The Jo Malone Show

Have you got what it takes?

Yes it is true, Jo Malone is all set to create her second tv show after the huge success she received in 2007 from 'Jo's Christmas Moments', which was telecast through VogueTV.

Malone's show, which has not yet been named, is set to launch next spring on BBC One, the four-part series will see budding entrepreneurs try to take thier original products to the next level and helping them to do that is none other than Jo Malone. The lucky four which will be chosen by Jo herself, will also benefit throughout the programme as Jo will offer her expertise, guidance and experience she has gained from the industry to help them do thier best.

The successful candidates will be trained in 3 different areas throughout the show; branding, public relations and business they will also need to master the skill of presenting as by the end they would need to pitch thier products to a major retailer, Now there's a scary thought.

For more info see; http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/10_october/23/malone.shtml

PR experts back Simon Cowell on 'Jedward' decision.

PR stunt or just a bad decision?

Sunday's X-Factor show was surely a shocker which left nearly the whole nation stunned, however the decision proved to be a big hit with PR experts as they completely agreed with Simon Cowell's decision to back the crazy but entertaining duo act John and Edward, also known to us now as 'Jedward'.

The results show on Sunday which attracted 16.6 million viewers announced that Welsh singer Lucie Jones had received lower votes from the public than 18-year old twins John and Edward therefore making her the fifth act to leave the show. This not only resulted in ITV receiving 3,000 complaints but OfCom had also recieved over 50 complaints, although 3,000 complaints out of 16.6 million viewers is not so bad according to Gary Farrow, celebrity publicist and chairman of The Coporation. Farrow was quoted as saying:

'Simon knows what he is doing. He knows what to do to drive viewers and keep advertisers happy'.

Well it seems as though this could be true as the viewer ratings for the show seem to have not been affected and more and more PR experts are showing an interest in Cowell's decision. Andrew Bloch, co-founder of Frank PR also felt that Cowell knew exactly how to get the show's ratings up and that the response his decision on Sunday's show had received shows just how successful he has been by evoking such a reaction from the public. However PR experts may have been convinced with this strategy but the public are another matter as X-Factor's PR and Communications manager is having to assure the viewers that this decision was not a PR stunt and that the judges do not know what the final results are until they are announced.

For the full article please see; http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/965444/PR-experts-downplay-media-furore-singers-exit-X-Factor/

Re-touching - A thing of the past or still an issue?

Do we still aspire to be someone who does not naturally exist?

This is the question we should all be asking ourselves when we look at the front cover of a magazine. One of the most time long and constant issues we have, is with ourselves and the way we look. Are fashion magazines to be blamed for this, or have we just fallen into the trap of believing everyone can be 'perfect'?

Re-touching, which has now become a world wide media issue is something which not alot of people were aware occured on the front covers of our favourite magazines. Vogue, Glamour, Elle and even Mens Fitness have all been brought up in the media for using re-touching as a means to make celebrities look thinner, have flawless skin, no cellulite or stretch marks, I mean the list could go on with what this new technology can do with your appearance.

The issue of re-touching really got brought to the public's attention back in 2003, when Kate Winslet used PR as a means to make everyone aware that her cover on GQ magazine was entirely airbrushed and looked nothing like her. GQ had used re-touching to make Winslet look thinner by reducing the size of her thighs which drove her to speak up and make young girls aware of this new technology and that most images we see and admire to be on magazines are all fake. Other celebs are also using PR to voice thier opinions on the issue of re-touching, as we heard in 2008 when Keira Knightley refused to have her breasts enlarged for an image for her new film 'Duchess'. This could have been interpreted as a clever PR move by Knightley, as by voicing this disapproval she also made the public aware of her new film as they would have wanted to see the un-retouched poster.

Many different media techniques have been used over the years to bring the issue of re-touching to people's attentions, however the one I personally felt made the most impact was in Spring 2008 when Strictly come dancing winner Aleasha Dixon explored the issue by filming a documentary for BBC three on whether these photos in magazines are a celebration of the female form or damaging to women's opinions of themselves.

Whether magazines will stop re-touching thier images, only time will tell, however now that more and more people are aware of this technology I feel the time has come for women to be proud of what they have and how they look and for the majority of men to stop hoping for the 'perfect' women which simply does not exist.

To read full articles see;

http://kissmyassets.drrobynsilverman.com/2008/08/01/keira-knightley-says-no-to-digital-breast-enhancement/

http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/strictly-come-dancing/strictly-come-dancings-alesha-dixon-confirms-deal-with-bbc-three/

http://archive.southcoasttoday.com/daily/01-03/01-16-03/c20li152.htm

Actors gather for Sex and the City 2

As I was doing my usual daily internet surfing today I recently came across some exciting information which I felt I should share with all my fellow Sex and the City fans.

The latest buzz is that the Oscar winning actress Penelope Cruz will reportedly be making an appearance in the much anticipated movie Sex and the City 2, however it doesn't all seem happily ever after for the most loved couple in NYC Carrie and Mr.Big, as rumor has it that Cruz will cause problems for Carrie as she tries to get close to Mr.Big.

Not only is Cruz reportedly to be staring in this movie but seems as though the producers of Sex and the City have also roped in teen sensation Miley Cyrus who is reported to be playing the younger version of the very fashionable Carrie Bradshaw.

Well only time will tell whether Carrie and Big's relationship will survive another hurdle as Sex and the City 2 is due to release next Summer.



For the full article please visit http://www.mtv.co.uk/events/sex-and-the-city/news/159596-penelope-cruz-for-sex-and-the-city-2