Brasil 66 | The Generals and the Mad Men

 

Topic: Propaganda and advertising (Brazil)

Source: Meio&Mensagem (ABC Group)

X-Reference: ABC and Omnicom | A Dissenting View

 

Translation: CEB [to come]

A story that remains to be told: the ESPM.

ABC and Omnicom | A Dissenting View

Nizan, Nizan, self-reinvented as a marathon man.

Topíc: Sale of ABC to Omnicom [1][2][3][4]

Source: Paulo Moreira Leite| Brasil 24/7

In an analysis of the sale of Brazil’s ABC Group (headed by Nizan Guanaes) to the  U.S. agency holding Omnicom, journalist Paulo Moreira Leite [5]  points out that “when we look back on the influence of publicity on the media of any country, including Brazil, we must ask whether the «de-nationalization» of publicity will not deepen the «de-nationalization» of the Brazilian media as well.

Citing such examples as Última Hora, O Pasquim and the Correio da Manhã, which suffered or did not suffer to varying degrees with the influence of business executives on their editorial line, the 247 columnist comments: “Although it would be mistaken to view advertising agencies as mere chains of transmission for economic and political interests, it would be even more ingenuous of us to believe in the opposite proposition, that of absolute independence [of the press]

What is curious about this essay is what it leaves unstated: the roster of big advertisers used to pressure the Brazilian media during the dictatorship, and the parallels of contemporary media with conditions 50 years ago.

The only instance is a mention in passing of “Mack” — possibly referring to the chairman and CEO of PepsiCo.