A weekly roundup of media news and talking points, sans effort

Thought for the Week

“One of the most encouraging findings of this year’s Web Index is how the web and social media are increasingly spurring people to organise, take action and try to expose wrongdoing in every region of the world… …But some governments are threatened by this, and a growing tide of surveillance and censorship now threatens the future of democracy.” Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.

Weekly High

GoldieBlox, the toy company focused on inspiring the next generation of female engineers, has decided enough is enough. Throwing dolls out the window then, the brand has launched this new advert, which impressed us no end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpe3Up9T_g

Weekly Low

Arguably one of the ‘oops’ moments of 2013, Sainsbury’s ended up with egg-nog on its face after eagle-eyed viewers spotted products from a rival supermarket, Co-Operative Food, on the retailer’s new Christmas advert.

Things that may happen in the next week

Doctor Who will return this weekend for a special 50th Anniversary episode. Paul Flowers, former chairman of the Co-Op Bank, may be charged by police after he was arrested in connection with a ‘drug supply investigation’. Manchester Twestival 2013, part of the global initiative that uses social media for social good, will take place on Wednesday evening at 2022NQ.

Just in case you missed it…

According to a new study, TV advertising is 36% more effective when combined with a promoted tweet. Read the full story here.
 
If there is a success story, blunder, or news event you’d like to see included email helloATsmokinggun.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!