From the Press Gazette:
Guardian News and Media has signed a seven-figure deal to provide content about sustainability under the brand of household goods giant Unilever.See also America's Finest News Site on a related story (two days prior to the Guardian announcement):
It is the first deal for the new Guardian Labs division – which describes itself as a “branded content and innovation agency which offers brands bold and compelling new ways to tell their stories and engage with influential Guardian audiences”.
Guardian Labs employ some 133 staff including designers, video producers, writers and strategists who will work with The Guardian’s editorial, marketing and digital development teams.
As The Guardian remains committed to remaining free online it is increasingly looking at new ways to make money.
Last year it launched a citizen journalism platform called Guardian Witness in partnership with mobile phone giant Everything Everywhere....MORE
Compromising Company’s Values For Advertising Revenue Referred To As ‘Partnering’
LOS ANGELES—Announcing a new business deal between the online media website and a major national advertiser Tuesday, Flux Media CEO Rich Lange reportedly described the wholesale disavowal of his company’s longstanding core values in exchange for ad sales revenue as a “brand partnership.”Now I understand journalism needs to fund itself, so why don't they just say so? Otherwise you get headlines like this, at The Dish:
“Flux is a proud leader in delivering fresh, original content to readers, and we’re pleased to work alongside our new partner Checkers Drive-In restaurants,” said Lange in a company-wide email, describing an upcoming series of integrated on-site advertisements that will fully erode the company’s integrity in the eyes of both its employees and readers as “an exciting, innovative new venture.”
“Checkers Drive-In is committed to working closely with our brand as we continue to produce the best, most relevant content on the internet, and I’m sure this is just the start of a long, productive, and mutually beneficial relationship.” At press time, sources reported that the company had taken additional steps toward completely eradicating its founding principles and any remaining shred of self-respect by promising to “evolve [its] business model” over the coming year.
The Guardian Now Shares “Values” With Unilever
