. for advertising and public relations.